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THE STORY 



A GREAT NATION 



OR, 



OUR COUNTRY'S ACHIEVEMENTS, 

NliiviTARY, Nava.Iv, Political, and Civil. 
By John Gilmary Shea, LL.D., 



TO WHICH IS ADDKD A 



Biographical jjorlrait (stallery of S\tr (sxreai: X'^aders, 

INCLUDING 

S1ATESMEN, ORATORS, DIPLOMATS, JURISTS, SOLDIERS, SAILORS, EXPLORERh 

FINANCIERS, INVENTORS, PHILANTHROPISTS, REEORMERS, ENGJNEEKS 

SCIENTISTS, ARTISTS, AUTHORS, ETC., ETC. 



Our Presidents, their Portraits and Autographs, 

WITH , - 

WOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE, SHOWING THE GREAT EVENT* 
IN UNIVERSAL HISTORY, CONTEMPORARY WITH EACH ADMINISTRATION, WITH A 
DESCRIPTION OF OUR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, AND HOW IT IS ADMIN- 
ISTERED IN ITS VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. 



IIMJSTRATED WITH SEVHHAL HnUDRED ENGRAVINGS. INOLUDINO OVUR 360 PORTRAHm 



NEW YORK; 
GAY Bt^OXHERS & COMPANY, 

30, 32 * 34 READE STREET. 



COPYRIGHT, 1S86. BY 

GAY BROTHERS A CO 






PREFACE. 



To present the gi-eat facts of our country's history in an attractive 
and readable form has been the object of this worJi. That the His- 
tory of the United States is not more generally read arises from the 
fact that the works which ordinary readers find are overloaded with 
details and interrupted by tedious disquisitions. Others seem writ- 
ten from a sectional, political, or other stand-point, and the wi-iter'a 
prejudices are thrust before the reader at every page. 

The author has aimed to give the narrative clearness and simplic- 
ity, to be impartial, giving each part of the country an equal import- 
ance, and equal justice; and in the treatment of events, giving im- 
portance only to such as deserve it, in* view of their bearing on the 
whole country. 

A History of the United States for the general public should be 
one to be read with equal interest in every State, by persons of every 
age. It should be as clear as the crystal waters of our purest streams, 
as solid and impartial as the great mountains that receive serenely 
the sunshine and the storm, and look calmly down on the quiet 
plain and the thunderous cataract. 

This volume may not fulfil all that is aimed at or desired, but it 
can claim to have made a step in the proper direction towards atfbrd 
ing a History of our country, readable, impartial, and accurate. 

J. G. !i 

New York, Avgust 1, 1886. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Spirit of Discovery awakened in Europe — The gi-eat advantage of the Crusades 
to Ti-ade — Missionaries and Merchants — What was known of the Atlantic Ocean 
— Tlie wonderfid Island of St. Brendan — Iceland and Greenland — Discoveries on 
the Coast of Africa — The Madeira Islands — Italy the School of Geog-raphy 101 



PART I. 

CHAPTER I. 

The early Life of Christopher Columbus — His fii-st Voyages — Terrible Naval Eugage- 
mpnt near Lisbon — His wonderful Escape — His scheme of crossing the Atlantic 
— Grenoa, Venice, and Portugal refiise to aid him — Home in Genoa — At Palos — 
Father Marchena and the Convent of Santa Maria de la Eabida-^He starts for 
the Court of Fei-dinand and Isabella Ill 

CHAPTER II. 

Position of the Spanish Kingdoms — Columbus at Court — His Plan rejected — Em- 
ployed by Queen Isabella — Returns to Palos m order to go to France — Padre 
Marchena again— Queen Isabella resolves to send him out — The little Fleet fitted 
out at Palos — Tlie Portuguese endeavor to defeat his Voyage — Tlie open Sea- 
Alarm of Sailors — Land 1 — He takes Possession in tlie Name of Isabella — Voyage 
Home — The Portuguese again — Eutei-s Lisbon — Received by the King — At Palas 
— Pinzon and Columbus — The Discoverer proceeds to Court to announce his 
success 1J7 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 

Columbus is solemnly i-eceived by Ferdinand and Isabella at Barcelona — His second 
Voyage — Other Nations enter the Field of Discovery — Voyages of Cabot and 
Vesputius — The Name of the latter gives a Title to the New World —Columbus 
sails on his thml Voyage — His Enemies — Bobadilla — Columbus arrested and sent 
to Spain in irons — His f om-th Voyage — He beholds the Destruction of his Ene- 
mies by the Hand of Providence — Reaches the Coast of North America — Eetm-ns 
to Spain — Dies at VaUadohd — Sti-ange Migi-ations of his Body — His Tomb at 
Havana 125 

CHAPTER IV. 

Attempts to conquer and colonize — The Frencli — The Spaniards — Ponce de Leon 
and the Fountain of Youth — Vasquez de Ayllon and King Datha — Verrazano 
and the stories about him — Gomez — The Expechtion of Pamphilo de Narvaez — 
"Wonderful escape of Cabeza de Vaca — De Soto and the disastrous end of his 
splendid Expedition — The French, under Cartier and Roberval, attempt to settle 
Canada — Story of Margaret Eoberval 141 

CHAPTER V. 

FRANCE, SPAIN, AND ENGLAND ATTEMPT TO SETTLE OUR SHORES. 

Coliguy i-esolves to establish a Huguenot colony in Floi'ida — Ribaut estabUshes 
Chai'lesfort on Port Royal — Captain Albert de la Pien-ia — Mutiny — The Surviv- 
ors saved by the English — Laudonniere builds Fort Caroline on the St. John's, 
Florida — A Revolt — Some turn Pu*ates — Relieved hi Distress by Hawkins — 
Ribaut arrives — The Spaniards resolve to crush the Colony — Melendez sent out — 
The Fleets meet at Caroline — Melendez retu-es and builds St. Augustine — Ribaut 
pursumg him wrecked — Melendez takes Caroline — His Cruelty — Inhuman Treat- 
ment of the Wrecked — The Massacre of the French avenged by Dominic de 
Gourgues — Subsequent History of Florida — Raleigh and his Efforts — Tobacco 
and Potatoes — A Settlement finally made at Jamestown 166 

<:iHAPTER VI. 

Permanent Settlements of England and France — Virginia settled at Jamestown — 
Early Visits of the Spaniards to the Chesapeake — Powhatan's Ti-ibe — Captain 
John Smith — Argall — Pocahontas, her Marriage and Death — First Legislatui-e in 
America — What Jamestown resembled — Opechancanough's War and Massacre — 
The Company suppressed — Virginia a Royal Colony — The People — Spain settles 
New Mexico— The French in Acadia — Jesuits in Mame— Romance of La Tour — 
Madame La Tour — Wars with New England — Acadia conquered, becomes Nova 
Scotia — Quebec founded by Champlain — His Adventiu'oiis Career— Character of 
the Colony — Wars with the Iroquois — Pieskaret — Montreal — Lambert Closse, 
the Indian Fighter— The French at Onondaga 168 



CONTENTS. VU 

CHAPTEH VII. 

New Netlierland — Hudson's Discovery — Christiaensen — Valentine and Orson — 
Block builds the "Onrust," the first New York vessel — New York and Albany 
Settled— Treaty of Tawasentha — Dutch West India Company — Piu'chase of New 
York Island — The New Netherland — Indian Troubles — Captain Uuderhill and 
the Battle of Strickland's Plain— The Swedes on the Delaware— They are reduced 
by Stuyvesant — Troubles with New England— New Netherland taken by the 
English 195 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Settlement of New England— The PUgrim Fathers— Landing at Pljonouth 
Rock— JlUes Standish — Massachusetts Bay— New Hampshu-e — Roger WiUiams 
and ^L■s. Hutchinson — Pi-ovidence Plantations and Rhode Island Founded — 
Settlement of Hai-tford and New Haven— The United Colonies— The Pequod 
War— John Eliot, the Apostle of the Indians —Persecution of the Quakei-s — Set- 
tlement of Maiyland — Toleration — Indian Relations — Civil War 205 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Indian Tribes — Their Divisions— Their Complexion— Habits — Dress — Houses 
and Mode of Life — Their Wars— Religion — No Domestic Animals — Their Care of 
the Dead — Hieroglyphics — The Mound Buildei-s 328 



PART II. 

THE COLONIES FROM THE REIGN OF CHARLES II. TO THE REIGN OB- 
GEORGE III. 

CHAPTER I. 

The English Kings and Pai-liament begui to take part in American Affairs — Greneral 
View of the Country — Reign of Charles II. — Connecticut and Rhode Island re- 
ceive Charters — Philip's Indian War — New York — Penn founds Pennsylvania — 
Carolina founded— Virginia and Maryland 336 

CHAPTER II. 

Reign of James II. — James projects a Union of the Colonies — New York invaded 
— Connecticut and the Charter Oak — Indian Troubles in Maine — Fall of James — 
Reign of William HI. — Andi-os seized — Old Governments resumed in New Eng- 
land — William neglects America — Sad Condition of New York — Leisler — Indian 
Wars — Waldron — Lachine — Schenectady — Salmon Falls — Casco — Phips faUs to 
take Quebec — WUham sends a Governor to New York — Leisler refuses to submit 
— Taken — Hanged — New Charter for Massachu-setts — The Witch Ti'ials — Captain 
Kidd 266 



TUl 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 

Reigu of Queen Anne— She involves the American Colonies in the War of the Span- 
ish Suoxjession 396 

CHAPTEE IV. 

Reig-u of George I. — His Neglect of America — The Yamassee War in South Caro- 
lina — Wai- with the Abenakis in Maine — Death of Father Rale — Lovewell's Fight. 309 

CHAPTER V. 

Eeign of George II. — The English Government prevents American Manufactures 
and Commerce — Good Effect produced — Oglethorpe and the Settlement of 
Georgia — Tomochichi — The Cherokee's Answer — Position of the English Colon- 
ies — The .French — Law's Projects — The Natchez — Massacre of the French — 
Escape of Doutreleau — The Choctaws attack the Natchez — Louboi's Operations — 
The War with Spain — Oglethorpe's Campaign against St. Augustine — Monteano 
invades Georgia — The War with France — The New England Troops take Louis- 
harg — ^It is restored to France — The French on the Ohio — George Wa-sliington — 
— He ie sent to occupy the Ohio — Defeats Jmnonville — Capitulates at Fort Neces- 
sity — The War begins 314 

CHAPTER VI. 

Eeign of George H. (Continued) — Commencement of the Reign of George III. — 
War with France renewed — General Braddock sent over with English Regulars 
— His Plans — He attempts to take Fort Du Quesne — Defeated and killed — The 
unfortunate Acadians — Baron Dieskau sent out by France — Defeated and taken 
on Lake George — Montcalm takes Oswego — Louisburg taken by Boscawen and 
Amherst — Abercrombie defeated by Montcalm at Ticonderoga — Bradstreet takes 
Fort Frontenac — WUliam Pitt — Forbes advances on Fort Du Quesne — Su.stains 
a Defeat — French evacuate Pittsburg — Johnson defeats d' Aubry and taJtes Niiigara 
— Amherst drives the French from Lake Champlain — Wolfe at Quebec — Battle 
of the Heights of Abraham — Wolfe and Montcalm — De Levi defeats Murray and 
besieges Quebec— Canada siurenders — Close of the War 348 

CHAPTER VII. 

Reign of George III.— The Cherokee War — The Treaty of Peace with France— Flor- 
ida taken in exchange for Havana — Pontiac's Conspiracy — England resolved 
to tax America — Stamp Act Riots in America — Battle of Golden Hill— Boston 
Massaci-e — The Tax on Tea — Resistance of America — The Boston Tea Party — 
North Carolina Regulatore— New Indian War 373 

CHAPTER VIII. 

State of the Colonies after the Conquest of Canada — England's Exertions in America 
—Jealousy of the Colonies— She resolves to tax theai, and maintain a large Army 
among them — The Stamp Act proposed — American Opposition — Its final Passage. 387 



CONTENTS. 



PART III. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

CHAPTER I. 

GJeorgs III. loses America— The Continental Congress — The Boston Port BiU — The 
Quebec Act — The Continental Congress meets — Provincial Congress — Battle of 
Lexington and Concord — Siege of Boston — Capture of Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point — Congress organizes an Army — George Washington Commander-in-Chief 
— Battle of Bunker Hill — The Invasion of Canada — Failure to take Quebec — 
Death of Montgomery 4D8 



CHAPTER II. 

Campaign of 1777— 'Bhe Operations in New Jersey — Cornwallis Confronts Wash- 
ington at Trenton — Wa.shuigton's masterly Movement on Princeton — The Battle 
of Princeton — Death of General Mercer — British Attacks on Peekskill and Dan- 
bm-y — Death of General Wooster — Meigs at Sag Harbor — Washington in Wintei"- 
quarters at Morristown — The glorious Stai-s and Stripes-^Movements of the 
Armies in New Jersey — The British evacuate the State — Lafayette comes to 
America — Howe lands his Army at the Head of Chesapeake Bay — Washington 
meeis him at Brandj^vine — A hard-fought Battle — Congress leaves Philadelphia — 
Howe takes Possession of the City — Washington attacks the British at German- 
town — A Victory almost gained— Operations on the Delaware— The Battle of the 
Kegs— Washington in Winter-quartei-s at Valley Forge — Burgoyne, from Cana- 
da, invades New York— Ticonderoga lost —Schuyler and his Policy— Burgoyne 
begins to suffer from Want of Provisions— Defeat of Baume and his Hessians at 
Bennington— General Stark— St. Leger sent to attack Fort Schuyler— Battle of 
Oriskany— Death of General Herkimer— Arnold relieves the Fort— Sad Fate of 
Jane McCrea— Burgoyne defeated at Stillwater — Another Battle — Burgoyne at- 
tempts to retreat — His Surrender —Clinton ascends the Hudson 4S4 



CHAPTER III. 

Campaign of 1778— Alliance -with France— North's Bills of Conciliation— Their R© 
jection — British Cruelty — Battle of Monmouth— Conduct of General Lee— Arrival 
of Admii-al d'Estaing's Fleet — Operations in Rhode Island— D'Estaing engages 
the British and sails off— Retreat of Sullivan— Savage Cruelty of the English — 
Massacre at Wyoming— Massacre at Paoli— At Little Egg Harbor— The English 
capture Savannah — Clarke reduces IlKnois 481 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

Campaign of 1779— Operations in the South— Georgia— Invasion of South Carolina 
— Battle of Stouo Ferry- The British invade Couuecticut— Storming of Stony 
Point— Sullivan's Expedition against the Six Nations— Penobscot -Paulus Hook 
—Commodore Paul Jones— The great Fight between the Bon Homme Eichard 
and the Serapis— Siege of Savannah by d'Estaing and Lincoln- Spain joins 
F»ance — Continental Money 502 

CHAPTER V. 

Oampaigu of 1780— Sir Henry Clinton saUs south, besieges and takes Charlestoo— 
Tarleton begins his career of cruelty — Lord Cornwallis in the South— Sumter and 
Mai-ion — Gatfes sent South by Congress — His rashness— Defeated at Camden— 
DeKalb — General Greene— King's Mountain — Patriotic women— Lord Sterling 
on Stateu Island— Battle of Springfield 520 



PART IV. 



THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. 

CHAPTER I. 

Effective aid from France on Sea and Land — Zealous and successful Effoi-ts of 
Lafayette in Favor of America — A Fleet under Achniral de Ternay brings over a 
French army under the Count de Rochambeau — It lands at Newport —Hopes of 
America — Washington calls earnestly for Troops to enable him to strike a Decis- 
ive Blow — A Traitor — General Arnold in Treaty with the Enemy to deliver up 
West Point — The Arrest of Major Andre reveals and Defeats tlie Treachery — 
Arnold escapes to the English — Andre tried and executed 536 

CHAPTER II. 

Campaign of 1781 — ^Aspect of Affairs — Arnold leads an Expedition to Virginia, and 
is joined by Philhps — Lafayette sent against him — The Campaign in Carolina — 
Genera,! Morgan's biilliant Victory at Cowpens — Greene's famous Retreat — Bat- 
tle of Guilford Court House — Cornwallis, pursued by Greene, enters Virginia — 
Lord Rawdon in the Carolinas — Battle of Hobkirk's Hill — Siege of Ninety-SLx — 
Death of Hayne — Lafayette and Cornwallis in Virginia — Cornwallis at Yorktown 
— Washington and De Grasse concert a Movement against him — Sucoassful Co- 
operation — Cornwallis invested — Surrenders — Arnold i-avages Connecticut 545 



CONTENTS. 



PART V. 



THE REPUBLIC UNDER THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND UNDER 

THE CONSTITUTION. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Return to Peace — Articles of Confederation — Treaties with Foreign Countries 
— Indian Natious^Northwest Territory organized — A desire for a better Union 
— A Convention called — The new Constitution — It is accepted by eleven States 
— Close of the Continental Congress 571 



CHAPTER II. 

George Washington President 1789-1797— His Cabinet— Peace made with the 
Creeks and Cherokees — North Carolina and Rhode Island yield when treated as 
Foreign Counti-ies — The National Debt — War ^vith the Miamies and Western 
Tribes — Defeat of Greneral Harmar — Bank of North America — Vermont and Ken- 
tucky Admitted— St. Clair defeated by the Western Indians — Washington's Re- 
election — The French and their Ambassador, Genet — Tlie Algerine Coreairs — 
Wayne overthrows the Lidiaus and concludes a Peace — The ^Vliisky Insiu-rec- 
tion — Indian Boundaries — Treaty with Spain — Tennessee admitted — Washmg- 
ton's Farewell Address — He returns to Mount Vemou 578 



CHAPTER III. 

JOHN ADAMS, SECOND PRESIDENT— 1797-1801. 

Affairs with France — Mississippi Territory organized — War with France on the 
Ocean— The Alien and Sedition Acts— Death of General Washington— Seat of 
Government removed to Washington— Indiana Territory organized— Close of 
the War with France — Adams defeated in the next election 600 



"CHAPTER IV. 

THOMAS JEFFERSON, THIRD PRESIDENT-1801-1809. 

War against Tripoli — ^Purchase of Louisiana — Lewis and Clarke's Expedition to 
Oregon — Troubles with Florida— Burr's Conspiracy — English Outrages — Attack 
on the Chesapeake — New States and Tei'ritories 611 



XU CONTENTS, 

CHAPTER V. 

JAMES MADISON, FOURTH PRESIDENT— 1809-1817. 

Trouble in Pennsylvania — The President and Little Belt— Indian Troubles in the 
West — Wai- with England — Hull's Surrender — Opei-ations on the New York 
Frontiers — Queenstown, La Colle— Victories at Sea — Proctor's Victories in the 
West — Repulsed at Fort Meigs — Toronto — The Niagara— Perry's Victory — Bat- 
tle of the Thames — Tecumseh slain — The Creek War — General Jackson — Battle 
of the Chippewa — Invasion of Maryland — Captvu'e of Washmgton — English re- 
pulsetl at Baltimore — Macomb and McDonough at Plattsburg — Jackson in Florida 
— ^Battle of New Orleans — Peace proclaimed — Final battles at Sea (318 

CHAPTER VI. 

JAMES MONROE, FIFTH PRESIDENT— 1817-1825. 

Indian Troubles — The Seminoles— Seizure of Spanish Forts — Florida Ceded to the 
United States — The Treaty of Ghent —Alabama — Ai-kansas, Maine— The Mis- 
soim Compromise — Lafayette Revisits the United States — The Monroe Doctrine 
—West India Pirates Broken up 653 

CHAPTER VII. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, SIXTH PRESIDENT— 1825-1829. 

Internal Improvements — Death of Adams and Jefferson — Indian Ti-oubles — Ma- 
sonic Excitement 660 

CHAPTER VIII. 

ANDREW JACKSON, SEVENTH PRESIDENT— 1829-1837. 

Striking Inauguration— A Bad Policy— Cherokee Difficulties— The United States 
Bank— Black Hawk War— Nullification in South Carolina— Semmole War— 
Texa.s becomes an Independent Republic— Arkansas and Michigan Admitted— 
The Specie Circular 668 

CHAPTER IX. 

MARTIN VAN BUREN, EIGHTH PRESIDENT— 1837-1841. 

Bankruptcy caused by Speculation— The Independent Treasury — The Seminole 
War— Death of Osceola— Troubles in Canada— Wilkes' Exploring Expedition— 
The M^ine Boundary 6^^ 



CONTENTS. Xlll 



CHAPTER X. 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, NINTH PRESIDENT— 1841. 
JOHN TYLER, TENTH PRESIDENT— 1841-1845. 

Mr. Tyler vetoes the United States Bank— The Mame Boundary— Rhode Island 
Troubles— Patroon Troubles— Native American Pai-ty- The Mormons— Annex- 
ation of Texas 674 

CHAPTER XI. 

JAMES K. POLE, ELEVENTH PRESIDENT— 1845-1849. 

The Mexican Wai^Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palnia— Battle of Monte- 
rey—Conquest of California and New Jlexico— Santa Anna— Scott at Vera 
Cruz— Battle of Buena Vista— Capture of Vera Cruz— Battle of Cerro Gordo— 
Puebla taken— Conti-eras and Churubusco— Battle of Chapultepec— Mexico taken 
— Last Struggles of the Mexicans — Peace of Guadalupe Hidalgo— Close of Polk's 
Administration 681 

CHAPTER XII. 

ZACHARY TAYLOR, TWELFTH PRESIDENT— 1849-1850. 
MILLARD FILLMORE, THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT— 1850-1853. 

Brief Administration of General Taylor^Admission of California^ — Fillmore as 
President— Lopez and the Cuban Affaii-s — Sioux Indians — Kossuth — Sii- John 
Franklin and the Grinnell Expedition — Fishery Question — Death of Clay and 
Webstei^-The Telegraph 705 

CHAPTER XTIT. 

FRANKLIN PIERCE, FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT— 1853-1857. 

The Mesilla Valley Difficulty — Growth of the Country —Walker and Nicaragua — 
The Ostend Manifesto— Kansas and Nebraska — The Dangerous Excitement as to 
the Growth of Slavery 715 

CHAPTER XTV. 

JAMES BUCHANAN, FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT- 1857-1861. 

Kansas — Its Civil War and final Admission as a Free State — Admission of other 
New States — Territories Organized — Party Violence — John Brown and Harper's 
Ferry — ^Four Presidential Tickets — Election of Abraham Lincoln — Secession of 
South Carolina and six other States — They form the Confederate States of 
America — .Seizure of Forts — Anderson and Fort Sumter — The Ineffectual At- 
tempt to Relieve it 719 



HV CONTENTS. 



PART VI. 



THE GREAT CIVIL WAR— ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SIXTEENTH PRESI- 
DENT— 1861-5— 18C5. 

CHAPTER I. 

Affairs diiring the Spring and Summer of 1861 — Lincoln's Cabinet — Reorganization 
of the Government, Army and Navy — Attemjjt to relieve Sumter — Its Bombard- 
ment — The fh'st call for Troops — Replies of tlie States — Blockade of the Southern 
ports — East Tennessee and West Vu-ginia for the Union — Missouri saved by 
Lyon's energy — First movement of United States Troops — EUsworth — McClellan 
in Westei'n Virginia — Battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain, and Carrick's Ford- 
Big Bethel — Bull Run — General Lyon and the Battles of Carthage, Dug Spring, 
Wilson's Creek, and Lexington— First opei-ations against the Coast of the Con- 
federate States 726 

CHAPTER II. 

Ite War in the West — Minor Operations — Battle of Belmont — Grant's Fu-st Action 
— Polk Crosses to Relieve his Men — Desperate Fighting^Grant Succeeds in 
Reaching his Gunboats— The Port Royal Expedition— A Foothold in South 
Carolina— Operations with no Great Result— The Slidell-Mason Affair— Com- 
modore Wilkes— Attitude of the British Goverimieut- Slidell and Mason Given 
up— Pope's Missouri Campaign— The Confederate Line in the West — P»«para- 
tions to Break it 750 



PART VI. 



THE CIVIL WAR CONTINUED— ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SIXTEENTH PRESI- 
DENT— 1861-5— 1865. 

CHAPTER III. 

Buell's Campaign— Battle of ]\Iill Spring -ZoUicoflfer Defeated by Thomas and 
Killed — The Confederate Line Broken— Grant and Porter Move — Fort Hem-y 
Bomkirded by the Fleet, and Rediiced before Grant Arrives — The Army and 
Fleet Move upon Fort Donelson — The Fleet Repulsed with Loss — Grant's At- 
tack — Battle of Fort Donelson — Desperate Fighting — The Confederate Command- 
ers — The Surrender of the Fort — The new Confederate Line — Island No. 10 Occu- 
pied by Them — It is Reduced — The Wai- in Arkansas— Battle of Pea Ridge — 
Operations on the Coast — Tlie Burnside Expedition— Capture of Fort Pulaski — 
Butler's Expedition to Louisiana 760 



CONTENTS. XV 



CHAPTER IV. 

The mvasion of New Mexico by Sibley— Canby's Defence— The Fleet on the Mis- 
sissippi—The Ram Fleet under Colonel EUet — Memphis Yields— Butler's Louisi- 
ana Campaign —FaiTagnt's Naval Battle — Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip- 
New Orleans Taken — The Fleet Ascends the River— Fii-st Operations against 
Vicksburg — The Chesapeake Naval Battle between the Merrimac and Monitor — 
The Confederate Government — Stanton — Shields defeats Jackson — MeClellan's 
Peninsula Campaign — The Battle of Pittsburg Landing 769 



CHAPTER V. 

MeClellan's Campaign against Richmond — Operations in the Shenandoah Valley — 
The Seven Days' Battles— Mechauicsville— Fan- Oaks— G-auies' Mill— White-Oak 
Swamp — Malvern HUl — McClellan Retires to Harrison's Landing — Halleck made 
General-in-Chief — McClellan Embarks for the Potomac — Pojie's Vainglorious 
Promises — Banks Worsted at Cedar Mountain — Jackson in Pope's Rear — Second 
Battle of Bull Run — Pope not Supported by McClellan — He Retreats to Wash- 
ington and Resigns — Colonel Cantwell — Lee Entei-s Maryland— Outgenerals 
McClellan and takes Hai-per's Ferry — Battles of South Mountain and Antietam 
— Lee Retreats — McClellan Pm-sues — He is Relieved 786 



CHAPTER YI. 

The Operations in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississi^jpi — Advance of General Bragg 
—Battles of Richmond and Muiifordsville — A Confederate Governor of Kentucky 
Inaugurated — Buell in t!ie Field — Bragg Beaten at Perryville — Retreats through 

Cumberland Gap — Rosecrans Defeats Price at luka, and Van Dorn at Corinth 

Rosecrans' Winter Campaign — Morgan's Raid — Bragg Defeated at Stone River — 
Minor Opei-ations. qqq 



CHAPTER VII. 

Operations against Vicksburg — Grant's First Attempt Defeated by Van Dorn's Cap- 
ture of Holly Sprmgs — General Sherman Aided by Porter's Gunboats — Attempts 
to Storm it, but is Repulsed with Heavy Loss — Grant's Various Attempts — He 
goes down the River — Battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion 
Hills, Big Black — Vicksburg Invested — Pemberton Surrendei-s — Grant drives 
Jolmston from Jackson — Fight nt Milliken's Bend — Operations in Louisiana and 
Texas under General Banks— His Repulse at Port Hudson — Second Attack — 
Gardiner Surrenders — Minor Operations g09 



Xvi CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Army of the Potomac under General Burnside— He Crosses the Rappahannock 
and Attacks Lees Position at Marye's Heights— He is Repulsed with heavy Loss, 
and Recrosses the River— Removed when about to Renew the Attack— General 
Hooker takes Coniinand— He Crosses the Rappahannock— Battle of Chancellors- 
villi. — His Right Wiug turned by Jackson, who is Killed— Desperate Fighting- 
Hooker Stunned by a Cannon-ball at Chancellorsville— Sedgmck, Operating be- 
low, Attacked by Lee's whole Force and Driven across the River— Hooker Re- 
crosses— Lougsti-eet-Lee Flanlis Hooker's Right— Milroy Surprised at Wiu- 
chester— Lee Crosses the Potomac— Hooker, unable to Obtain the Garrison of 
harper's Ferry, Rtisigus- Meade placed in Command — Movements of the Armies 
•They come in Collision at Gettysburg- The Battle— General Reynolds Killed 
and his Corps Driven through the Town— The Halt on Cemetery Hill— Sickles 
takes a wi-ong Position— Hancock-Meade Arrives— Sickles Driven back -The 
Ten-ible Charge of Lee's whole Line— Its Repulse— Lee Retreats— Manassas Gap 
—Wan-en and Hill— The Armies Resume their old Positions— Mine Run- 
Droop Mountain 



818 



CHAPTER IX. 

torgan's Raid through Indiana and Ohio— Tlie War in Tennessee— Rosecrans 
flanks Bragg and drives him to Lafayette— Bragg Faces— Battle of Chickamauga 
— Roseci-ans Defeated— Gi'ant succeeds him— Bragg sends Long-street iigainst 
Burnside— Campbell's Station— Longstreet Repulsed— Cavalry Raids— Grant's 
Campaign— Hooker Crosses the Tennessee— Wauhatchie — Lookout Mounttiin— 
Mission Ridge — Sherman— Cleburne checks Hooker at White-Oak Ridge— 
Inoxvillo Reliev(itl— Tlie War in Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian Territoi-y— 
M;u-madidve at Sprmglicld, Hartsville, Batesville, and Cai)e Gu-ardeau- Coffey's 
Operations— Quantrell's Cruelties— Indian Operations— The Sioux War 834 

CHAPTER X. 

Operations from North Carolina to Florida in 1862-3— Capture of Fort Pulaski— 
Jacksonville taken ami abandoned- Hunter repulsed at Secessionville— The 
Nashville— Dupont Repulsed— Ironclad Raid from Charleston— Attack on Fort 
Sumter -The Swamp Angel— Wagner taken— Hill ;it Newberne— Vallandig- 
ham's case— The Di-aft-Riots in New York— Negro Soldiers 



8S4 



CHAPTER XL 

ksL Offer of Amnesty— Gilmore's Operations in Florida— Seymour defeated at Olus- 
tee— A Convention at Jacksonville in favor of the United States— Unsuccessful 
Operations in Soutli Carolina— A Stirring Canqiaign in North Carolina on Land 
and Water— Hanks' Red River Expedition— He retires— Tlie Fleet carried over 
the Rapids by Engineering Sldll— Operations in Texas and Arkansas -Rosecrans 
ui Missouri— Pi-ice's last Attempt to carry the State— Battles at Pilot Knob. Little 
and Big Blue, Tittle Osage and Ncwtonia 867 



CONTENTS. XVU 



CHAPTER XII. 

<Jenei"al Grant in Virginia — He takes Command of the Armies — The Army of the 
Potomac reorganized — Kilpatrick sent agaixist Richmond— Death of Dahlgi-en^ 
Grant fights the Battle of the Wilderness — Spottsylvania — Hancock storms the 
Lines— His Captures — Sheridan and J. E. B. Stuart — Butler operating south of 
the James — Action at Port Walthall Junction — Beauregard attacks Butler — Gun- 
boats blown up — Grant at the North Anne — A sharp Action — Burnside defeated 
— Repulse at Cold Harbor — Butler's Operations against Petersburg — Meade at 
the Weldon Railroad — Defeat of Hancock and Gregg — Cl»se of the Campaign of 
1864— Jones and Avery in the Shenandoah Valley — Early thi-eatens Washing- 
ton — Sheridan sent against him — Battles of Opequan and Fisher's Hill — Early 
siu-prises Crook at Cedar Creek — Sheridan's Ride — A Defeat tunaed into a Vic- 
tory by a single Man 883 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Sufferings of Prisoners — AndersonviUe — Forrest's Raids — He takes Fort Pillow — 
Fearful Atrocities— He routs Sturgis — Is beaten by A. J. Smith — Various Actions 
— Morgan's last Raid — Pursued and killed — Sherman's Campaign against John- 
ston—His three Armies — Hooker takes Resaca — l!)aris takes Roue — Fight at 
Pumpkinvine Creek — New Hopes — Dallas — Allatoona — Shennan repulsed at 
Kenesaw — Again flanks Johnston — Hood supei"sedes Johnston — He twice attacks 
Sherman and is repulsed — Stoneman's Failiu-e — Hardee defeated — Hood aban- 
dons Atlanta — Sherman occupies it, and expels its Inhabitants — Hood endeavore 
to draw Sherman out of Greorgia — French defeated by Corse at Allatoona — 
Thomas sent to defend Tennessee — Sherman prepares to march to the Sea 903 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Confederates on the Sea — The Oreto, Alabama, Florida — Capture of the Reve- 
nue Cutter Chesapeake — Aid given by England and her Provinces — Captui-e of 
the Florida and Japan — Engagement between the Alabama and the Kearsarge — 
The Alabama sunk — Farragut in Mobile Harbor destroys the Confederate Fleet . 917 



CHAPTER XV. 

Kie Presidential Election — Movements for Peace — The Negotiations at Hampton 
Roads — Forrest's last Raid — Hood advances, and Thomas falls back to Nashville 
— Bloody Battle at Franklin— The Battle at Nashville— Thomas attacks Hood on 
the right and left, and carries his first Line — He storms Overton's Hill — Hood 
routed and driven across the Tennessee — Breckinridge driven into North Caro- 
lina— Saltville tAken 922 



XVUl CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Sherman's March to the Sea — Mode of Proceeding — Fights on the way — Before 
Savannah — Hazen storms Fort Mc AlUster — Sherman meets Foster and Dahlgren 
— Savannah evacuated — ^Sherman's Christmas-pi-esent to President Lincoki— 
Oi>erations to co-operate with him — He crosses the Edisto — Actions at Branch- 
ville, Orangeburg, and on the CJongaree— Columbia surrendered— Tlie Conflagra- 
tion — Hardee evacuates Charleston— The Stars and Stripes raised at Sumter- 
Sherman enters North Carolina — Fayetteville — Actions at Averysborough and 
Bentonville — Goklsborough — The Esijeditions against Fort Fisher— It is carried 
at last— Fall of Wilmington — Hoke's Repulse — Wilson's brilliant Cavalry Cam- 
paign in Alabama— Canby reduces Mobile 927 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Close of the War — Grant begins operations — The Confederate Rams in the 
James — Sheridan in the Vallsy again — He crushes Early — Wheels around Lee's 
Lines and reports to Grant — Lee's bold Dash — He takes Fort Steedman — Grant's 
Advance on the Confederate Lines — Sheridan at Five-Forks — General Assault 
by Grant — Forts Gregg and Alexander carried — Lee defeated, and A. P. Hill 
killed — He telegrajjhs to Davis that Richmond must be evacuated — The Confed- 
erate Capital in Confusion and Flames — Weitzel enters it — Lee's Retreat — Sheri- 
dan heads him off — Grant proposes a Surrender — Lee hesitates — Appomattox 
Court House — SmTender of Lee's Army of Vu'gmia 936 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Abraham Lincoln's Second Term — His Inauguration — He receives the News of the 
Fall of Richmond — He visits that City — His last Proclamations — He is assassi- 
nated in Ford's Theatre, Washington, by John Wilkes Booth — Simultaneous At^ 
tempts to assassinate Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State — Death of Mr. Lincoln — 
Effect throughout the Country — Its terribly disastrous Consequences to the South. 942 

CHAPTER XIX. 

ANDREW JOHNSON, SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT -1865-1869. 
Sketch of President Johnson — His Inauguration — Investigation into Lincoln's As- 
saasination — Pursuit of Booth, his Capture and Death — The Attempt to Assassi- 
nate Mr. Sewai'd — A Conspiracy — Arrest of several — The bloody Court-martial — 
Hanging — The Conclusion of the War — The Sm-reuder of Johnston — Other Con- 
federate Bodies — Jeffereon Davis attempts to escape — Pui-sued and Captured — 
Imprisoned, but never tried — The Confederate Flag on the Ocean — The last of 
the British-built Shij^s — President Johnson and Congi-es-s — Then- diffei-ent Views 
as to the Treatment of the South — A Series of Collisions — Bitter Feeling of the 
Republican Party against the Man whom they had raised to Office — President 
Johnson's Vetoes — Coiigress disregards them — Assumes to be the Government — 
One House of Congress impeaches the President, whom they had treated with 
every Dishonor — The other tries him — The great Impeachment Trial— Acquittal 
of the President — The South ruined by oppressive Reconstruction Acts — Fenian 
Affair's — Attempts to invade Canada — Prompt Action of Government — The At- 
lantic Cable — Close of Jolinson's Administration 946 



CONTENTS, XIX 

CHAPTER XX. 

ULYSSES S. GRANT, EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT— 1869-1877. 

President Grant— His Cabinet — Reconstruction of Virginia — Mississippi and Texas 
— The Fifteenth Amendment — Proposed Annexation of St. Domingo — The great 
Conflagration at Chicago — Settlement of the Alabama Claims — The Presidesatia 
Election — Death of Mr. Greeley— The Modoc War — Trouble with Spain m regard 
to the Seizure of tlie Virginius and Mm'der of her Crew and Passengers at Santi- 
ago de Cuba — The Louisi:ina Troubles — Centennial Esliibition at Philadelphia 
— Colorado admitted as a State — Trial of Bellmap, Secretaiy of War — Nez Perces 
and Sioux War — Presidential Election — Disputed States — Electoi-al CommiflsiMi. 06S 

CHAPTER XXI. 

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, NINETEENTH PRESIDENT— 1877-1881. 

His Cabinet — Conciliatory Policy toward the South — Financial Troubles — Strikes 
and Riots— The House of Representatives resists the use of Military Power at 
Elections — The Ute War — The Yellow Fever — The Chinese Question — Decrease 
of the Debi— Presidential Election 8TO 

. CHAPTER XXn. 

JAMES A. GARFIELD, TWENTIETH PRESIDENT— 1881. CHESTER A. 
ARTHUR, TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT— 1881-1885. 

Garfield's Cabinet — DifHculty as to New York Appointments — He is Shot by Guiteau 
—His Sufferings and Death— Foreign Sympathy — Arthur's Policy — Trial of 
Guiteau — Apportionment of Representatives- -The Suppression of Polygamy in 
Utah — Arctic Explorations — The Brooklyn Bridge — Election of Cleveland. - 88* 

CHAPTER XXni. 

GROVER CLEVELAND, TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT— 1885. 

His Cabmet— Gen. Grant jmt on Retired List— His Death at Mt: McGregor— Mas- 
sacre of Chinese— International Association of the Congo— Rights of Aiuerican 
Fishermen questioned by Canada — Death of Vice-President Hendricks — The 
"Knights of Labor"— The Labor Party— Agitation of the Land Question- 
Labor Agitation m Chicago- Dynamite Bombs thrown by Anarchists— Trial 
and Execution of their Leaders— President Cleveland's Message to Congress- 
Succession to the Presidency in case of death or disability of the Vice-President— 
" Liberty Enlightening the World "— Interetate Commerce Act— The Charleston 
Earthquake —Centennial of the Adojition of the Federal Constitution— Presiden- 
tial Campaign of 1888— The Candidates— Free Trade or Protection an Lssue— 
Canadian Fishery Treaty rejected by the Senate— Dismissal of the British 
Minister— Congress passes an Act to admit four new States— Demise of many dis- 
tinguished men 989 



■XX CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

BENJAMIN HAERISON, TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT— 1889. 

His Inaugxiration and Cabinet Appointments — The wrecking of the Vandalia, 

Trenton, and Nip.iic, at Samoa, accompanied with great destruction of Life . . . 996 



BieGRAPHIGAL 



peRfRAiT* QallEry 

OF 

•^PROyniNENT GHARAGTERS^*- 

IN 

American History, 

INCLUDING 

OUR PRKSIDKNTS; 

Their Portraits and Autographs, 

\VITO BRIEF BIOCTRAr^HICA.L SIvETCHES, 

TOGETHER WIIH 

CoNXisE Chronological Tables of the Principal Events tn Universal 
History, Contemporary with the Administration of each. 

ALSO 

Fac-Siniile of the Declarationi of Independence. 

IN THE HANDWRITING OF ITS AUTHOR, \ND THE 
AUTOGRAPHS OF THE SIGNERS, 

With a Description of the Construction of our National Government, 
and how it IS administered in its various departments. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF EVENTS 

m THE UNITED STATES AND IN THE PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF EUKOPE 
CONTEMPORARY WITH EACH PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION. 



Washington's Administration [1789 1797]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

i789. Washington inaugiiratiMl President of tlie Uiiituil States. 1790. District of Coluniliia 
ceded to the United States. 1791. Bank of the United ir^tates established: Vermont admitted into 
the Union. 1792. Kentiieky admitted into the Union. 1793. Washington inangurated a second 
time. 1794. Wlii.sliey iiisuiTi'etion in PennsylTania. 1795. Jay's tre.ity with Great Britain ratified. 
1796. Tiiinessce ailm'itteil into the Union ; Washington issues his farewell Address ; John Adams 
elected President of the United States. 

GREAT BRITAIN 

1789. George III. had reigned twenty-nine years; the British constitution extended to Canada. 
1790. The peace of British India disturbe'd by hostile Tippoo Sultan. 1791. The jieople of the king- 
dom divided in opinicm concerning the French Revolution. 1792. Parliament takes measures for 
the abolition of the slave-trade. 1793. War against France declared. 1794. Seditions persons and 
societies prosecuted. 1795. Coalition with other powers against France. 1796. (ireat bread-riot in 
London. 

FRANCE. 

1789. Louis XVI. king; the French Revolution bre;d;< out; the States-General assemlile. 1790. 
The king unsuccessfully attempts to tly from France. 1792. The more conservative (iiroudists iM 
power. 1793. .Monarchy abolished and the king and queen Ijeiieaded ; Europe arms against France. 
1794. The Keign of Terror. 1795. Revolution of Ninth Theru]idor. 1796. Rapid military advance- 
ment of Napoleon Bonaparte ; he marries Josephine. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 
1789. Charles IV. king of Spain; Maria queen of Portugal. 6'_w'/«— 1792. Joins the coalition 
against France ; Manuel Godoy becomes the real ruler of Spain. 1"795. By the treaty of lldefonso 
Spain cedes Santo Domingo to France. 1796. Godoy concUuh's ai! offensive and defensive league 
with France, and declares war airainst Englaiul. Pi>ihirial—V192. Qu'/en Maria becomes insane, .and 
her son rules in her name. 1793. Portugal declares war against the French Republic. 

RUSSIA. 

1789. Catharine II. empress of Russia. 1792. Peace with the Turks concluded 1793. The 
second dismembermeut of Poland effected. 1794. A formidable rebellion in Poland again.st Russia, 
ied by Koseiuszko. 1795. The fluiil destruction of the kingdom of Poland and Russia receives as 
her share of the plunder aljnut two-thirds of the domain. 1796. The Empress Catharine 11. dies. 

GERMANY, AUSTRIA, PRUSSIA, AND HUNGARY. 

1790. The tottering fabric of the German empire of petty states falLs. ^ ((.■.-^nn— 1790. Joseph 
II. dies, and his brother Leopold becomes emperor. 1792. Austria joins the co.alition against France; 
Leopold's son Fr.ancis succeeds him ; Austria engages warmly in the wars against France. Prussia — 
1789. Frederick Willi.xm II. king. 1792. Prussia .joins the coalition against France. 1795. In the 
partition of Poland takes 4n.000 sq. m. of her territory. nnnrinry—ViQl. Her constitutional rights 
and the rights of Protestants sanctioned by Austria. 1795. Measures taken to suppress democracy 
in Hungary 

ITALY. 

1789. Italv w.as divided between the Papal States, the principalities of Savoy. Panna, and Mo- 
dena. the repn'ldics of Venice and Genoa, and kingdom of Kaples. 1792. French troojis I'euetrate 
Savoy. 1793. The French Xational t'ouvention declares war against Naples. 1795. The French 
expelled from Italy. 1796. Bonaparte in chief command of French troops in Italy ; annexes Italian 
territory to Fr.ance. 

THE NETHERLANDS AND S'WTTZERLAND. 

1790. yeUierlaruJs—WWWam IV.. Prince of Orange, ruler. 1792. A French army invades and 
conquers Belgium. 1794. Holland invaded and conquered by tb.e French. 1795. Tlie Batavian re- 

Sublic proclaimed. Srllzn-land -1789. A republic of confi'derated cantons or states. 1792. In- 
ueeil t<i engage in war with revolutionai-y France. 1793-94 The French deprive the Swiss o* 
their constitution, and in 1798 establish the Helvetian republic. 

DENMARK, SWEDEN, AND NORWAY. 
1789. />f/(mo)-,!-— Christian VTI. king. 1792. Refuses to ioin the coalition against Franco, an-'. 
remains neutral during the French Revolution. .SV«^';.— 1789. Gustavus 111. king; the Senate abol- 
ished and the prerogatives of the crown extended. 1792. The king assassinated at a mxsked ball by 
Count Ankerstrcim ; the assassin was scourged three successive days with whips of iron, had his 
right hand cut off, then his head, and his body imjialed. JS'orway was scarcely more than a [irovinco 
of Denmark until the beginning of the present century. 




Firm' President. 



Born in Westmoreland county, Va., Feb. Il, 1732. Began sui-ieying the Virginia Valley, 
1748. Appointed major in the army, 1751. Promoted to colonel, 1754. Married Mrs. 
Martha Custis, 1759. Member Jloiise of Burgesses of I'irginia, 1759. Delegate to the frst 
Continental Congress, 1774. Elected Commander-in-Chief , by the Congress, June 15, 1775. 
Salary fixed at ^,ono per year, but he declined to receive any compensation. War ended by 
surrender of Cornwallis at Vorktown, Va., Oct. ig, 1781, Treaty of Peace signed in Paris, 
Sept. 3, 17S3. Resigned his commission, Dec. 23, 1783. Presided over the Convention -vhich 
framed the Constitution, Philadelphia, 17S7. Inaugurated first President of the United 
States, Ne7u York, April, 30, 1789. Elected for a secon,l term, 1793. Declined a third 
term. Issued his "Farewell Address," Sept. ig, 1796. Believing a French invasion con- 
templated, he was again summoned to take the field. May, 1798. Died Dec, 14, 1799. 
Vice-President, Jotm .Adams. 



C'OXTEUPOKAXEOUS EVENTS 

John Adams's Administration [1797-180T[. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1797. John Adams inaugmated I'rosideut of tlio IJuited States. 1798. Preparations made foi 
au cs|"M.ti.d war with Krauce ; Wasliiugton appoiuted commauder-in-cliief of a provisional armi" 
Alien and Sedition Laws passed. 1799. Death of Washington ; war with Franco on the ocean ceases! 
1800. Seat of government removed to Washington City; the provisional army disbanded; Tliomas 
Jelierson elected President of the United States. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1797. England was the only power at war with France ; the English gain a brilliant naval vic- 
tory oil' Cape St. Vincent; mutinies in the British navy siipp.-essed. 1798. England prepares for au 
invasion by the French ; rebellion in Ireland suppressed ; Aelson gains a victory at the biittle of tlio 
Nile ; war in India with Tippoo Sahib. 1799. The Kuke of York attempts to drive the French from 
Holland. 1800. The king shot at twice the same d.iy. 1801. Legislative union between Great Bri- 
tain aud Ireland effected. 

PRANCE. 

1797. Bonaparte makes conquests in Italy and concludes tlio treaties of Leoben and Campo 
Formio. 1798. Bonaparte sent to conquer Egvpt. 1799. Bonaparte invades Svria and ou his re- 
turn usurps the civil power of France 1800'. Bonaparte made First Consul "of Frauce ; invades 
Italy ; gains a great victory at Mareugo ; also at other i>oiuts, and concludes a treaty with Austria in 
its own name and that of the German Empire. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 

1797. The Spanisli fleet defeated in battle off Cape St. Vincent by an Euglish fleet. 1798. All 
the ports of Spain blockaded by the English. Purl luial— 1739. The queen, Maria, pronounced hoiie 
lessly insane ; her son. Prince of Brazil, is made regent of thi> kingdom with full regal powers. 1800. 
In alliance with England and Kussia, Portugal renews warvith France; Bonaparte compels Spain to 
declare war against Portugal. 

GERMANY, AUSTRIA, PRUSSIA, AND HUNGARY. 

1797. Avslrin — By the peace of Campo Formio Austria lost Lombardy and the Netherlands, but 
obtained a largo portion of Venetia. 1799. In alliance with Russia Austria declares war against the 
French Republic the second time. 1801. Bonaparte compels .\ustria to accept the peace of Luno- 
viUe. Prussia— 1797. Frederick William HI. king. After 1795 Prussia maintained its neutrality. 
Hungary furnished Austria with money and men to make war on the French. 

RUSSIA. 

1797. Engages actively in war against Frauce, forming an alliance with England, Austria, Na- 
ples, and Turkey. 1799. Sends armies to Italy, Switzerland, and Holland against the French Re- 
Sublie. 1799. Concludes a convention of armed neutrality with Denmark and Sweden. 1800. 
lakes friendly advances toward France. 1801. The Emperor Paul assassinated by conspiratora 
among the PvUssian nobility 

ITALY. 

1797. Bonaparte forms the Cisalpine Republic, composed of Mantua, Milan, the portion of Parma 
north of the Po, and Modona ; France makes war on the jiope. 1798. The French overthrow the 
Papal States and erect a Roman Republic ; the Liguriau Republic established at Genoa ; Naples con 
eludes a treaty of alliance with tireal Britain and Kussia ; the French establish the Parthenopeaa Ee- 
public in Naples. 1800. The Austriaus defeated by the French at Marengo. 

SWITZERLAND. 

1798. Two French araiies invade Switzerland without a pretest, capture the city of Berne, plun- 
der its army aud treasury, and proclaim the Helvetian Republic of eighteen canton's, with Aarau as 
its capital : Geneva, Berne, and several other portions of Swiss territory incorporated with the 
French Republic. 1800. Aloys Reding leads an insurrection to overthrow the French-created re- 
public, but fails ; a new constitution imposed on the Swiss. 

DENMARK AND SWEDEN. 

1801. By an allianeo with Ru.s.sia. Prus.sia, and Sweden, Denmark involved herself in war with 
England , she suflered much in a naval battle off Copenhagen, and lost her colonies in the East and 
West Indies; these wore restored by treatv. .SVv./.,/— 1798. Gustavus IV.. on his accession to the 
throuu a,s full monan-h at the age of eighteen, beeaiui' involved in hostilities with France and Russia 
1800 Sir.John Moons sent with an Euglish army to Sweden, but soou returned. 




Secijnd Pkesiden)'. 
Born in Qm'iin', Mass., Oct. 19, 1735. Graduate at Harvard College. Yic,^. Admitted to 
the bar, 175S. Commissioner to France, 177S. Author of Constitution of Massachusetts, 1779. 
Minister to negotiate peace -vith Great Britain, 1779.- sent to Holland, 17S0; summoned to 
Paris to consult on the general fieace, -ohich was signed, 1783. Appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to G) eat Britain, 17S5. Resigned, 1788, and -a-as elected Vice-President, pllected 
President of the United States, 1796, defeating Thomas Jefferson. Died July ^, 1826. 
Vice-Pfesident, Thomas Jrff'erson. 



contempokaneous events. 
Jefferson's Administration [1801-1809]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1801. 'J'linmas Jeffursou luaugiirated Prosideiit i>f the Uuited States; Tripoli deelarcs war against 
the Tinted iSt.ites. 1802. Ohio admitted iuto tht' Union. 1803. War with the Barbarj; States begins ; 
Lonisiaua |)urch:ised tioiii Franee. 1804. An exphirinfj; expedition from the Mississippi to the Pacific 
begins. 1805. I'eaee with the Barbary States elleetecl ; Aaron Burrs niysterions expedition in the 
Mississippi VaUey. 1806. Partial non-intereourso with Great Britai-i adopted. 1807. Attack on the 
frigate Chesapeake; successful navigation by steam aeeomplished. 1808. The slare-tradc abolished. 
1809. Embargo Act repealed. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 
1801. Nelson's victory at Copenhagen ; British national ilebt SO.Onn.niin.noO ; the French oxi'elled 
from Egypt. 1802. Peace of Amiens. 1803. War against Bonaparte renewed. 1804. lOuglau.l 
threatened with invasion by Napoleon I. 1805. Ncdson's victory and death at Trafalgar, 1806. 
Death of Pitt (the premier) and t'harles J. Fox. 1807. Orders in council against the Berlin decree ; 
abolition of the slave-trade. 1808. Small English, armies sent to the Spanish Peniusuhi. 1809. 
Death of Sir John Moore. 

FRANCE. 
1801. Bonaparte First Consul. 1802. Legion of Honor instituted ; Bonaparte made Consul for 
life. 1803. Franco sells Louisiana to the United States; the Bank of Franco established; declara- 
tion of war against England. 1804. Conspiraey of Morean and Piehcgru ; Bonaparte proclaimed em- 
peror as " Napoleon 1." 1805. N apoleon crowned king of Italy ; defeats the Allies at Ansterlitz. 1806. 
Battle of .lena; the Berlin decree ; the beginning of the " Continental .systcn." 1808. New n j'nlity 
of i'rauce ereated. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 
1801. Spaiti, begins war against Portugal. 1802. Cedes Trinidad to England. 1804 Spanish 
treasure-ships valued at $3,000,(100 seized bv the English; declares war against England 1806. 
Godoy, " Prince of Peace," the real ruler. I807. Conspiracy of the Prince of Asturias. 1808. The 
French take Madrid ; Godoy dismissed ; abdication of Charles IV. ; Joseph Bonaparte king of Spain. 
Piw-di./o/— 1801. At war with Si>aiu. 1807. Ou the invasion of the French the regent and royal 
family tiy to Brazil; Marshal Jimot enters Lisbon. 1808. The defeated French army allowed to 
evacuate Portugal ui British ships. 

GERMANY ANB AUSTRIA, 
1801. Francis IL, Emperor of tiiruuiny, nihr. 1804, Francis, whose title is an empty one, 
assamcs tlie hereditarv title of cmjieror of Austria as Francis I., and unites all his domains under the 
name of the " Austria'n Fuipirc. " 1805. Joins the new coalition against France; defeated at Au.stcr- 
litz; surrender of General .Mack 1806. Loses V enice and the Tj-rol ; the German Empire dissolved 
and the end of the •' Holy Roman Empire" established by Charlemagne, accomplished; Francis lays 
down the imperial crown of Germany. 

RUSSIA. 
1801. .Mexander I. emperor. 1802. Piomotes the treaties which lead to the gradual dissolution 
of the German Empire. 1803. The proviiucs of (ieorgia, in Asia, incorporated with Enssii 1805. 
The einpcrcjr present at the battle of Ansterlitz. 1807. Russians defeated at the battle of Friedland; 
•ucccssfal war with the Turks ; xVlexander and Napoleon conclude the treaty of Tilsit on a raft in the 
river Nicmeu; tue Ionian Islands ceded to France. 

ITALT. 

1801. Possession of Venice confirmed to Austria. 1802. The Italian Republic established with 
Bonaparto as president; the king of Naples concludes a jieace at ITorenco. 1805. Napoleon crowned 
king of I taly ; a new constitution formed; Eugene Beauharnais made viceroy. 1806. Austria loses 
its Italian provinces. 1808. Etmria united with France; Napoleon makes tlio Prince Uorghese ruler 
at Turin and gives the crown tif Naples to Murat. 

SWITZERIiAND. 

1802. Civil war in Switzerland ; the Helvetic government retires to Lausanne. 1803. Bonanartt 
a.ssunic'S the t itlo and functions of " Mediator of Switzerland " ; the Federal govemmeut restored aud 
a Landennann appointed by France ; three cantons separate from the Republic; a new constitution 
given to Switzerland, under which it enjoyed peace for ten years. 

DENMARK AND SWEDEN. 
1801. Admirals Nelson and Parker l.iombaid Copcnhasren, destroying eighteen Danish war-.ships 
and killing eighteen huiidriMl of tli.-ir eiews in l.atlle 1807. idmiral Gambicr ana Lord Cathcart 
bombard CoiienhaL'en. and capture eiL'hteen liaui^h ships of the line, litteen frigates, and thirty-seven 
brigs. ,-iiini,it--\i09. 'I'ho Swedes, after suderiug from the rule of tleir half-insane kini;. Gustavua 
IV., depose hiin aud seat his uncle, the regent, Duke of Sudermania. ou the throne as Charles XIII. 

HOLLAND. 

1806. The Bataviau Republic, administered bv a director (Sehimmelpenninck). tenulnates, and 
Napole.ui erei'ts Holland into a kingdom, ]ilacing his iHotlier l.ouis on tlie throne : ou the abdication 
of Lotus, in 1810, Holland was incori>oratcd as an integi-al part of the Freuch Fmpire 




TiMKi) Pkksiiien 1. 
Bi'rn in Shadwell, \'a., April 1, 1743. Received a classical ediiLation in William and 
Marv Collate. Admitted to the liar, l-j(i^. Member House of Burgesses, J'a., 1769. Elected 
to the Colonial Congress, IJTi. Chosen to prepare the Declaration of Independence, adopted 
fulv^, 1776. Elected Governor if ]'a. , l-J-Jc). A/emlier of Congress, i-jS;}. Appointed 
Minister to France, to succeed Benjamin Franklin, 1784. Appointed Secretary of State by 
President Washington, 1789. Elected Vice-President, 1796. Elected President of the U. 
S., iSoi, end re-elected for second tern. Founder of the University of Virginia. 
Died July 4, 1826. Vice-President, Aaron Biirr. 



COXTEMPOKAXEOrS E TEXTS. 

Madison's Administration [1809-1817]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1809. James Madison inaiigurateil Prcsidcutnf the rnited States; Embargo Aet repealed. 1811 
War with Indian tribes; battle of Tijipeeanoe : engagement between the Presitient and Little BeLL 
1818. Embargo laid for three mouths : vrar deelared again.st Great liritain ; surrender of Detroit ; cap 
tnre of the &'«t'/'('e)-e ; action between the tr^.'j^y and /'/u/ic. the Unilul Slates AnA Maeedonian : Louisi- 
ana a*lmitted into the Union. 1813. Action between the C7(Ci«/)ai/c and ^'/inttwoji ,■ Peny'sTictory ou 
Lake Erie; ISntFalo burnt. 1814. Great cruise of the i^.we.c in the Pacific ; battles on Niagara frontier; 
Washington ("ity captured and the Capitol burnt; battles at Platt.sburg; treaty of peace signed at 
Ghent. 1815. Battle of New Orleans; treaty of peace ratified; war with Aigier.s. 1816. James 
ilonroe elected President of the United States ; United States Bank rechartered. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 
1809. Troops under WclUngtuu sent to Portugal to drive out the French; Arthur Wellesley. the 
eommander, made " Viscount Wellington " : an expedition of 40,000 laud troops and a large fleet, 
sent to capture the Dutch island of Walcheren, was unfortunate. 1810. King George becomes hope- 
lessly insane ; arrest of Sir Francis Burdett, and a great riot. 1811. Tlie Prince of Wales made re- 
fent of the kingdom ; frequent riots in the manufacturing districts. 1812. War with the United States 
egun; the prime minister, I'erceval, as.sassinated ; England allied against Napoleon. 1813. tnd of 
the war on the Peninsula. 1814. Attempt to invtide Lonisiana; peace with the United States. 1815. 
Wellington gains the battle of Waterloo ; Great Britain a party to the Congress at Vienna. 1816. 
Great riot in London. 

FRANCE. 
1809. Divorce of Napoleon and Josephine. 1810. Holland united to France ; Napoleon marries 
an Austrian princess. 1811. Coolness between France and Russia. 1812. Warwith Russia declared; 
disastrous e.'ipedition to Moscow. 1813. A triple alliance against France, which the British enter 
1814. Paris surrenders to the Allies; Napoleon abdicates and retires to Elba; Bourbon dynasty re. 
stored. 1815. Napoleon returns from Elba; flight of the Bourbon court; the slave-trade abolished; 
Napoleon defeated at Waterloo, and again abdicates; the Bourbon, dynasty again restored; X^apoleou 
a prisoner for life on St. Helena. 1816. Brlitw the Napoleon family is excluded from France for 
ever. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 
1809. The French make many conquests in Spain. 1810. The Spanish Cortes meet and nomi- 
nate a regent. 1811. Wellington defeats the French under both Jliis.sena and Soult. 1812. Consti- 
tution adopted by the Cortes; Wellington occupies Madrid. 1813. Wellington drives the Freuch 
over the Pyrenees and enters France. 1814. Ferdinand VII. restored. 1815. The Inquisition re- 
vived and the Jesuits restored: from 1814 to 1819 there were twenty-five changes in the Spanish 
ministry. Pvrtdr/al — 1814. I'l-dc-s Guiana to France. 1815. Uiriou of Portugal with Brazil. 

GERMANY, AUSTRIA, AND PRUSSIA. 
1815. A confederation of German states which had maintained their sovereignty (formerly about 
300, then 40) was formed, .k «s^ra— 1809. The peace of Vieniui deprived Austria of 4-', 000 sq. m, of 
territory and 3,.'i00,000 of population. 1810. The Archduchess Maria Louisa marries Napoleon. 

1812. Austria is inalliiinee with Napoleon against Russia. 1814. A congress of sovereigns assembles 
at Vienna. 1815 "Holy Alliance" formed, Italian provinces restored, and the Lomhardo- Venetian 
kingdom established. Pnusia — Engages in war against Napoleon. 1813. A great popular uprising 
to expel the French from Prussia ; the " landwehr," or militia, established. 1814, The king visits 
England. 

RUSSIA. 
1809. Turks defeated near Silistria. 1812. War with France; Moscow burnt by the Russians. 

1813. The emperor forms a coalition with other powers against Napoleon; the emperor at the battle 
ofLeipsic. 1814. The emperor enters Paris ; visits England ; a member of the congress of sovereigns 
at Vienna; an agreement that Poland should be annexed to Russia. 1815. The emperor chief in the 
formation of the "Holy Alliance.'' 

ITALY. 

1809. Napoleon gives Tuscany to his sister Eliza with the title of Grand Duchess ; Italy contin- 
ued to bear heavy burdens on account of the wars nf Napoleon ; the wife of N.ipoleon obtains three 
Italian duchies, with reversion to her sou. 1814. The Freuch troops evacuate Italy, and the pro- 
vinces are restored to their legitimate rulers. 1815. The Lomhardo- Venetian kingdom established 
for Austria; Murat takes up arms for the iudi'iieudeneo of Italy, but is defeated: affairs of Italy 
arranged by the congress at Vii'uuti, 1816. Insurrections ]ivev;iil. 

DENMARK, SWEDEN, AND NORWAY. 
1814. Denmark compelled to cede Norway to Sweden in exchango_^for Pomerania. 1815. Don- 
mark makes over Pomerania to Prussia in "exchange for money and for other territory. Sncdeit — 
1809. Finland ceded to •Russia. 1810. On the sudden death' of a prince Marshal Bernadotte is 
chosen crown prince. 1812. Swedish Pomerania seized by Na|ioleoa. 1814. By the treaty of Kiel 
Norway is ci«led to Sweden. iVonco;/— 1814. The Danish crown prince accepts the crown from 
the Norwegians as an independent sovereign ; the Swedish crown prince, with an army, and the help 
of a British fleet, takes possession of the country. 

HOLLAND. 

1810. Incorporated as a part of the Freuih enipire. 1815. Prince of Orange is declared king 
(William I.) by an As.sembly of Notables, and a constitution is adopted; ancient southern provinces ar« 
annexed to Holland hy the congress at Vienna, 




7- /fi.c<..-^^^ ^yCC ec^'^^^ ^'■^ 



Fourth President. 



Born in A'ing George, Orange county, Va., March l6, 1751. Graduate at Prineeton 
College, A'./., 1771. Elected to the General Assembly of Virginia, 1776 : to the E.xecutivi 
Council of the State, \T1%, and to the Congress. 1779, holding his seat until 17S3. Memhet 
of the Virginia Legislature, 1784, '85, '86, and of the Convention -.vhich framed the Consti- 
tution, 1787. Elected a Member of the first Congress, 1789, continuing as stieh until 1797. 
Appointed Secretary of Slate by President Jefferson, iSoi. Elected President of the United 
States, 180S, and re-elected for a second term. Died June 28, 1S36. V.'ee-President. first 
term, George Clinton; second term, Elhridge Gerry. 



CONTEMPORANEOUS KVKNTS. 

Monroe's Administrate on [1817 1825]. 

THE UNITED STATES 
1817. .lanu's Moiiroo iiiiiiif^uratcd President of tlio United States; Jlississippi admitted into tlis 
Uniiin. 1818. Illinois iidmittedinto the Union; United States trooiis invade Florida; Pension Aet 

Sassecl. 1819. Alaljania ailmitt^jd into tbo Union; warm debate on the questiiin of slavery. 1820. 
laine admitted into tlie Union. 1821. Debate on the admission of Jlissonri; the " Jlissouri lorn 
promise"; .Missouri admitted; Florida annexed. 1822, ludependeuce of SpanisU-Americaa govern- 
ments ae.knowUHlsed. 1823. The "Monroe Doctrine" announeed. 1824. Convention witli Ureal 
Kritain for the suppression of tlie slavc-triule ; convention with Russia in relation to the nijrthwest 
Uiuudary; Lafavettu visits the United States; John Quiney Adams elected President of the United 
States. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 
1817. The privilege of the writ of habeius corpus suspouded. 1818. The ]H[blio debt $1,300,000,. 
000; sp.'cie |]ayments resumed. 1819. (Jueeu Charlotte dies; Queen Victorni born, gi-eat reform 
meeting in Alauchester broken up hy military force. 1820. The " Cato Street Conspiracy " discovered; 
George HI. dies; accession of Cicorge I V. : trial of Queen Caroline. 1821. Coronation'of George IV. ; 
Queen ('arolino dies. 1822. ('auning becomes Aliuister of Foreign Affairs; favors Catholic cinancipa.- 
tion. 1823. Indopendenco of Spanish-American Republics acknowledged; free-trade policy recoui- 
meiideti. 

FRANCE. 
1817. Louis X■^^TI. king of France 1818. The congress at Ai.Nida-Chapello reinstates Franco ia 
dignity and |io«-cr; a royal charter given. 1820. Assassination of the Duke of lieni. 1821. Napo- 
leon dies at St. Helena; the " lloly AUiauco " active and inUuential at court. 1823, At theii- rciiuest 
the king si-uds one hundred thousaiul French soldiers into Spain to support Ferdinand, the Bourboa 
king: Cadiz, with the Cortt-s, captured by the French. 1824. Fraudulent elections; despotic laws ea- 
ucted; the king dies and Count d'Artois ascends the throne as Charles X. 

GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1815. Takes tbo place of the Confederation of the Rhine; it included Austria, Prussia, and all 
the iietty kingdoms and principalities which had preserved their sovereignty. 1817, The ft-nssians 
established a Ministry of Education. 1818. The Prussian Zollvereiu, or Commercial Union, .soon united 
th() (lermau slates on the l)a,sis of material interests. 1819 Assassination of Kotzebue produces an 
anti-lilji'i-al rcaetiini ; cougi-ess at Carlsbad. 1820-23. Austria tries to suppress popular indications of 
libernl ideas cv(^ry where; Prussia always liberal; Austria otherwise. 1824. Austria favored the 
Turks in their war against the Greek patriots. 

RUSSIA. 

1817. A jiartial abolition of serfdom in the (icrmau-Raltio provinces begun, but emigration of the 
peasants frcun one province to another not alloweiL 1818. 'I'lie einjieror uresides'at the Congress of 
Aixda I'hapellc, where Russia abandoned liberal reforms, the Austrian minister, Mettcniich, control- 
ling the emperor and czar. 1820-22. At three congresses the emperor urges the policy of Bupprossing 
political and religious freedom; the Jesuits c-xpelled from Russia. 1824. Russia favors the Turks ia 
their war upon (irccdc patriots. 

SPAIN AND PORTTTGAIi. 

Spain — 1817 The slave-trade abolished for coin])en.silioii. 1819. Insurrection la Valencia re- 
pressed. 1820, The Spanish revolution begins; the king (I'eidinaud) swears to support the consti- 
tution frami'd by the Cortes. 1823 The king removed by the Cortes, first to Seville and thence to 
Cadiz; the French enter Spain and invest Cadiz, but soon evai'uate it; despotism resumed; the 
Cortes dissolved aiul c.Kecutioii of mauv liberals. 7'..r(«./.(/— 1820. UevoUition in Portugal ; Consti- 
tuticuial Junta. 1821. A liberal cou.stitvitiou adoptinl; return of the court from lirazil. 1822. Prince- 
regent becomes king 1823. 'I'lie constitution luodiliecL 1824. Histiulianees m Li.sbon. 

ITALT. 

1817. The Congress of Vienna had divided Itaiv lu the interest of despotism, withoui regard va 
the ;ispiralii>iis of tjio jieople for u.ational unity lSl8 Auto revolutionary institutions having been 
restored, the dissatisfied iieojile in .some places rise in iiisurreetioii 1820-21. Revolutionary out- 
breaks occur in Naples and Sardinia, 1821. The congress at l.avbach ordiu-s Austrian troops to iiiit 
down popular iiiovenicnts iii Italy 1822-23. Austrian troops <('iinpletc the subjugation of the liberal 
party. 1823-24. Vindictne persecution of the libi'ials, the Papal States enjoy immunity froui la- 
surrectious by the force of .\nstriaii bayonets. 

DENMARK, SWEDEN, AND NORWAY. 
1817. Fii'dcu-ick VI. king ol Denmark. 1820. .\ national bank established at Copenhagoa 
1824. n.-uiuark makes a eoniuiercial treaty with (ireat Uritain. .S'.(,v?f;i— 1818. Bcmadotte, the re 
geiit, at.e.-uds the throne as King of Svvcilen and Norwav with the title of Charles John XIV. , Bema- 
dotte, after trying m vain to have the cou.stitutirm oi' Norwav inodihed, accepts it. jVon/viy — The 
legislature of Norway vote to abolish titles of nobility, and that the people shall bo called citLeiis la- 
ttead of suhjerl.'! ; the king vetoes the measure 

SWITZERLAND. 
1817 Switzerland, on the invitation of the czar, joins the ■• Holy Alliance" and 19 governed by 
that liody 1823. CoueiMles at the urgent re(|iiest of tli(< great Powers to place restrietious on the 
liberty of the press and to deny the n^'lit of asylum to political refugees, 1820-24. Closely watched 
by the ■■ Holy .Alliance,' for the people. dis.satistied with the political situation, were restive and were 
laoved bv an anxious desire for reform. 



ih 




^}l^» 



^^^Pt^-l-f^'Z^^^^ >^^-2_<^-z^y^r?' 



Fifth Pi;k^ 



Born in Westmoreland county, Va., April 28, 1758. Graduate at William and Alary 
Colleire, x-i'ib. Sensed that year in the Continental Army tvith ll'as/iington, and -fas Aide to 
Lord Slerli)!^ at Brandyivine. Studied J.azv -citli Thomas Jefferson Eleeted to the State 
Legislature, 1782 ; to Congress, 1783, and the Legislature, 1786. L-lleeted United States 
Senator, 17go, Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of J'ersailleS, cohere he bought the 
Louisiana tract from Napoleon for %l$,00O,(XX>, 1794. Served a short time as Afinister to 
England. Elected Governor of Virginia, 18 10, and held the office until appointed Secretary 
of State by President Madison. Elected President of the United States, 1817; re-elected, 
1821. Died July J,, 1831. Vice-President. /:>. /). Tompkins. 



CONTEMl'OUANEOrS EVENTS. 

J. Q. Adams's Admimstration [1825-1829], 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1825. .loliii QiiiiuT Ailams hiaugumtui.1 ra-biiU'iit of the Viiiteil Status; the great Erie Cannl in 
the State of Kew York coiiiiileted ; eoutroversv between tUo National Government anil the State of 
Ueorgia eoucerning tho lauds of the t'reek huiiau.s. 1826. John Adams and Thomas Jefl'erson, both 
signers of the Deelaration of Independence and both ex .f residents of tho United States, die on Julj- 
4 at the same hour; eummissiouers aiii)Oiuted to attend ii congress of represeutatives ot the Spanish- 
American Kepubhcs at Panama. 1827. Tarill' convention at Harrisburg, I'a.. at which the foundation 
of the JpHcT'CKii. sijsltm for eneouragiug home manufactures was laid. 1828, Tho Aiuericau. xi/stem 
idopted bv (.'ougre'ss and denounced" by Southern politicians; Andrew Jaelisou elected President of 
rho Lniteil States. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1825-26. Cheat commercial panic in England ; a Roman Catholic Emancipation Bill passes the 
House of tummous, but rejected in tlie Lords. 1826. Uiitisli troops sent to defend Portugal from 
Spanish intervention. 1827. IHike of York dies; CJeorge fanning becomes prime miuister in April 
and dies iu August; an English fleet destroys )ju Egj'ptian fleet m tho bay of Navarino. 1828. The 
Duko of AYellington forms a purely Tory ministry ; nc'itation iu Ireland by tho " Catholic A.'-socia- 
tion"; threatensl'evolution; WeUingtou introduces a Catholic Emaucipatioii Bill, which becomes law 
in 1829. 

FRANCE. 

1825, Coronation of Charles X. at Rheinis. 1826, Franco co-operates with others in defending 
Portug-d from Spanish intervention. 1827. Tho Kational tiuaid of forty-fivo thousand men dis- 
banded; war with Alijiers ; riots in Paris, with a cry of "Down with tho ministry ! down with the 
Jesuits I " ; creation ol" seventy -six new peers ; France, Great Britain, and Russia form a treaty for put- 
ting a stop to hostilities between the Turks and the Greeks. 1828. French troops occupy the ilorea; 
Bi5rauger imprisoned and £ncd because of his satirical songs; educational establishments of the 
Jesuits suppressed. 

SPAIN AND PORTTTGAL. 

1825-26. Several insurrections of tho Carlists oct-ur; indcpendeneo of the revolted Spanish- 
Amerieau colonics generally acknowledged. 1826. Spain abandons its last foothold on the American 
mainland. 1887. Spanish subjects permitted to trade with the Sjianish Aiucriean Republics. 1828. 
The French evacuate Cadiz and it is made a free city. Purliiiiirl—1826. Death of John VI. and acces- 
sion of l)om Pedro, who relinquishes tho throne in* favor of his daughter, Donna ilaria. 1827. Dom 
Miguel regent, 1828. The British ai-mies leave Portugal; Dom Uigucl assumes the title of king. 

RUSSIA. 

1825. Death of Alexander I. ; Grand Duko Constantino renounces his right to tho throne. 1826. 
Emperor Nicholas crowned at Moscow; war declared against Persia; the shall forced to sue for 
peace. 1827. Nicholas visits Eughuid and is invested with tho Order of tlie Garter. 1828. 'War de- 
clared against tho Ottoman Porto ; the Caucasus conquered ; Russia joins Frani'e and England iu ex- 
plaining why they helped tho Greeks; the Turks cede to Kussia tho mouths of the Danube and seve- 
ral fortresses. 

GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1825-29. The German states enjoyed almost nnintermptcil repose for many years after about 
18"J4 ; it was the repose caused by reactionary measures supported bv the strong arm of niilitaiy power ; 
tho Emperor of Austria, Franci.s'1., lived until 1835, hanng reigned thirty-oneyt'ars; the King of Prus- 
sia, Frederick William III., lived until 1840, havingreigncd forty-three years, Hnngary, a dependency 
of Austria, chafed under the repressive rule of Prince Mettemieh, the embodiment of reactionary prin 
ciples, but kept quiet until the'geueral European taitbreak iu 18J.S. 

ITALY. 
1825-29. Italv, too, at this period felt the deadening influence of the reactionary policy in Europe. 
Though Austrian bayonets sujipressed tendencies to iusurrection, the love of freedom and the desire 
for Italian nationality were as fervent as ever in the bosoms of the Italians. Tho quiet of Italy during 
the pontitieatesof Pope Leo XU. and Pius VI 1. (1823-31), and far into that of Pius IX.. was only the 
oahn before tho tempest, which burst in 1848. 

DENMARK SWEDEN, AND NORWAY. 
1825-29. These kingdoms at tins period, cujoyiug tlie unusual blessings o. peace, were all pros- 
perous. Of /'«7Mi«ri Frederick VI. was still king; under Bernadotto (Charles XIV.) John Sweden 
and Norimii were prosperous. Commerce aud the arts and manufactures flourished, and methods and 
facihties for promoting internal intercourse were multiplied. 

HOLLAND. 

1825-29. ricUand was niled at this period by William Frederick, who had assumed tho title of 
King of the Netherlands. He had married a sister of Alexander 1., Emperor of Russia. There was 
now much dissatisfaction among the inhabitants of southern Netherlands (now Belgium), who were 
largely Romau Catholics in rebgiou, and, closely allied by family ties with the Frcncji. felt inclined to 
break off' aud join France. This feehug culminated in revolution, and Belgium became au indepen- 
dent kingdom in 1830. 




.s^^ 1^/w 




J, a.AL 



(XM\^ 



Sixth President. 



BiVfi in Qitincy, Mass. ^ July ii, 1767. Son of the second President. Entered Ifan'ard 
College ^ 1 7S6, and on gradnati)!^; studied low. Appointed Minister to the Hai^ue, \ 794 ; triins- 
ferred to Berlin, 1797; recalled, iSoi. Elected State Senator, 1802. Appointed United States 
Senator, 1S03, and res'gned, iS<j8. Appointed Minister to Russia, iSog. Assisted in 
negotiating the Treaty of Ghent, 181 5. Appointed Minister to Great Britain same year. 
Secretary of State under President Monroe, 1S17, I'oih tenns. Chosen President of the 
United States by the Congress, there />eing no choice by the people, 1824. E ected Member of 
Congress, 1S30; held the position to his death, ivhich occured Feb. 23, 1S4S, two days after 
being stricken with paralysis while arising to address the House. J 'ice-President, John 
C. Calhoun. 



CONTEMPORANEOUS EVENTS. 

Jackson's Administration 1829-1837]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1889. Andrew J ac'ksou inaugurated Presideutof the United States; the Legislature of Yixgima 
deuy tiie right of Congress to jiass a tarifl' bill. 1831. Death of ex-President Monroe. 1832. First 
appearance of the Asiatie eholera in the United States: the Blael; Hawk War; " State Rights" con- 
vention in South Carolina : nullitieation moTemeuts liegiu in South CaroMna; the President's procla- 
mation against the NuUiliers. 1833. Henry Clay's compromise measure tends to avert civil war ; the 
government funds removed from the eusto'dy of the United States Bank by the President. 1834-35. 
Seminole War breaks out. 1835. Great tire in New York. 1836. Arkansas atlmitted into the Union 
the General Post-Offlce aud Patent-Oaice burut. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 
1829. Roman Catholic Relief Bill passed. 1830. Acces.sion of William lY. to the throne ; Liver- 
pool and Manchester railway opened. 1831. First ap|]earanee of the cholera in England ; Reform Bill 
rejected by the House of Lords; great riot at Bri.stol. 1832. Reform Act passed ; Sir Walter Scott 
dies ; the East India Company's charter renewed ; slavery ceases in all the British colonies ; the first 
Reform Parliament opens ; Houses of Parliament destroyed by hre ; Corporation Reform Act passed. 
1836. Stamp duty on newspapers reduced ; modification of the tithing system. 

FRANCE. 

1829. The Poliguac administration formed. 1830. t'hamber of Deputies dissolved; Algiers taken; 
revolution in Paris begins with barricades; conflicts iu I'iiris : a coustitutional charter published; 
Charles X. abdicates and retires to England : Duke of ( hleaus accepts the crowu as Louis Philippe- V. 
1831. Abolition of the hereditarv peerage decreed. 1832. Insurrection in Paris. 1833. An attempt 
to a.-sassinafe the new king. 1834. Lafayette dies. 1835. Another attempt to kill the king. 1836. 
The king again fired upon ; death of Charles X. ; Louis Napoleon's attempt at insun'ection at Strass- 
biag ; tile king tired on while on his way to the Chamber. 

SPAIN AND PORTTTGAL. 

1830. Salic law abolished in SimIii. 1832. The queen aiipointed regent during the king's in- 
abilitv to reign. 1833. Don Carlos declares himself the legitimate successor to the king; death of 
Ferdinand VIl. : the queen assumes the title of queen-regent nufil her infant daughter shall attain to 
her majcuify: liovalist vohinfeers disaruied ; Queen Cluistiua marries Ferdimmd Muuoz, afterwards 
Duke of Riauzares : c|iKiclru]ile treatv establishes tbi- regal righls of Isaliclki. 1834. Don Carlos ap- 
pears suddenly in Spain. 1835. .V British legion raised for the (pu-en of Spain. 1836. Carlists de- 
feated at San 'Sebastian. Portiir/al — 1829. The throne restored to Douua Maria IL. then tifteen years 
of age, who assumes royal power 

RUSSIA. 
1829. War against the Turks; peace concluded. 1830. War for the independence of Poland 
begun; revolution at Warsaw. 1831. The throne of I'oland declared vacant; Russia loses seven 
thousand men in the battle of Grochow ; Grand Duke Constantine dies ; Warsaw taken and the insur- 
rection suppressed ; the Emperor Nicholas issues a proclamation decreeing that the kingdom of Po- 
land shall heuceforfh form an integral part of the Russian Enqjire. The Russian government now 
turns its atteuficm to the improvement of its internal afl'airs; reforms are introduced, commerce 
and the useful arts are fostered, aud more attention is given to the subject of education. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 
1829-37. Austria and P)-w.«i</ were .still the princip;il st.it.s of the German Confederation. Prus- 
sia was .steadily growing in resoinvcs and power, botli intellcitual aud phy>ical. under t'ne benign in- 
flueneesof peace. Its school system wa.s a model for other states. Ni'ither in Prussia nor Austria did 
any startling events occur at tliis period. Probably the wisest act done in the German Empire during 
a period of peace was the esfablishmeut of the Zollverein. or Customs Union, under the lead of Prus- 
sia, between the years 1829 and 1834. The peculiar position of Austria prevented its jiarticipating in 
this Union. Berlin was the centre of artistic productious. 

ITALY. 
1829-37. At this period Italy presented no events of great importance. Pope Pius VIII. died in 
1831 aud was succeeded by Pope Gregory XVI. 

DENMARK. S^WTEDEN. AND NORWAY. 
1829-37. These states now presented a uniform aspect of couqiarative dulncss in their history. 
There was a peaceful calm in pubHc afl'airs. There were aspirations for indepeudence in Norway, but 
no insurrections. In 1S!I King Frederi<k gave a new charter to Denmark. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 
1829-37. Tlie people of southern Holland, especially in the districts bordering on France, were 
closelv allied with the P>eneh in religion, language, and consanguinity, aud were restive under the 
rule of Frederick William of the Netherlands. They were ripe for insurrection, and in 1830 began a 
revolution at Brussels. A provisional government declares Belgium independent, and European 
powers acknowledge that indepcL-'ance ; Antwerp taken by the Belgians. 1831. The crown of 
Belgium offered to a French prince and declined ; a regent' appointed ; Leiqiold, Prince of Coburg, 
eleited king; the sovereign of the Netherlands begins war ; tive great pi>wers attempt pacification. 
1832. The king of France sends tiftv thousand troops to aid Belgium ; Antwerp taken by the French. 



1834. Treaty between Holland and Belgium signed at Loudon; the Bidgian kingdom 



stablished. 




Skventh Pkesidfn I . 
Born in Mecklenburg county^ N. C, March 15, lyfiy. Enlisted in the Kevolutlonaty 
Army^ 1781, and was a prisoner of war. Admitted to the bar^ 1786; bei^an practice, N'ash- 
ville, Tenn., 1 788. Eiectgd as Jirst Representati'i'e from Tennessee in Congress, 1796. I'. 
S. Senator, 1797. General of the Army, 1812. Made the memorable defence of Xe7v 
Orleans, 1815. Expelled the Seminoles from Florida. Appointed Governor of Florida, 1821. 
U. S. Senator, 1823. Fleeted President of the l/ni ted States, 1S2S: re-elected l^-},2. Jh'ed 
at the '^'' Hermitage,"' June 8, 1S45. Vice-President, first term, John C. Calhoun: second 
term, Martin Van Buren. 



CONTEMPORANEOrS EVENTS 

Van Buren's Administration 11837-1841]. 

THE TJNITED STATES. 
1837. Martiu Van Hiirpii maiigiirated President of the United States; Michigan admitted into the 
Onion ; cri'dit system explodes ; intlepeudent treasury system adopted ; tinanoial tronl)les and an extra- 
ordinary session of Cinii^ress; revolutionary niovemeufs in Canada. 1838. Tlu' South Si'McxjiIoring 
expedition sails under raptain Wilkes: rauadian insurrection hegins; Auiericans .synipaitiixe witl," 
the i'anadiaus. 1840. Northea.-^ti'rn-linunilary ipiestiiui agitated: South Sea exploring expediinm dis- 
covered an Antaretie eontiuent: Major-Geuoral Harrison elected President of the United States. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1837. Vietoria ascends the throne as (ineen-regnant 1838. Coronation of Qiioen Victoria; 
etlorts made to crush the Canadian rebellion: Poor Laws extended to Ireland; Afgha.i War begins. 
1839. The British army enters Cabul ; war with China begin-s. 1840. Penny postage established in 
the United Kingdom ; Queen Victoria marries her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg, in February; 
gives inrth to a princess in November; attempt to assassinate the tjueen ; revolutionary movemeiita 
of the Chartists and the Corn-Law League ; Dost Mohammed, in India, conquered. 

FRANCE 

1837. Amnesty granted to political ofl'eiulcrs ; Prince Louis Napoleon goes to America. 1838. 
Talleyrand dies ; birth of the Count of Paris, a claimant to the throne ; Marshal Soult attends the 
coronation of Queen Victoria; coalition between Thiers and Guizot against the ministerial party. 
1839. The coalition destroys that party. 1840. Thiers becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs ; four great 
Powers sign a treaty with" Turkey without consulting France; the Chamber of Deputies decree the 
bringing of Napoleon's remains fi'om St. Helena to Paris ; Prince Louis Napoleon attempts iusmTcc- 
tion again and is sentenced to imprisonment for life ; provisiou made for fortifying Paris. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 
1837. British troops capture Irun, in Sjiaiu, 1839. Don Carlos seeks refuge in France. 1840. 
Morello stUTenders ; Cabrera, the Carlist general, defeated, enters Franco ; revolutionary movement at 
Madrid suppressed; the ministrv dismissed and the Cortes dissolved; Espartero mates a triumphal 
entry into Madrid ; the queen abdicates, leaves the kingdom, and goes to France ; Espartero expels 
the "papal nuncio. Poi7u.;<i/— 1837. The Duke of Tercena attempts to restore Dom Pedro's charter; 
fails and goes to England! 1838, Oporto Wine tympany re-established. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1837-41. During this period the German states, enjoying ]jeaee. made great progress, especially 
in all material artiiirs-. Their cities grew rapidly; they were' not dependent for wealth and splendor 
upon the accident of their being royal residence's, but "industrial pursuits created wealth and luxury. 
Agricultuie flourisbi'd, and the un'rchant navy of tiermaiiy had again :u-isen and become the third in 
extent and iniiiortiinre ill the world. This material jiiMsperity made (iermany a unity, and a dissolu- 
tion seemed iin[HPssil)li>. Literature and the urts also llourislied. 1840. King Frederick William IIL 
of Prussia died and was succeeded by his son, Frederick William IV.. brother of William I^ the pre- 
sent emperor of united Germany. 

KXTSSIA. 

1837-41. Nicholas wa.s ambitious to extend his dominions southward and eastward, and so came 
in couiuct with the interests of England and Turkey. He coveted the control of the Black Sea. The 
Turkish Empire stood in his way, and ho endeavored to weaken it by diplomacy and war. 1840, 
The Russians fail in an expedition against Khiva ; Nicholas signs a treaty, with other great Powers, 
continuing Syria to the sultan ; he supported the cause of Don Carlos in Spain at this period, 

ITALY. 

1837- "41. Tile ])apal power was predominant in Itafv at this period under the sway of the ener- 
getic P"pH Grej^Dry XVI The spirit of revolution was active" throughout the country, which was. bo^\- 
ever. kept in subjection throu^'ti tlievigonms )iolic;,- of t lie Vatican and the aid of Austrian bayonets. 
But the inevitable c.uithct lietweeii those wlio supported tlie teiiiporal power of the papacy, and tho.se 
who st^ueht its desti-uction, was merely postponed. Italy was a slumbering volcano, soon to burst forth 
into fearful activity. 

DENMARK, S'WTEDEN, AND NORWAY. 
1837-41. These three countries continued ti> pursue ■■ the even tenor of their wav " in peace and 
pro.sperity. Chnstian VIII. was yet kingof Denmark, and Bernadotte of Sweden and Norwav. Chris- 
tian was anxious to have his claim to the duchies of Hol.-itein and Schleswii; continniMl, and trouble 
was anticipated for the kingdom trom his ambition. It was postponed cuily a short time. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 
1839. Treaty between Holland and BelLjiiim siu-ued in London. It grew out of a conference held 
in Loudon on the Belgian i|iiestion. by the decision of which the treatv of 1S31 was maintained, and 

'"" I niiiai-y compensation of sixty iuillion liancs ott'ereii bv Belgium' for the territories adjudged to 

Holland was declared inadmissible. 1840. King William l" abdicates and is sueeeedod by his sou 
William. ■' 



f 

f^ 




^ > 7X1^ <^ .^^^^^^^^.^^^ 



Eighth President. 



Born ill Kiiuierhook, K. V., Dec. 5, 17S2. Adiiiittcd to the bar, 1S03. Appointed Sur- 
rogate of Coliinihia 10., 180S, E/ected Slate Senator, 1812 ; eontiiniing siieh tintil lii^o, and 
acting as Attorney-General a part of the period. Elected U. S. Senator, 1S21/ re-elected, 
1827. Elected Governor of New York, as a Democrat, 1S28, lint resigned shortly after 
inauguration to become Secretary of State in President Jackson's Cabinet. Resigned, 1S31, 
and Teas appointed Minister to England, but the Senate refused to confirm him. Elected 
I'ice-President, 1S32. Elected President of the United States, 1S36. Nominated for Presi- 
dent and defeated, 1840, (Gen. Hariison), 1844, (James A'. Polk), 1848, (Gen. Taylor). 
Made a tour of Europe, 1853, '55. Died July li,, 1S62. Vice-President, (elected by Senate) 
R. M.Johnson. 



CONTEMPOttAXEOtJS E7EXTS. 

Harrison and Tyler's Administration \1841 1845.. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1841. William Henry Hanison iiiiiusrunitcd Pri-siilrnt of the United States Mareh 4 : dies just a 
month lifterwards and is succeeded hj the Mce-President, ,Iohn Tvler; Tyler inaugurated; extranrdi- 
nary session of Congress ; Sub-Treasury Bill repealed; dissolution of the cabinet. 1842. Seminole- 
War ended : return of the South .Sea exploring expedition after a voyage of about ninety thousand 
miles; great political excitement in Rhode Island and civil war threatened. 1843. Bimker HiU 
monument completed. 1844. James K. Polk elected President of the United States; Morse's electro- 
magnetic telegraph established ; agitation concerning the annexation of Texas : treaty for admissiou 
signed, 1845. March 4, Tyler signs the bill for the admission of Texas and Florida as States of the- 
Union. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1841. Prince of Wales born. 1842. King of Prussia visits England ; the queen twice fired at ;. 
Inconu--Tax Bill passed; the queen tirst visits Scotland; treaty of peace with China; massacre of 
twenty-six thousand men, women, and children in Britisli India. 1843. Great Repeal meeting in Ire- 
land ; the queen visits the Orleans family in France ; the Scinde War ; annexation of Seiude to the 
British Empire. 1844. The Emperor of' Russia visits England ; O'Connell tried for conspiracy ; rank 
of Roman Catholic bishops defined. 

FRANCE. 

1841. France at thisperiod was enjoying great prosperity. The policy of Louis Philippe was 
peaceful as a rule ; civil aflairs chiefly engaged the attention of the legislators ; the duration of copy- 
right to thirty years after the author's death was fixed ; a bronze statue of Napoleon was placed on the 
column of the "Grande Armee at Boulogne ; an attempt was made to assassinate the king's son on his 
return from Africa. 1842. The Duke of Orleans, heir to the throne, killed by au accident. 1843. 
The Queen of England visits the royal family at the Ch&tcau d'Eu ; occupation of the Society Islands 
by the French threatens a rupture with England. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1841-45. In Austria Ferdinand, son of Ferdinand I., was on the throne and Frederick William. 
IT. on that of Prussia. The Confederation pres.sed forward in prosperity with few stirring events to. 
mark their progress. Prussia and Austria were generally antagonistic in views — the foraier being 
liberal, the latter inirrmr. Austria was jealous of Prussia because of the growing influence of the 
latter (by jinrsuing a wise policy) in the atTairs of the Confederatitm. There was a restless liberal: 
feeling in all the states, but wise"measures prevented outbreaks. In 1844 there was an attempt to. asi 
sassrnate the King of Pnissia. 

SPAIN. 

1841. Insurrections in favor of Queen Christina led bv Generals O'Donnell and Concha ; the palace- 
at Madrid attacked ; General O'DonneU takes refuge on "French territory; Espartero decrees the sus- 
pension of Queen Christina's pension. 1842. An insurrection breaks out in Barcelona and the na- 
tional guard join the insurgent* ; Barcelona surrenders to the regent Espartero. 1843. The revoln- 
tionary Junta re-established at Barcelona ; the revolution successful, and Espartero flies to Cadiz and: 
thence to London ; Isabella, thirteen years old, declared to be of age and proclaimed queen. 1844. 
The queen-mother returns to Spain. 

RUSSIA. 

1841-45. The Russian Empire at this time, with the Emperor Nicholas at its head, presents the 
tame history of a people enjoviiig the blessings of pe.iee. Nicholas was ambitious ; he was also wise. 
His covetous gaze was ccpnt'in'nallv on the Turk and on domains in Asia. Ho hfid long before asserted, 
the belief that the destruction of" the Turkish Empire and driving the Ottomans from Europe were 
measures necessary for the pennanent security of the Christian Powers In Europe. He was in the 
habit of speaking of Turkey as "the sick man.'' 

ITALY. 

1841-45. Italv still continued submissive under the sway of various masters, yet not any of ths 
patriotic zeal of the people for national freedom -was abated. Pope Gregory XTI. ruled the Papal 
States. 

DENMARK, S'WEDEN, AND NOR'WAY. 

1844. King Bemadotte dies and is succeeded by his sou Oscar as king of Sweden an(l Norway. 
Christian Till, still ruled Denmark. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 

1844. The ex-King William of Holland dies ; his son. William II., is sovereign of Holland. The 
new kingdom of Belginm soon settled into a peaceful calm after the revolution which created it, and 
under a peaceful policv it ha,s made great progress in everv department of human industry. It lies 
between Holland and France and occupies 1 1,370 square mile"s. It is divided into nine provinces. Its 
Boil is generally productive and its coal-fields are very extensive. Next to England Belgium jiroduces 
more fuel than any other countrv in Europe. It comprises the domain of old Flanders, and of its. 
5,000,000 or 6,000,000 inhabitants f'ullv ii.500,000 speak the Flemish language. 




,'"':■ '\ 



^/^/^.^^^^ 



W<— -^ 



Ninth President. 



Btim in Berkeley, Charles City co., J 'a., Feb. g, 1773. Educated at Hampton Sidney 
College and studied medicine. Joined the Northwestern Army, 1792, serving against the 
Indians, Secretary of the Northwestern Territoiy, 1797, and Delegate to Congress, I7gg. 
First Territorial Go7>ernor of Indiana, 1800, sen'ing twelve years, and concluding eighteen 
Indian treaties. Gained the celebrated ball. e of Tippecanoe over the Indians, Nov. 7, iSil. 
Commander of the Northwestern Army during 7var of l?ii2. Elected to Congress from Ohio, 
1816. Minister to the Republic of Columbia, .S. A., 1828. Elected Prrsideiit of the United 
States, 1840. Died April ^, 1841, one month after inauguration Vice-President John 
Tyler. 





Tenth Prksiiient. 



Boni ill Charles City ro., I'a., March 2q, l/ijo. Gratliiatc at William and Mary College. 
1807. Admitted to the bar when ig, and elected to the Legislature when 21. Elected to 
Congress, 1816. Elected Governor of Virginia, 1S26, and sent to the U. S. Senate the 
following year, resigning in 1836. Elected Vice-President, 1S40. Became President of the 
United States by the death of President Harrison, April ^, 1S41. Presiding officer of the 
Peace Congress, Washington, D. C, Feb., 1861. Member of Virginia Convention which 
decided to secede, .April, 1861. Elected member of Confederate Senate. Died Jan. 17, 1862. 
President of the Senate, William H. King. 



9-^ 




mr-i^^ 







m. 










Eleventh President. 



i?(irH /« Mecklcitberg co., A". C, A^ov. 2, 1 795. Graduate at the University of A^'crth 
Carolina, 1815. Adtnitted to the />ar, 1S20. Elected Representati^'e to the Tennessee Lo'^is- 
lature, 1823. Elected to Con;.ness, 1825, and held his ^eat until 1839, Avho- Speaker l835-'37. 
Elected Governor of Tennessee, 1S39. Elected President of the United States, 1S44. T"''''' 
Mexican JVar occurred during his adntinistration. Retired frotn the Presidency, A/arch 
1849. Died fune 15, 1849. I'ice-Presidcnt, George M. Dallas. 



CONTEMPOKAXHOUS EYENTS. 

Polk's Administration [1845-1849]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1845. Jiimcs K. Polk inaugurated PresiJent of the I'niteil States; Florida and Texas admitted 
Into the Union ; death of Andrew J aeksou. 1846. War vith iMexico begun ; liattles of Pali) Alto and 
Resaea de la Palma ; Iowa admitted into the Uniim ; proclamation of war with llexieo; .Seotts .suc- 
cessful campaign in Mexico from Vera Cruz to the t'ity of ilcxico. 1847. General Kearney take.^ 
possession of Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States troo]is evervwhere rietorious ; battle of" Bueua 
Vista ; California declared a part of the United States. 1848. Peace ivith Mexico concluded and pro- 
claimed ; WLsconsin admitted iuto the Union ; gold discovered iu California- Cieueral Taylor elected 
President of the United States. 

GREAT BRITAIN 

1845. Anti-Com-Law agitation ; permission given to remore Napoleon's remains from St. Helena; 
Danish possessions in the East Indies pm'chased by the English ; Irish National Education Society in- 
corporated ; failure of the potato crop iu Ireland ; Sikh War in ludia. 1846. Citadel at Lahore. India, 
occupied by the English and the Sikh War ended ; British officers iu India raised to the peerage. 
Wil. O'Connell's last speech iu Parliament; $.50,000,01111 given for the relief of the famLshiug Irish. 
1848. State trials iu Ireland; Irish agitators sentenced to transportation. 

FRANCE. 

1845. Attempt to assassinate the king. 1846. Louis Na])oleon escapes from Ham ; seventh at- 
tempt on the life of the king ; marriage of the l)uke of Moutpensier to the Infanta of Spain. 1847. 
Jerome Bouaparfo returns to France after an exile of thirty-two years ; death of the ex-Empress Maria 
Louisa. 1848. A proposed griind reform banquet at I'aris and violent revolutionary tumult iu couse- 

S.ience ; ijouis Philippe nbdlcates iu tavor of his infant gnunlsou, the Count of Paris ; a repulilic pro- 
aimed and a provisjoual government formed ; perpetual banishment of the king and bis family do- 
creed ; Ked Kepublicaus ; Paris in a state of siege ; Louis Napoleon elected President of the Freucli. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 

1845, Don Carlos relinquishes his right to the crown iu favor of his son ; marriage of the Queen 
of Spain to her cousin. 1847. Two shots tired at thi^ cpieeu ; Hspartero restored to favor. 1848. Sir 
Henry Bulwer, the British envoy, ordered to leave Spain in forty -eight hours. I'm-tnii'il — 1846. A 
British squadron enters the Tagus. 1847. The insurgents enter Oporto; the Portuguese Jim ta sur- 
render to a Spanish force. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1848. Insurrections throughout Germany ; the King of Prussia takes the lead as an agitator to 
reconsolidate the Geruiau Empire by a proclamation ; German National Assembly meets at Frankfort. 
Austria — Itisurreetiou at Vienna and flight of Metternich ; the emperor flies to Inspruck ; Archduke 
John appointed vicar-gencral ot the empire ; a Constitutional Assembly meet at Vienna; the emperor 
abdicates iu favor of his nephew, Francis Joseph. JTiiiu/an/ — A formidable rebellion breaks out ; the 
insurgents defeated by the Austrians ; all who acknowledge the emperor as King of Hungary denounced 
as traitors. 

RUSSIA. 

1846. The Grand Duke Constantine anives in England. 1848. The European revolutions appear 
to have had little eU'oct ou the Russian Empire. Russian armies were sent to assist Austria against 
the Hungarians. The czar's own dominions safe from political disturbances, he was ready to assist 
other despotisms in supiircssiug popular liberty. The Russian forces prevented the accomplishment 
of the independence of Hungary in 1849. 

ITAL-y. 

1846. Pius IX. pope. 1847. The King of Sardinia espouses the cause of the Italian peopleagatnst 
Anstiia. 1848. Insurrection in Lombardy and Venice supported by the King of Sardinia and the 
pope ; Sardinian army defeated by Eadetzky, the Austrian general ; the Italians capitulate ; armistice 
between them and Austria. 

S'WITZERLAND. 

1846. An attempt to have the education of the peo|)le controlled by Protestants fails ; Roman 
Catholics now form a league (Sonderbund) to support education by the Jesuits ; insurrection at Geneva 
against Jesuit teaching. 1847. The diet declares the Sonderbund illegal. 1848. The Jesuits ex- 
pelled and monastic property secularized. 

DENMARK. 

1846. The crown of Denmark declares its right to the duchies of Schloswig and Holstein. 1848. 
Frederick IL ascends the throne; insurrections in the duchies the North Sea blockaded by the 
Danes ; Russian troops attack and defeat the Danes. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 

1846. Louis Bonaparte, ex-King of Holland, dies. 1848. The King of Holland agrees to political 
reforms and grants a new constitution. The only eft'ect upon liehiiinn of the revolutionary agitations 
in 1848 was the establi.shmeut of an electoral reform and the abolition of the newspaper duty. 




/^ri 



4<- 






^ 'C?i.-C^/z.i::tyr^^'y^ 



Twelfth President. 



Born in Orange CO., I'a., Sept. 24, 1 784. Commissioned as Lieut, in the Seventh Infantry, 
1808. Brevetted Major for heroic defense of Fort Harrison against Indians, June 19, 1812. 
From this petiod utitil 1S40 he 7oas enj^aged in a/most constant warfare ivilh the Indians in 
the West. Was in comtnand of Army of the Rio Giande, at opening of Htcxican War. 
Won the great battles of Palo Alto. Besaca de la Palina, Monterey and Buena Vista. 
Elected President of the United Stales. 2848. Died July 9, 1850. Vice-President, Millard 
Fillmore. 



rOXTEMl'ilHANEOUS EVENTS. 

Taylor and Fillmore's Administration \1S49 1853\. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1849. Zachary Taylor inaugnratiHl ProsiiluDt uf the ruitiil States: Xcw Mesiro erected into & 
Territory ; inter-State "eon ventiou in favor of a railway tf) the Paeitie. 1850. Movement in Canada in 
favor of' annexation to the Uniteil States : Aretic exjiedition to seareh for Sir .lohu Franklin sails; 
Southi'rn convention to consider the slavery question ; President Taylor dies ; Viee-Presideut FiU- 
more inaugurated President: f'alifornia admitted into the I'uiou : passage of the Fngitive-Slave Act. 
1851. Lopez's expedition against fuba sails ; Kossuth visits the I'uited States. 1852. Kossnth pub- 
licly received by Congress ; Commodore Pen'v sent to Japan to make a treaty. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1849. Adelaide, Queen-dowager of Eughmd. dies : t,)ueen Victoria visits Ireland and liolds her 
«ourt at Dublin ; Irish Tenant League meets ; the Sikh army surrenders unconditionally. 1850. The 
queen visits Belgium; Bengal native infantry disbanded.' 1851. Burmese War ; Pegu aunexeJ to 
British India ; great exhilution of the ivorld's industry opens in London , gold arrives from Australia; 
Duke of Wellington dies. 

FRANCE. 

1849. An anticipated insurrection provided against. 1850. Louis Philippe dies at Claremont, 
England, in exile. 1851. Electric telegi-aph connection between England and France established; 
Louis Napoleon's cottp-d'etal ; one hundred and eighty members of the Legislative Assembly arrested ; 
Paris in a state of siege, and bloody conflicts in the city ; Consultative Commission founded ; Louis 
Napoleon elected president for ten years. 1852. MembeVsof the Assembly banished; " liberty trees " 
cut down and burnt ; National (juard disbandetl ; Louis Napoleon elected emperor of the French aa 
" Napoleon III." ; marries Eugenie, a Spanish maiden. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 

1850. Isabella II. queen ; diplomatic relations between Spain and England interrupted ; the in- 
fante, Don Henrique, permitted to return to Spain : the queen i>ardous the tilibusteros who invaded 
Cuba ti'oiu the United States ; a princess born ; attempted assassination of the queen ; the renowned 
General Castanos dies at the age of ninety-six. Portinjal — Maria II. queen ; an American squadron en- 
forces claims against the government, 1851. A military imsurrection led by the Duke of Soldanha ; 
he enters Oporto in triumph ; marriage of Don Miguel ; revision of the constitution by the Cortes 
sanctioned by the queen. 

GERMANY. 

1849. The German National Assembly elects t tie king of Prussia emperor of Germany ; he declines 
the honor and recalls the Prussian members of the Assembly ; the Frankfort Assembly transfers its 
sittings to Stnttgardt ; treaty of Vienna betweeiu Austria and Prussia for the formation of a new cen- 
tral government : the alliance ot Prussia againsf some of the smaller German states protested against 
by Kussia; treaty of some of the states for a revision of the Union, Hinnjarii declares itself a tree 
state; Kossuth supreme governor; the Kussians assist the Aiistrian.s ; several battles between the 
Hungarians and Austrians and kussians ; utter def?at of the Hungarian army bj' Haynau ; Kossuth 
flees to Turkey ; patriots shot ; amnesty granted ; many executions, 

RUSSIA. 

1849. Russia demands the expulsion of Hungarian refugees from Turkey. 1850. They are sent to 
Konifdi, ill Asia Minor; conspiracy against the life and policy of the emperor detected; harbor of 
Sebastojiol completed ; an extensive conscription for the army put in force in western Russia by 
order of the czai- ; the czar visits Vienna, 

ITALY. 

1849. A divLsion of the Sardinians partially defeated by the Austrians; their com]ileto defeat 
afterwards ; King Cliarles Albert abdicates in favor of his sou. Victor Kuimauuel ; Charles .\lliert dies 
at Oporto .Inly is ; treatv of Milan between Sardinia and Austria signed. 1850. Ecclesiastical juris- 
dictions abolished, 18^1. Count Cavour made Ministiq- of Foreign Aflfairs, Papal .S(((to— 1849. A 
Constitutional Assembly meets at Rome ; the people divested of all political power; the French occupy 
Civita Vecchia ; French repulsed from Rome ; the pope appeals to the great Roman Catholic powers ; 
a French officer presents the keys of the gates of Rome to the pope at Gaeta ; re-establishment of the 
pope's authority proclaimed ; th'e pope establishes a Roman Catholic hierarchy in England. 

DENMARK. 

1849. War between Denmark and the duchies renewed : victory of the Danish troops over those 
of the allied Germans .and of the duchies; armistice signed at Malmo. 1850. Denmark makes a 
separate peace with Prussia : the integrity of Denmark guaranteed by England, France, Russia, and 
Sweden ; the Danes gain victories over the troops of Holstein ; protocol signed in London by the min- 
isters of all the great powers. 1851. Holstein places its rights under the protection of the'Gemianio 
Confederation. 1852. Austrians evacuate Holstein; the succession ot the Danish crown settled. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 
1849-52. William III. king of Holland ; Leopold I. king oi' Belgium, 




TiiiRTLKN III President. 
Born at Sumnii-r Hill, X. Y.,Jan. 7, iSuo. Lciiuiid the clothii:r' s trade; /'ought his time 
when 19, and began a course of legal study under Judge Il'ood, iv/io defrayed all Ins expenses. 
Admitted to the bar at Aitrora, 1823, as an attornev, 1827, and as a eouneilor in the Supreme 
Court, 18215. Elected to the Legislature, 1829. Elected to Congress, 1832, '36. Defeated in 
the Gubernatorial election, 1844. Elected Comptroller of the State. 1 847. Elected Vice- 
President, 1848. Became President of the United Stales by the death of President Taylor, 
July 1^, 1850. Vied March 8, 1874. 



CONTEMPOKANEOUS EVENTS. 

Pierce's Administration [1853 1857]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1853. Fninlilin Pioroo inauniirati'd Prcsiilciit of fhc I'liitod Statps ; dispiiti'S with Mexico con- 
cerning bouiid.irios ; (.'XjM'ilitiipii to i-x[t]on' 111'' Tinrtlifiist i-n;ist of Asia sails, also cue for tlie Arctic 
Seas iiuder I>r. Kane; four cxpcilitiniis ln-gin cxploraliniis tor a rontu for a niilway to tile Paeitie; 
Perry's expedition arrives at Japau ; t'r.vstal I'alace Exliiljition opeued in New York. 1854. Treaty 
witli" Japan concluded; the " Ostend Circular " issued ; Kansas-Nebraska Bill passed; steamer jlir^c 
lost. 1855. The Panama railway opened ; American filibusters under Walker in Nicaragua defeat- 
ed ; poMtical troubles in Kansas fiegin ; Kane's expedition returns to New York. 1856. A Free-State 
Lejjislatm'e assembles at Topeka, Kansas ; official iuterct)urse with the British minister suspended ; 
civil war iu Kansas ; the famous Charter 0;ik at Hartford blown down. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1853. England and other great/ poweis take measures to establish peace between Russia and Tur- 
key ; tirst railway iu India opi-m-d from Bombay , t'ude annexed to the British Empire in India ; the 
queen visits lii'iaud; Natiimal .\.ssi>(iation tdr the Vindication of Scotti.sh Rights formed. 1854, 
Treaty of alliance between England, France, and Turkey signed ; beginning ot the Crimean War. 
1855. Emperor and emjiress of the French visit England ; the queen and her husband visit the French 
eovcrcigus ; peace with Kussia proclaimed. 1856. War with China and Persia begins. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 

1854. Birth and death of a princess; General O'Donnell and others banished; military insurrec- 
tion near Madrid ; MatWd and Barcelona " pronounce " against the government; peace re'stored and 
Espartcro in favor; the (juccu-uiother impeached and leaves Spain. 1855. New constitutiou of the 
<'ortcs [iroposed ; the Cortes vote that '■ all iMn\'er proceeds from the people"; Don Carlos dies. 1856. 
liadical changes in administration. Portiii/iil — 1853. Death of Queen Maria; the king-consort be- 
comes regent ; Dom Pedro V., aged sixteen, king ; he visits England slaves in the royal domains 
freed. 1855. First railway in Portugal opened. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1853 — Prussia, A revolutionary plot discovered at Berlin : Prussia signs a protocol for preserving 
the integrity of Turkey. 1854. Continues neutral during the Crimean War. 1855. Excluded from the 
conference at Vienna. .1 /i.»7; ,;»— 1853. Attempted as.sassination of the emperor: commercial treaty 
w^th Prussia. 1854. Alliance with England ; ullianci' with England and France relative to the East- 
ern (luestion. 1855. Coni-ordat with the ]iope. Hmniarii—libi. Crown of St. Stephen and royal in- 
signia discovered and sent to Vienna. 1856. Amnesty for pohtical offenders of 1848-4:i. 

RUSSIA. 

1853. War -wdth Turkey ; the czar concentrates his forces on the frontiers of Turkey ; confer- 
ence between the emperors" of Russia and Austria at Olmiitz ; also of the czar and the king of Prussia 
at Warsaw. 1854. Friends (called Quakers) intercede with the czar for peace ; ten northern pro- 
vinces put in a state of siege ; war with England. France, and Turkej- — the Crimean War. 1855. The 
czar says ho will fight only for the faith .and Chri.stianity : Nicholas dies ; Alexander II, ascends the 
throne ; visits his army at SebastopoL 1856. Crowned" at Moscow ; proclamation of peace in the 
Crimea. 

ITALY. 

1855. In Sardinia a bill for the suppression of convents passed ; conventions with England and 
France to employ fifteen thousand troops for the war in the Crimea signed. 1856. A rupture with 
Austria and subsequent war; an important concordat between the ]iope and Austria completed liy 
which much of the liberty of the Austrian Church was given up to the Papacy ; great dissatisfaction 
prevails throughout the Austrian Empire ; English and Freuch ambassadors withdrawn from Naples ; 
attempted assassination of the king. 

DENMARK. 

1852. The succession of the crown of Denmark w.as settled bv a trcatv signed at London. It 
was awarded to Prince Christian, of the Souderburg-Glucksburg line, and h"is male heirs. This ar- 
rangement gave gi-eat dissatisfaction both to Denmark and to the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, 
as on the event of the oxtinetion of this familv Russia reserved the ancient right of succeeding to a 
portion of the duchies. This treaty was rejec"ted by the legislature in 1852 and 1853; but the king, 
feeling himself pledged to the fiu'eigu powers, dissolved the Assemblv in 185;t. and the treaty waa 
accepted by a new legislature in 185L That year the king presented a new constitutiou. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 

1853. The re-establishment of a Roman Catholic ministry iu Holland announced ; increase of the 
army of Helgium to one hundi'ed thousand men voted; the king (Leopold) proclaims Belgium neutral 
in the Italiau War. 




£77%^//^ 




C^cC^ 



Fourteenth President. 
Sonof General Bc-njainiii ricice, of the Ktrolutioiiary Army. Bont at I/iHsborii, .V. //., 
A'ov. 23, 1804. Graduate at Bowdoin College, Me., 1S24. Admitted to the bar, 1S27. 
Elected to State Legislature, 1829, remaining four years, and being Speaker two. Elected to 
Congress, 1833; to the U. S. Senate, 1837; and re-elected 1?>\1. Resigned \%\2 and resumed 
pratice of la~,o at Concord, A'. H. Dec. ined appointment as Attorney-General by President 
Polk. Enrolled himself for the Ahwican War as a pri-rate, but received a Bng.-General's 
commission from the Piesidint before his departure, March, 1S47. Pesigned his commission 
after the war, resuming his la7o practice. Elected President of the United Slates, 1S52. 
Pesumed his profession at close of term. Died Oct. 8, lS6q. I'ice-President, William R. 
King. Died before taking seat. 



CONTEMPORANEOUS EVENTS. 

Buchanan's Administration [1857-1861], 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1857. James Buehauan inaugurated Pre.sideut of the United States ; Chief-Justice Taney gives 
tlie famous decisiou in the Dred Scott ease ; the Atlantic cables break in August ; United States 
troops forbidden to enter the Mormon territory. 1858. Minnesota admitted into the Union ; first [icr- 
numeut telegraphic communication between Europe and America established ; rebellion of the ilor- 
mous put down. 1859. John Urown's raid at Harper's Ferry. 1860. First embassy from Japan ar- 
rives ; stormv Democratic National Convention at (.'harlestoil ; threats of disimion in all parts of the 
Southern States; Abraham Lincoln elected Frcsidcut (if the United States ; South Carolinians pass 
an ordinance of secession ; civil war begins in Charleston harbor. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1857. Mutiny of the Sepoys and others in India ; wars in British India from 1857 to 1860 : great 
ciMiiniercial jiauic. 1858. Marriage of the princess royal to the crown prince of Prussia; Jewish 
Disability Bill jiasscd ; the government of the East India Company ceases. 1859. Proclamation of 
the neutrality of England concerniug the Italian war ; organization of volunteer rifle corps author- 
ized ; commercial treaty with France approved by Parliament. 1860. The queen reviews eighteen 
thousand volunteers in Hyde Park ; great emigration to America from Ireland ; the qtieen and her 
husband visit their daughter in Prussia; peace with China signed ; Prince of Wales visits the United 
States. 

FRANCE. 

1857. Conspiracy to assas.sinate the emperor discovered in July; the emperor and empress visit 
England; Napoleon 'ill. meets Alexander II. at Stuttgardt. 1858. 'Au attempt to assassinate the em- 
peror in Januarv ; Public Safety Bill [lasscd ; rcp\ililican outbreak at Chalons sujipri'ssed ; conference 
at Paris respecting the Daniibia'n principalities. 1859. War against Austria declared ; victory of the 
French and Sardinians at Solfcrino; peace concluded in July. 1860. Treaty for the annexation of 
Savoy and Nice signed ; the emperor meets the German sovereign at Baden ; pas.sports for English- 
men discontinued. 

SPAIN AND PORTtTGAL. 

1857. Isaliella queen of Spain ; insurrection in Andalusia speedily sup])ressed ; cruel military 
executions; O'l>onnell again chief minister. 1858. Siege i^f liancloua erases; joint French and 
Spanish expedition against Coehin-China arrived. 1859. AVar with Monice<] begins. 1860. O'Donnell 
commands the army in Africa ; Moors defeated and ])eace agreed to on hard terms for the Africans ; 
Na|)olcon's proposal to admit Spain as a first-class power opposed by England and given up. Puiiifi/al 
— 1858. French ships of war accompany the ultimatum of the French government to the Tagus. 1860, 
Heath of King Pedro V. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1857. Excitement throughout Germany at tin- successes of the French troops in Lombardy; 
diidomalic intercourse between Austria and Sardinia broken off; alarming illness of the King of 
Prussia, and his son appointed regeut. 1858. I'rus.sia declares its neutrality in the Italian w.ar, but 
arms to protect Germany. 1859. Conference at Kiscnaeh concerning German unity, and Prussia 
asked (but declines) to take the initiative. 1860. The regent of Prussia and Napoleon meet at 
Baden ; death of Frederick William IV. of Prussia ; Htmgary deman>;s a restoration of the old con- 
stitution. 

RUSSIA. 

1857. The czar meets Napoleon at Stuttgardt aud the Emperor of Austria at Weimar, 1858. 
Partial emancipation of the serfs on the imperial dimmins ; the establishment of a Russian naval sta- 
tion on the Mediterranean at Villa Franca produces some excitement in Eur>j>c. 1859. Russia dis- 
approves the w.arlike movements of the Gennan Confederation during the Italian war ; the czar pro- 
tests iigainst the recognition of the sovereignty of the people. 

ITAIiY. 

1859. War between Austria and Italy begins ; peaceful revolutions in Florence and a provisional 
government established : insurrection in the Papal States ; the pope appeals to Europe against the 
King of Sardinia ; Garibaldi exhorts the Italians to arm ; Tuscany, Modcna, Parma, and the Ro- 
magiia form a defensive alliance ; Tuscany chooses Prince Eugene as regent of Central Italy ; (.Jari 
baldi retires from the Sardinian sei-vice ;' Sardinian constitution jiroclaimed. 1860. Savoy aud Nica 
ceded to France ; French troops leave Italy ; insurrection in the Papal States ; Victor Emmanuel enters 
Naples as king. 

DENMARK. 

1857. The Sound duties abolished for a compensation. 1858. Fortification of Copenhagen de- 
creed : discussion between the government and the duchies carried on with zeal. 1860. The Assem- 
bly of Schleswig complains that the promise of equality of national rights has not been kept. anJ 
protests against annexation to Denmark ; Prussia declares it will aid the duchies ; Denmark threaten! 
war if troops of the German Confediratiou cutiT tlii' duchies. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 
1857-61. During this period Holland and Belgium were undisturbed by any serious political agi 
tatiou. There was a persistent conflict between the two great parties in Belgium known as " Catho 
lie" and " Liberal," the special topic of dispute being tne influence of the clergy in public instruction 
The Liberals gained the upper hand in 1858, and ruled the country till 1870. 




Sc 




^77te<J (:^<^^^r^;=^^^^?2:--<5i^=5^ 



Fifteenth Presipent. 



Born in Franklin cottnlv, Pu., April 23, 171)1. Gnuiiiale at Dickinson Co//e^',\ iSog. 
Admitted to the liar, 1S12. Elected to the State Li:^islatiirc, 1S14; re-elected, 1S16. Elected 
to Congress, 1820; resigned Ufa re h, 1S31. A/'fiointed Ministei- to Knssia, May, 1831. j?t- 
/«;-«t-i;' 1S34, and elected to U. S. Senate for an unexpired term; re-elected for full terms, 
1S36, 1842. Secretary of State during President Polk's athninistration. Appointed Minister 
to England. 1S53. Returned \%',(i. Elected President of the United States, 1856. The Civil 
War broke otit in the closing months of his administration. Died June I, 1868. ]'iee- 
President, John C. Breckenridge. 



CONTEMPORANEOUS EVENTS. 

Lincoln and Johnson's Administration [1861 1869]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1861. f'onventious in Soiithorii States pass (irdinaui'fs of secession ; the groat civil war begun ; 
inauguration of Abraham Lincoln : Fort Sumter attacked ; the President calls for troops to put down 
rising rebellion ; Congress inakcs provision of men and monev for a war ; the English government 
favors the insurgents. 1862. The government and the banks' suspend specie payments : war with 
England threatened ; futile eilort.s to capture Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. 1863. The 
euuiucipatioTi of the slaves ])roelaimed ; the civil war rages in eleven States of the Union ; decisive 
battle at Gettysburg ; the fall of Vickslnng opi'us the 51ississippi to free navigation ; Lincoln n' i-lected 
President; Southern |iort.s " repossessed." 1865. Siuivudi-r of the Confederute armies and close of 
the civil war ; assassination of Lincoln : \'ice-l'resident .lohnson becomes President ; re<n-ganization 
of the States l)egin. 1866. Successful laying of the Atlantic cable ; the President in open opposition 
to Congress. 1868. The President impeached ; V. S. Grant elected President. , 

GREAT BRITAIN. 
1861. Ifreat excitement about the capture of llasou and SUdell : the queen and Prince of Wales 
risit Ireland ; death of Prince Alltert. 1862. tireat distrt-^s among the manufacturing classes ; Prince 
of AVales marries a Danish princess ; distress in Ireland and numerous agrarian murders : great increa.se 
in the cultivation of cotton in British India. 1663. England. Prance, and Austria reuuuistrate ^vith 
Russia on cruelties in Poland. 1864. Enthusiastic reception of Garibaldi in England ; the loniaQ 
Islands made over to Greece. 1865, Important commercial treaty with Austria signed. 1866. New 
Parliament opened. 1867-68. Reform Bill jiassed ; a British aiiny conquers Abyssinia; Mr. Glad- 
stone becomes prime minister and moves the disestablishment of the Irish Church. 

FRANCE. 
1861. Prince Napoleon speaks in favor uf Italian unity, the English alliance, and against the 
temporal jiowcr of the pope ; a circular forbidding the priests to meddle with polities issued; official 
recognition of the kingdcun of Italy ; convention between Great Britain, France, and Spain respecting 
intelTentil^n in Mexico. 1862. French victories in Cochin-China; the French declare war against 
tlic Mexican government. 1863. Xapiileou makes Arehduki- Maximilian emperor of Mexico; invites 
a eongress of European sovereigns. 1865. An internatioual exliiliition of industry decreed. J866. 
Prussia refuses compliance with Napoleon's denumds. 1867. (rreat exhibition opeue3 in Paris. 1868. 
An impending crisis warded otf. 

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. 

1861. Santo Domingo annexed to Spain : intervention in Mexico. 1862. Church property sold. 
1863. Don .John de Bourbon renounces his right to the throne ; Emperor of France visits the Queen 
of Si)ain. 1864. Rupture with Peru ; Queen Chri.stina returns to Spain. 1866. Peace with Peru ; 
crown lands sold ; Santo Domingo given up ; militar)' insurrections. 1868. Flight of the queen to 
France. 

THE GERMAN CONFEDERATION. 

1861. A German National Association decide to build a German Heet. 1862. They recommend 
the formation of a federal government under the leadership of Prussia; meeting of plenipotentiaries 
from the German states respecting federal reform. 1863. Congress of deputies of German states to 
consider national reform ; the Emperor of Austria invites a German congress at Vienna; Prussia de- 
clines. 1864. Prussia retaius the duchies. 1865. The Ga,stein convention signed. 1866. Prussian 
troops march into Holsteiu. 1867. New Geniian constitution adopted. 

RUSSIA. 

1861. Decree for the total emancipation of 23,000,000 serfs issued ; a jiobtical constitution askedi 
for. 1862. Increased privileges granted the Jews. 1863. Insurrection in Poland ; termination of 
serfdom in Russia March 3. 1864. Representative government asked for. 1865. Province of Turkis- 
tan, in Central Asia, established. 1867. Sells Alaska to tlic United States. 

IT ALT. 

1861. The French fleet retires from Gaeta ; a-ssembling of Italian Parliament, which declares Vic- 
tor Emmanuel King of Italv ; the kingdom recognized bv other powers ; a Spanish revolutionist at- 
tempts to cause an uprising'of the people in Sicilv and is shot. 1862. Triumjihant progress of Gari- 
baldi through Italy cst^iblishing rifle clubs ; calls on thi- Hungarians to rise and England to join in the 
general cause of libertv ; Mazzini i,s.sues an inflammatoiT manifesto. 1863. The king visits Naples; 
review of the National'Guard. 1864. Jews permitted to (Iwell at Home ; decree for the transfer of the 
caj.ital. 1865. New Pariiament meets at Florence. 1866. Proposed alliance with Prussia. 1867. 
Garibaldi and his volunteers active. 1868. Frequent risings of the people induced by Mazzini's 
teaching and Garibaldi's activity. 

DENMARK. 

1861. German troops enter the duchies ; decimal coinage adopted. 1862. Union of Denmark 
and Sweden proposed. 1863. Schleswig annexed to Denmark ; crown of Greece accepted for Prince 
George ; the trerman Diet demands of Denmark the uniting the duchies with equal rights ; the Dan- 
ish army strengthened ; King Frederick VII. dies and accession of Christian IX. ; great excitement 
•rnong the northern Powers. 1864. War for the duchies ; treatjr of peace signed at Vienna. 186& 
k new eonstitution for Denmark. 

BELGIUM. 

1865. King Leopold I. dies ; ascension of LeopoUl II. 





'fW^ 




'^ 



^X'o^'-'^-i-C-c^-t^S^ 



Sixteenth President. 

Born in Hardin county, A'y., Feb. I2, l8og. Removed to Illinois, 1830, and worked at 
rail-splitting, flat-boating and clerking. Was Captain in the Black Hawk War, 1832. 
Studied latv; began practice, 1836; settled in Springfield, 1S37. Elected to State Legislature, 
1836, 1838; to Congress, 1846. Republican candidate for U. S. Senator, in opposition to 
Stephen A. Douglas, with whom he canvassed the State, 1858. Elected President oj the 

United States, i860; re-elected, 1864. ./ -oar measure, his Bfmancipation Proclamation, 
taking effect Jan. i, iftb^,, put an end to slavery forever in the United States. Shot by 
John Wilkes Booth, April 14, 1865, at Washington, D. C.,and died the following day. 

Vice-Piesident, flrst term, Hannibal Hamlin ; second term, Andre^o Johnson. 





^^^^<^^^:^ipn^ 



Seventeenth President. 
Born at Raleigh, N. C, Dec. 29, iSoS. Kever atlenjai Suhool. Instriuled principally by 
his -iiife. Emigrattd to Greenville. Tennessee, 1826, ami began business as a tailor. 
AlJerman of the town. 1S2S. Mayor. l830-'34. Elected to State Legislative, 1835^ re- 
elected 1839. Elected to State Senate, 1841. Member of Congress. lS43-'53, Elected 
Governor of Tennessee. 1853, and U. S. Senator. 1857. Strong Union man at opening of 
Civil IKar. Appointed Military Governor of Tennessee. iS62-'64. Elected I'ice-President. 
1864. Became President of the United States on the assassination of President Lincoln, 
April \^, 1865. The hostility hetzoeen tlie President and t/ie party that elected him began in 
1866, and resulted in his being impeached, Feb., 1868. On his trial before the High Court of 
Impeachment, the votes of the Court were taken in May on three of the eleven articles, which 
resulted in ■i^ for conviction to ig against. //•• zoas, therefore, acquitted o>t these, a two-thirds 
vote being necessary to convict, and the vote on the remainder was indefinately postponed. 
Elected U. S. Senator, 1S74. Died July ■i\, 1875. President of the Senate, L. S. Foster. 




'■f--^^^^' 




P^ t^.>e^<^ 



7t 



Eighteenth President. 



, Bom at Point Pleasant, Ohio, April 27, 1822. Graduale at U. S. Militaiy Academy, 
1843. Served in the Mexican War. Ordered to Oregon, 1S52. Captain, 1853. Resigned 
coiinnission, 1S54. Removed to Galena where he engaged in the tanning business. Colonel 2.\st 
III. I'ols. and Brig.-Gen.. July, 1S61. Appointed Lieut. -General, March, 1864. Received 
surrender of Confederate General Lee, April 1^, 1S65. Commissioned General, a grade created 
for him by Congress, July 25, 1866. Elected President of the United States, 1S68, 1872. 
Started on a tour of the world from Philadelphia, May 17, 1877, returning via. San Fran- 
cisco, Sept. 20, 1879. Died, July, 23, 1885. Vice-President, first term, Schuyler Colfix; 
second term, Henry Wilson. 



t'ONTEMl-OKAKEOTS EVENTS. 

Grant's Administration [1869-1877]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1869. TTlj-sses S. Grant inaugurated rrcsideut nf the United States ; measures for the restoration 
of the Uuiou adopted; the XVtti C'oustitiitioual Amendment adopted— the last for securing liberty 
and eqnalitr to every citizen ; railway to the Pacific completed. 1870. A Joint High Commission for 
the settlement of disputes between America and Great Britain sits in Washington ; weather-signalling 
iutrodueed ; Fenians invade Canada. 1871. Treaty eoueerning the depredations of the Aldlmma ; 
tribunal of arbitration appointed. 1872. .\ ward of 'the tribunal paid; the Union perfectly rcstoredl 
1874. A new apportionment of representation made. 1875. I'reparatiou for the resumptioii of speeie 
payment. 1876. Ureat Centennial E.\hiliition in Philadelphia ; war with the Sioux ; Colorado adniitr 
ted into the Union. 1877. Decision of the Electoral Commission. 

GREAT BRITAIN 
1869. Bill for the disestablishment of the Irish Church becomes a law ; treaty for settling the 
Alahuma ditliculty with the United States rejected by the latter. 1870. A tieneral Education Act 
passed. 1871. Religious tests in the universities as to lay students abolished ; the svstem of pur- 
chasing commissions in the armv abolished. 1872. The tribunal of arbitratiiin decide that Ureat 
Britain should pav the United States sl.'i,.',00,(IOii because of the depredati(uis of the .lAi/"'m.t ,■ the 
award passed. i8'73. Gladstone niiuistrv resign and Disraeli forms a new mmistry. 1874. Dissolu- 
tion of Parliament ; Ashantee War. 18t6. War iu Afghanistan continues. 

FRANCE. 

1869. Discovery of waste and extravagance in the use of the public money ; much dissatisfaction 
and ojiposition to the emperor manifested. 1870. Extensive discontentment among the laboring 
classes every where appears ; Napoleon seeks a quarrel with Prussia; war declared against Prussia July 
lit ; bcgiuning of the 1 ranco-German war ; Germany united aminst France ; the emperor takes his son 
to the front ; is defeated and made ]irisoiier at Seda"n September ■-.' ; destruction of the empire and end 
of the Napoleonic dynasty; Na|ioleon and fauiilv bud a refuge iu England, wiiere he dies. 1871. The 
French Republic established; M. Thiers the hr.<t President; brief reign of the Commune. 1872. Six- 
teen factions in the Legislative Assembly. 1873. The tiermau troops leave France ; Marshal MacMa- 
hon President 1874. Son of Napoleou'lll. saluted by the Bona|iartists as Napoleon IV. 

SPAIN. 

1869. Various insurrections in Spain stippressi'd with much bloodshed ; the Cortes vote against a 
repubUc. 1870. Prince Lec.p.ikl rf Ibihruznlleru-Sigmaringen elected king; the opposition of Franco 
to this choice! causes the Fraue.i-i ierman war ; Le. ip( ild declines, and Amadens, son of Victor Emmanuel, 
chosen king. 1872. A Carlist insurrection breaks out. 1873. Amadens, persistently opposed as a 
"foreigner." abdicates; slaveiT abolished in Porto Rico. West Indies; a republic established in 
Spain. 1874^76. Carlist power rapidly wanes. 1876. Reply of the Spanish government to the Vati 
can and insists upon maintaining religions toleration ; end of the Carlist rebellion. 

GERMAN r. 

1869. Napoleon's schemes to prevent German unity (the North and South Confederations) hasten 
that result ; Prussia's war with Austria and other German states placed the former at the head of the 
German Confederacy and marked it as one of the first military powers of Europe ; Schleswig and Hol- 
stein and other territory annexed to Prussia. 1871. King WilGam crowned Emperor of united Ger- 
many in Januarr, and on March -'1 the first Parliament of united Germany assembled at Vienna; 
since then Germany has been a unit 1872. Jesuit religious houses sunpressed. 1873. Roman t'a- 
tholics make fierce opposition to the govcrumeut. 1876. The " Old Catiiolics " abrogate the celibacy 
of the clergy. 

RUSSIA. 

1869. For several years Russia had been makiu" efforts to secure domain, commerce, and domin 
ion in western Asia. Expeditions compelled the siibiuissiou of several khanates, or small principali 
ties. 1872. An expedition sent against Khiva. 1873. Khiva, Bokhara, and Khokan in the jiower 
of the Kussiaus; a canal, sewn hundred and fifty miles lung, to connect the Caspian Sea with the Sea 
of Azov, at a co.st of .^GJ. 001). 000. begun by Russia. 1876. Russian infiuence in Afghanistan adverse 
to that of Briti.sh ; the emperor desires political reforms in the empire, but is opposed by the nobles ; 
Russia represented in tlie Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia. 

ITALY. 

1870. The King of Italy notifies the Roman Pontiff that Rome must Vie occupied as the capital of 
the kingdom ; Napoleon withdraws French troops from Rome ; end of the temporal power of the 
pope, which had been exercised I'm- eleven hundred vears. Decemhfr—T'hv Italian Parliament de- 
clares Kmne the capital of Italy. 1871. Bill of " Papal Guarantees," which permits the pope to enjoy 
the title of a sovereign and to receive an annuity of $(i25,000, passed ; its privileges refused by the 
pope, who occupies Rome as a spiritual sovereign ; Italian unity completed. 

DENMARK. 
1869. The war with the Germans dreadfully exhausted the kingdom, but it now gradually recu- 
perated ; the Danish crown ])rince marries the only dauirhter of the King of Sweden ; hope revived of 
the reunion of the three Seai>diiiavian kingdoms. 1874. The king visits Iceland on the one thou- 
sandth anniversary of its settlement by Scandinavians, and is received with enthusiasm. 








Nineteenth President. 
Born in Delaware^ Ohio, Oct. 4, 1S22. GraJiaite of Keiiyon Collet^c. Bc^^an practice of 
law in Cincinnati, 1856. Elected City Solicitor, 185S. Appointcii Major 2yl Ohio Inf., at 
opening of Ci'-'il War. Bre'.'cttcil Major-Gcnerat for li-a-rery at p'isher's Hi. I and Cedar 
Creek. Elected to Congress, Oct., 1865; re-elected 1S66. Elected Governor of Ohio, 1867, 
lS6g, 1S75. Repuldican canaidate for President, 1876. The adherents of Go-oernor .9. /. 
Tilden, the Deniocro^'e candidate, claimed the election fot him. Oioing to the extraordinary 
complications in several States, an Electoral Commission -cas autliorized by Congress, consist- 
ing of five members of the Senate, five of the p/onse and froe Associated Justices of the 
Snpreme Court. By a vote of % to 7 the Coatmission counted 185 7'otes of States for Hayes 
and ]Vheeler to 184 for Tiiden and Plendrichs. .Messrs. Haves and IVheeler 7vere accord- 
ingly inaugurated, March 4, 1877. .According to the official returns. Governor Tilden had a 
popular majority over all others, of \^-i,y)l votes. Vice-President, William .A. Wheeler. 



C X T K ir P K A N E U S E \' E X T S . 

Hayes' and Garfield's Administrations [1877-1881]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1877. Rutherford B. Hayes inau^uratoil I'rt'.sideut <it' flic Uiiitod States ; a conciiiatoiy polioj' to 
nariis the Soiithom States ailoptfil ■, good etlVets of the poUej soon manifested. 1878. Congress fail- 
ing to make ai)proiiriations for the mainteuanee of the military establishment, an extraordinary ses- 
sion was liehl in (letolii'r; the opposition in Congress seeiued disposed to bloek the wheels of 
government; an Anti-Chinese Bill vetoed. 1879. Congress refn.si's to vote appropriations for the 
su[>pi>rt of the government serviee ; an extraordinar}' session of Congress begins m ilureh ; resump- 
tion of speeie payment after inghteen years' su.speusion ; remarkable exodus of eolored i)eople from 
Southern States." 1880. A joint resolution to amend the Constitution si> as to give women a right to 
vote iutroduced in both Ilouses of Congress ; the President calls the attention of Congress to the 
subjeet of an iuter-oeeanic ship canal; James A. Garfield elected President of the United States. 
1881. Inaugurated March 4, begins a prosperous administration; shot by an assassin July 2; dies 
September 11'. 

GKEAT BRITAIN. 

1877. The queen proclaimed Empress of India; Parliament invites aetion in favor of snstiiining 
Turkey against linssia; convention with Egypt for the suppression ol the slave traile. 1878. The 
army reserve called out; preparations for war with Knssia ; the foreign policy of the government 
sustained; Lord Lome made governor of Canada; Cyprus ceded to England. 1879. Definitive 
treatv between Great Britain and Turkey ; war proseciited in southern Africa (the Transvaal and 
Znlutand). 1880. lri.sh Relief Bill passed"; Land League formed ; agitations prevail in Ireland ; Lord 
lieaeonsfield resigns; 01ad.stone becomes prime minister ; Irish Tenant Compensation Bill rejected 
liv tile Lords. 1881. Jrish members expelled from the Commons; the queen orders the court to go 
into mourning for a week for the death of President Garfield ; Lord Beaconstield dies ; Irish Land 
Bill [lassod. 

FRANCE. 

1877. Defeat of the Amnestv Bill and reorganizatioif of the ministn- ; repeal of the Press Law; 
triumph of the Ultramontane paVtv ; end of thi' ministerial crisis. 1878. lloliling „( another great 
Internatioual exhibition of industry. 1879. Itesignatiou of President Alr.Miihon ; .liiles (irevy elected 
Pri'sident of the French Republic"; amnesty granted to Communists ; restoration tif the seat of gov- 
ernment to Paris ; Legislature meets there for the first time since 1870; Internaticuial Ship-Canal 
<'ou"ress meet-s in Pans ; Princ* Lotus Napoleon Bonaparte killed in Africa; more than three thou- 
saniT Communists pardoned. 1881. France engages in war with Tunis. 

SPAIN. 
1877. Insurrections in Cuba ; constitutional giuuaiitees denied the Basque provinces ; universal 
sutTriigo established. 1878. Attempt to assassinate King Alfonso ; man-iagc of the young king and 
au archduchess of Austria. 1880. The Cortes iiass a bill (which becomes law) to abolish slavery in 
Cuba; the .sons ol King Alfonso declared the direct heirs to the Spanish throne with the title ot 
" Princes of Asturias " ; this was done by royal decree, which abrogated the decree of 1850. 1881, 
The king orders the court to go into moiu-niug for a week for the death of President Garfield. 

GERMANY. 

1877. The Reichstag, or Parliament, opem.l (Fi'lmiai-y 22) by the emperor; Bismarck, the Chan 
<^ellor of the Empire, has leave of absence from <pUicial duties; A' on Moltke, viewing the French 
buib'ct doubts a permanent peace with France ; Austriau and Hungarian delegations vote for credits 
asked liv the Austrian Minister of AVar. 1878. Attempted assassination of the emperor; signing ot 
the treatv of Berlin ; Austrian oeeupation of Bosnia and rierzegovina ; Socialist Bill adopted; con 
Teution between Au.stria and Turkey ; Bismarck's Parliamintary Disiipliue Bill rejected: all exiled 
clergy who ask permission allowed to retuni to (iermany. 1880. International conference at Berlin 
to de"iino the boundaries of Uroece. 1881. Anti Jewish movements in Gennany. 

RUSSIA. 

1877 Russia determines to inyade Turkey ; Turkey defies protocols signed at London ; Russian 
troons cross the Pruth ; Russia declares war against Turkey (April 2-1); Russian troops occupy 
Bucharest and eiit.^r Roumania. 1878. Preliminary treaty of peace between Russia and Turkey 
si.'iied 1879 Definitive treatv of peace between Russia and Turkey signed ; two atfem])ts to assas 
sinate'the czar 1880. Attempt to destroy the royal family by blowing nji the A\ inter Palace with 
dynamite ; Russians defeated by the Turkomans. 1881. Assassination of the emperor by the Nihil- 
ists ; accessicm of his son, Alexander III. 

' ITAL'y. 

1877 ('irdimil Joachim Peeci elected pope and receives the title of Leo XIIT. as the successor 
of Pius IX ' deceased 1878. Victor Emmannel dies: King Humbert, son and successor of ^ letor 
Kmmanue'l n-iirus wisely and maintains jieace and jirosperity in his dominions ; attempt to assassinate 
the king. 1880. Ab(ditioii of the grist tax. 

HOLLAND AND S'WEDEN. 

1877 The ■Tand ship-cinal eomiretiiur Auist.Mdain with the sea opened. 1879. Marriage of the 
Kin>' of I'lolland to the Princess Emma of Waldeck : Professor Nordeuskjold. an accomplished Swe 
dish" explorer, navigates the I'olar Sea around the north of Eiu-oi)e from the Atlantic to the Pacific 

«"•""• ' BELGIUM. 

1880 Belgium sii«neiids diplomatic relations with the A'ntican ; the king (U'ders the court to go 
into nlou^nng''.^ week for the death of President Garfield. 





■^<^i 




Twentieth President. 



Born in the town of Orange, Ohio, Nov. ig, 1831. Graduate at Williams College, 1856. 
Became Professor 0/ Latin and Greek in I/iram College, 0. Elected State Senator, 1859. 
Appointed Colonel, ^2d Ohio Vols., 1861. Nominated for Congress while in the field, 1862, 
but continued in service i/ntill&bj. Member of ■^'ith, 'i^th, 40///, 41^/, /\2d, 431/, 44//(, 45/// 
and ^blh Congresses. Elected U. S. Senator, Jan. 1880. Elected President of the United 
States, Nov., \%%0. Shot by Charles J. Guileau. Washington, D. C, July 2, li%I. Died at 
Elberon, A'. J., Sept. Ig, 1881. Vice-Presiduit, Chester A. .-Irthiir. 



CONTKM l"OI{ A N KOHS KVENTS. 

Arthur's Administration [1881-1885]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1881. (IhcsU^r A. Arllmr Hiiocupded Jiimos A. (Jiuiiclil ns Prosidoiit of the Tliiited States. 1882. 
Tho KilmiMicl.s' Aiiti-i'olvfJiiiny lilll ]iassed ; Anti-Cliim'.si! Law, to conliime ton yoiirn, piissrd ; I'lali 
rofihsod iidmissidii iw a f^tato ; a Hill to ^ivt^ the HiillVti^c to «-oiiicii I'iivoraltly reported to Coiijri'iy^s ; 
(.oinniissioiuM'rt to !ioj;otiate a trinity with Moxico aii[Hiiuti'ii. 1883 Tivil Scrvin- Ki'lorni Hill piissi'd ; 
dostriietion of lifn and jtroport)' in the Ohio \* alley by Hoods ; the Ma.st Kiver liridjit) (N'tiw ^'orU and 
Urooklvii) opeiiiid ; Northurii I'aeilic Railroad liiiished ; disliaiidint; of llie Continental Army, and tho 
Kvaciuitiou of New YcH'lt In' tho Itrilish in ITH:), (Mdeliratcd. 1884. Ccminiercial treaty with Mcxieo 
ratitied; sni'vivor.s of the (ireely Aretie Hxpedition rescued; (irover Cli'veiand t'leeteil I'ri'sident of 
till! United Stales— tell million votes east ; fireat lOxhihilion al New l.lileaiis o]>eneil ; a trealy of emn 
inoreial reeiproeitv with thiha negotiated, but not latilieil. 1886 W'jushington Alonnment dedicated ; 
General lirant pliuMid ou the retired list with fnll pay. 

ORE AT BRITAIN. 

1881. I'arnc'll, the Irish agitator, arrested in Dublin. 1882. liill to exclude atheists from Par- 
liament introduced; Queen Victoria shot at while passiii;; ilie Windsor railway station ; over five 
hundred agrarian outrages in Ireland in ouo nicnith reporled ; the Lord-ljieutcnant of Ireland and the 
Undersecretary murdered in Phceuix Park, Dublin ; British forces bombard and burn Ah^xaudria, in 
Euvpt, and scnze the Sue/. Canal; IJeprcssion liill ]iasscd. 1883. Alleni]it to blow u]i novernuieut 
offices at Westminster with dynamite ; a bill to rcilucc the Itrilish public debt Ssi;;,,lll»(l,(iO(l in twenlv 
years passed ; Lord Lansibus-ue inaugurated tiovcrnor tjcneral of the Dominion of Canada; itritisli 
forces in Ki,'ypt; UeneralCiordon in peril. 1884. Kranchhsc and redistribution bills, which put the 
gOTernuu'Ut into the hands of the poo|)le, passed. 1885. Attempt to blow up the Tower and llouses 
of Parliauient with dynamite; treaty with Italy signed. 

FRANCE 

1882. Prinniry Kdiu'ation liill i)assod; French troops enter Tunis ; Expedition to .sontheastem 
Asia; Frai'eoSpa'uish tn'atv ratilied; a bill providing for the |>rolcctiou of the Suez Canal (lefcated 
and the ministry resign. 1^83. Tho Assembly vote t\\'enty-tive million francs for the Tunisian cxpe 
ditiou ; Prince N'apoleon arrested for issuing a i)olitieal manifesto — bis arrest creates a ministerial 
crisis ; a law to restrain the a(^tions of French princes passed ; expeditious against Touqniu and .Mada- 
gascar; French troops gain a foothold iu China. 1884. The campaign in China i-ndeii by a treaty of 
peace ; violation of the treaty hy the Chinese renews the war ; Itarlhohli's Statue of l.iherly presented 
to tho United States; cholera rages iu .Marseilles ami Touhm ; Senatorial Reform Dill i)assed. 

GERMANY. 

1881. Bisiuandc's i>olicy assailed in the (Jeruuin Parliament by liiberals. 1882. Tin? Emj»eror 

recommends Prussia to abolish tho four lt)Wor grades of class taxes tor the l)cnctit <d" ] rer lax \*\y- 

ers. 1883. The govtirnment issues a decree prohibiting the importatiriu of American pork in it.s ]>ro 
ducts ; siuzurc of Swartow disavowed ; note sent to the \^ati(^an recpiiring notihcation of ecclesiastical 
ap|>ointments. 1884 The Oermania Monument at Nicderwald to conimeniorate the victories of 
IsrO-TI unveiliul; thi' l.iisker resolutiims of the United States Congress retnrncil with explanations 
by liisiuarck ; the Chancellor three times deteati'd iu the (ieruian Parlianicut by the oppo.sing votes 
of the liiberals. 1885. .\mieablo relations exist between the Emperor and the Pope. 

RUSSIA. 

1881. ('ommissioners appointed to cxamiue and reorganize' the systi'm of provincial u'ovi'rnment, 
looking t<i local self-gov(n'ument. 1882. Accession ot .Vlexander III. ; Prince Corichakolf, the j)re- 
mier id' tluMimi)ire, retires froui otlice on account of old age and ill-health: treaty with Persia rati- 
fied; the ihu'ree banishing .lewish apothecaries pronounced illegal; coronation of the ('zar deferred 
one year because of apprehended dangers to his life 1883. Commissioners a]i]iointed to examine 
and amenil thi^ laws relating to the Jews ; 1w<t thousand persons arrested in Mosc4>w for plotting to 
kill the Czar: .Nihilists convicted and punished ; .Alcxaiuler III. crowned at Moscow with great pomp; 
anti .lewish riots at ditferent places. 1884. Pcaci? reigns throughout the empire; tin- Czar and his 
family win the good will of the people. 1885. Russia looks with covetous eyes upon British India 
and threatens. 

SPAIN. 

1882. A bill introdneed into tho Spanish Chamber of Depnties for the immediate abolition of 
slavery in Cuba and granting civil rights to the freedmen ; (•ommercial treaty with France aiiproved. 
1883. The Chamher of I)e|)uties refuse to abolish the parliamentary oath ; a' bill substituting allirma- 
tion for the oath, when desired, passed ; ministers decide to treat as freemen forty thousand slaves in 
Cuba who were not liberated in IS70; a riot in favm- of a re|Miblic among troops at Ihidajos ami at 
other places : reformation of the army cHcclcd. 1884. King .Uphonso hooted and hissed at in Paris 
by a crowd; the Fremdi embassy at' Madrid threatcneil ; rcci]iri)city treaty with the United States 
oegotiati'd. 1885. Districts in Spain dreadfully scourged by earthquakes and cholera. 

ITALY. 

1881. An attempt to murder the premier in the (Jhambcr of Depnties. 1882. ITniver.sal suffrage 
established for all who can read and write ; tho Pope seiids a circular letter to Irish bishops concern- 
ing collei'tioiis of funds for political ]>nrposos ; the first election in Italy after the adojition of Univer- 
8al Suffrage was on October *.2',*, 188'^; since that period the country has enjoyed contiumil peace and 
repose. 




.'\,m.' 





TwiiNTY-FlRST PkliSIDENT. 



Morn ill I'miiklin co. , I'l., Oct. 5, 1S30. Cnuiuale nl Union College, 1849. M'l'nl lo 
Ni'w York City, studit-d law and Wiis admitted to the bar. Appointed Engiiieer-in-Chief by 
Governor Morgan, fan, 1861, and Quartermaster-General on his Slaff, Jan., 1862. 'I'he 
rapid despatch of New York lioops to the seat of war mas due almost exclusively to his tact 
and energy. Appointed Collector of the Port of A'e~iti York, Nov. 20, 1871/ re-appointed 
/>ee., 1875. Removed by President Hayes, July 21, 1878. Elected Vice-President, 1880. 
Became President of the United States by the death of President Garfield, Sept. I<), 188 1. 

At the expiration of his term of office he returned to New York City, and about a year 
afteriiard suffered a serious attack of illness which terminated in his death, A^oi'. 18, 1886. 



CO N T i; W 1' O i; A N IC (I I' S EV E X T S. 

Grover Cleveland's Administration [1885-1889]. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1885. liiovrr {'U'Vi'liuul iiuuif;iir;itiil l\vi]ii\ M'con.i I'lisiilriil cif the rnitcil States; Ediiiuiulss 
Aiiti iHilygiiMiy law (Ifcliufdcoiistiluliiiiuil ; AiiiiTU'iiiislu|i Colin, si-rzcil liy I'umiiim R-viilulii>iiists ; in-iiit- 
iiis <it $r iiiul iJ'J (,'ivi'iiliacks sli>p|n-cl; Mi^Uy .Mufiniri' mura'ics in I'l'Uiisylvaiiia ; dralli nf i-x I'lV.^uk'Tit 
Unint, Carilinal McCluskey, tlcMi. (I, IS. M'cCli'llau, and WUIiani II. Nainlcrliill ; Forty iiiiilli Cuiifiress 
opc'iii'd; $111.111111,0110 U. S. IkiiuIh ndlod in by tins truasury. Ib86. I'lesideut signs the pri'sidcidiul Miccca- 
sioii bill'; i'X|iiisuni cil' tlin I'aii-Kli'flric seaudal; Ami'rican sidioomns Diu'itI J. Adams ami K/ln M. Dfiu/h- 
III sidzi'd Ini- violatiiin ol' the Cunadiau (isbcry laws; Aivlibislicip (iibboiis up]Hiiiitnd Cardinal ; I'ri-sidi'iit 
Ob'Volaiidaiid I'miici'S Kolsuni iiiariii'd; Cliiiii'si' iiiiluiuMily bill passed tla- Scualu ; sossiou uf llie Fillicth 
Coii'Tcss ii.\li'iidi'd I" Api'il :)0, as llu' lH;;imiiiit; of iMlun' prcsidiMilial and c-oiigrossiimal tfinis ; Yalo 
t'ollego ilocdaivd a Uuivovsily : Bartbuldi's Statnri' iinvvilfd. 1887. Senati- passed Eleeloial Cunnt bill 
al'ler'iiassasle by Unusc ; Interstati'-Ccimnioive bill adopU'd; wunicn bi'fiaii volini; in Kansas ninnii'i|>ul 
cli'Ctiiins; remains (il I'l'esulent Lineoln t;i\en linal sepnilniein .Sprinfiliekl, 111: tbnvixinvieled Anarchists 
hnni!inChieaj;i>. 1888. Death cd' Chief .Insliee M, U. Waite; JMldvill(^ \V. Fuller, ot'Chieago, a|ip(iintc(l 
eliief-inslie(> ; lienjaniin l]arris<in. of Indiana, and Levi I'. Mcalon, of New Yorli. n(nniinited by the Ko- 
indiliean party, anil llrover Clevcdand, id'Xew York, and AIUmi (I. Thnnnan, of Ohio, by llie lleniocra- 
tie iiaviv, tor" {'resident and Viee-l'resident of the Uniled Slates respeetively, and Itepnblieiin I'andi- 
dates cie'eted ; Lord SaeUville-West, Hritish Anibassiahir, dismissed by the President; the eai>lured 
Americim steamer i/rty(i«)i Vi'iyiid/i't released by lliiyli. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

1885 Arabs at laeUed the British near Snaltin; Sir Xalhaniel Kothehikl created a ]H'er (first Jew 
in the House of Lords); death of Moses Monleliore. 1886 I'remier Uladstono became a lionieHider; 
retired IVcau olliee and succeeded bv Ixird Salisbury. 1887. Cyprus ceded to tireiit liritain by Turki'y^ 
Queen Victoria celebrated the tiftieth aunivorsary of her accession ; Zulnhuid aune-Ked. 1888. Death ol 
Matthew Arnold. 

FRANOE. 

1885. French Chamber restored the S,-nilui il,- lislr : imdiininaries of peace with China signed; Klo- 
qnet eleeii'il presiileut of the Chamber; death of Victor llni;o; lihud; Fhif;s defentcil in Toiuinin ; .lules 
Grtivy re eleeteil President. 1886. Kreyeiuet ideeti'd president of the Senate; liaiushment of thi< hero- 
(litaiy princes; petroleum discovered. 1887. rri'sident Uri'vy resi(;ned ami succeeded by Sadi Carnot; 
unsuccessful attempt to a.ssassinate .lides Ferry. 1888 tlen. Uoidanner, e.x minister of war, deprived 
of army command and censured, organized a politii-al party and wounded in a duel with Fhxjiud. 

GERMANY. 

1885. rnsncc.vssful attemi>t to kill Em|>eror William at Etna; exciting antiCntbolic debate in por- 
liauu'iit ; the .Marshall Islands annexed. 1886, War vessel took possession of <diief pints of Samoau 
Islands; lleidelburg I'niversity celebrated lis .'idOth anniversary. 1887. Emper.u- William ccdcbralod 
the eiiibtielh anni\ersarv of his joining the arinv; the liidchstag jiassed a seven years' army bill. 1888 
Secret treaty with Ainstria (Oct. 7, 187'.t) piiljlished ; death of Emperoi; William I., aeeessicin of 
Crown Trince as Frederick HI.; death cd' Emperor Fredcricd;, aceessiiui of his son as William II.; ox- 
citemout over Sir Morel Mackenzie's medical tn^almemt id' Frederick. 

RUSSIA AND BULGARIA. 
1885. Hussiau agreemout to advance upon Afghan frontier; union of the two Hulgarias jiro- 
claimeil ; Servia declared war against Bidgaria, gained a victorv at Tarn, was driven from Bulgaria, 
and agreed to truce. 1886. Bulgaria and Eastern Koumelia 'united ; rriuce Alexander of Bnlgivria 
forced by Busaia to abdicate and removed from countrv, returned and was re-crowtied by his army, 
and a','ui'u forced to alidicatc ; I'rince Waldemar id' Denmark elected ruler of Bulgaria, but declined. 
1887. I'rinee FiTilinand of Saxe-Cobnrg-(iotha elected nder of Bulgaria and installed ; two uusuccoss- 
fid attempts to as.sassinate the Czar. 1888. Imperial family of Kussia narrowly escaped death iu a 
railroad aeeiilent. 

SPAIN. 

1885. Keappearance of cholera; death (d' King Alphonso; revolutionary disturbances. 1886. 
Protocol regarding the Caroline Islands signed; •Jti.lUlO slaves in Cuba liberated by the Cortes; 
$.l.'i,(H)0,OIUI voted by the Cortes to improve the navy ; assassination of the Bishop of Madrid ; hidr to 
the crown born. 1888. Trial by jury established. 

ITALY AND GREECE. 

1885. Ancient Uimian street discovered near the Forum. 1886. (ireeco called out reserves in 
anticipation of war with Tnrkev : European powers nolilied her to disarm; she withdrew her ambas- 
sador from 'I'ukev : the great p'owers blockaded hiT coast ; lighting between the (ireeks and Turks oc- 
curred. 1887. .Inbilee receptions of the Pope iu Ivome ; Italian troops defcatcil by the Abyssiniaus near 
Massowah. 1888. Pope Leo condemned boycotting inli'eland; an electoral reform bill jaisscd by the 
Italian Chamber of Dcjinties. 

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 

1885. Great socialistic demonstration iu Amsterdam: a win-kiugman elected for the lirst time iu 
Hollaud to the States-General. 1886. Troops called mit to suppress Anandiistic riids in Belgium, aJJd 
many Anarchists killed; further riots in Amsterdam. 1887. Temporary extension of the franchise 
on a property qualiticatlou granted by the Dutch Parliament. 




«. 



^^^. 



TWKNTY-SKCONI-I I'kl'.SlDENT. 



Born in Caldwell, N.J., Manh l8, 1837. Juhuateil al Cliiiloii, N. }'. , itiilil \h. Went 
lo New York and lau;^ht for a wliile in the Asylum for the Blind. Went to Buffalo, studied 
law, and was admitted to the bar, 1859. Appointed Assistant Distriet-Attorney of Erie eo., 
1863. Dniftid into the army 'ohile so employed, and furnished a substitute, Elected Sheriff 
oj Erie CO., 1870. Elected Mayor of Buffalo, 1881. Elected Governor of AVrc \'ork by a 
majority of nearly 20o,oty<i, 1882. Elected /'resident of the United States, ns a Ijsmocial, 
1884. Vice-J'resident, J'homns A. J/endrichs, died Nov. 25, 1885. 




Twenty-third President. 

Born in North Bend, Ohio, August 20, 1833. Grandson of Gen. William Henry 
Harrison, niftth President. Graduated at Miami University, 1852. Admitted to the bar 
in Cineinnati, and settled in Indianapolis, 1854. Elected Reporter of the Indiana Supreme 
Court, t86o. Entered the Union Army as Colonel of the Seventieth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, 1S62 ; was brevetted Brigadier-General, February, 1865 ; mustered out of the 
service, yune, 1865. While in the field, October, 1864, was re-elected Supreme Court lie- 
porter ; served four years. Defeated as Republican candidate for Governor of Indiana, 1876. 
Appointed member of the Mississippi River Commission, 1879. Elected U. S. Senator, 
1S80. Elected President of the United States, November, 1888. Vice-President, Levi P- 
Morton. Inaugurated March ^, 1S89. 




BEMIAMIM FRANKLIN. 



Born in Boston, Mass., Jan. 17. 1706. Attended Grammar School two vears. 
Apprenticed to his brother, a printer, 171S. Settled in Philadelphia, 1726. Founder of 
the Public Library. Clerk General Assembly of Pennsylvania, 1736. Postmaster, 1737. 
Elected to Assembly, 1747. and the ten succeeding years. " Brought down electricity 
from the clouds," 1752. Discoverer of the utility of lightning rods. Deputy Postmaster- 
General of the British Colonies in America. 1753. Founder of the Academy of Sciences, 
same year. From 1757 spent several years in England as agent of several colonies. 
Sent by Congress as Commissioner to France, 1776. Was a commissioner to arrange 
treaty of peace. Appointed Minister to France. Participated in the framing of the 
Federal Constitution, 17S7. Died April 17, i7go. 




ANTHONY WAYNE. 



Born in Easltown, Pa., Jan. I, 1745. Studied and practiced surveying. Member 
Pennsylvania Assembly, 1773. Appointed Colonel in Continental Army, 1775- Served 
in Canada, 1776, becoming a Brig.-Gen. Was at Brandywine, Germantown, and Mon- 
mouth, and stormed the strong fortress at Stony Point, 1779. Received thanks of 
Congress and a gold medal. Served in Virginia and Georgia to close of War. 
Appointed to command of troops in the Ohio country, 1792, and gained his great victory 
over the Indians, 1794. Died Dec, 1796. 





Born in Hanover co., Va., April I2, 1777. Admitted to the bar, 1797, at Lexington. 
Ky. Member of Legislature, 1S03. Appointed U. S. Senator for an unexpired term, 
1S06. Speaker of Legislature, 1S07. Elected U. S. Senator, iSog. Representative in 
Congress, iSii, and Speaker six terms. A commissioner to negotiate peace with Great 
Britain, 1S14. Re-elected to Congress, and became one of the most active Protectionists. 
Member of Congress and Speaker, 1S23. Secretary of State, 1825. Elected U S. Sena- 
tor, 1831, beginning his tariff labors. Nominated for President, 1831, 1S44. Resigned 
from Senate, 1842; re-elected 1S49. Died June 29, 1S52. 




"'rm 




z cm4^. 



Rorn in Stratford, Va,, Jan. ig, 1S07. Graduate at U. S. Military Academy, 1829. 
When Gen. Scott invaded Mexico he appointed Captain Lee Chief Engineer of the army 
under Gen. Wood. Received three promotions for services in the campaign. Superin- 
tendent U. S. Military Academy, 1852. In command of troops that captured John 
Brown, 1859. Resigned his commission as Colonel, U. S. A., April ao, 1861, and was 
appointed Maj.-Gen. by the State of Virginia immediately afterward. Gen. -in-Chief. C. 

5. A., Jan. 31, 1865. Surrendered to Gen. Grant, Appomatto.x Court House, Va., April 

6, 1865. With the exceptions of the unsuccessful invasions of Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania, his military operations were confined to his native State. After the war, was 
elected President of Washington College, Va. Died Oct. 12, 1870. 




BENJAMIN CHURCH. 

Born in Plymoiitli, Mii'^s.. 1H;-I't. When the Indian 
Kms Philip s farted on the war-path, Capi. Church took 
the lead of tne whites. In the spring ol' lfi76 he broke 
the power of the New England tribes. Continued hos- 
tilities against the Indians until 1704. Died Jan. 17, 
1718. 




BENEDICT ARNOLD. 

Born in Norwich. Conn., Jan. 3. 174)i. lie fought 
in the Revolutionary war until 1778, when he was coort- 
martialod. He then liargained for the surrender of 
West Point to the British. The capture of Major 
Andre prevented the betrayal. Died in London, June 
14, ISfll. 




NATHANIEL GREENE. 
Born in Warwiek. R. I.. 1740. Was an anchor-smith 
when the RevoUitiop broke out. He hastened loBoston 
after the Lexington en£jai:ement, and wae one of the 
most useful officers in the army to the close of the war, 
receiving the rank of Major-General from Congress. 
Died June, 178ti. 




2r ^- 

ROBERT MORRIS. 

Born in Lancashire, En?., Jan., 1733. Came to Amer- 
ica, 1744. Became heavy importer in Philn. Member 
Continental Congress, lllf'. Signer of the Dectaraliou 
of Independence. EstabHshcd the first National Bank, 
17H1. Declined Secretaryship of the Treasury under 
Washington. Died May 8, 1806. 




RUFUS PUTNAM. 

Born in Sutton, Mass., April 9, 1738. Ectered tho 
provincial army, 17.^7. Continiifd in service during re. 
mainder of Frencli and Indian war. Entered IheKevo 
lutionary arm.v. 1775. and became a Brig.-Gen. Com- 
missioned Supreme Judge, Northwest Territory, 1780 
»nd Surveyor-General U. S., 17%. Died May 1, 1824. 




JOHN CARROLL. 

Born in Upper Marlborousti. Md., Jan. 8. 17-)5. Edu- 
cated at Sr. Omer College, French Flanders, and tie 
Jesuits' College. Liege. Ordained a {>riest, 1769; con 
secrated a bishop, 1790, and made archbishop, 1S08. At 
request of Congress, delivered an eulogy on Washiu"- 
tou, Feb. 22, 18UU. Died Dec. 3, 181.5. 




JOHN JAY. 

Born in New York City, Dec. 19, 174.5. Graduate at 
Kins'sCollege. 17lil. Admitted to the bar. 1T68. Mem- 
her of the first Continental Congress. Chief Justice of 
New York, 1777. President of Congress, 1778-'79. 
Special Minister to Spain, 1770. Commissioner to ne- 
f^tiatc peace with Great Britain, 1782. First Chief 
jQStice of the U. S. Died Mav IT, 183(1. 




RUFUS KING. 
Born in Scarborough, Me.. 1755. Entered Harvam 
College, 1773. r. maining until the student^ weie d s 
persed by military movements. Returned to college 
1777. and graduated with distinction as a classica. 
scholar and iirator. Was one of the first U- s. Senators 
from New York. Ministor to Oreal Britain, 1796, and 
again iu 1825. Died April 29, 183T. 




JAMES JACKSON. 

Born iu Dcvonsliire, Eni'., Sppt 01. 1757. Came to 
America, 177-2. Was an efflcieut officfr throau'liout tht* 
Revolution. Elroted Governor ot Gcorgin, 17s8, I'ut 
declined on acconiit of hi? youtti ; accepted iu 17'.*8. 
Was twice U. S. Senator. Died Marcti 111, 18 8. 




WILLIAM PENN. 

Born in London, Oct., KilJ. Educated at Oxtoid. 
Biciiine a iinalcer while a Htudent and wae uriven 
ftom home. Returned to Quakers and was cho-^en 
preacher. Procured praiit of present Peni-pylvania, 
li81. Founded Philadelphia. Died .July 3ii, i; 18. 




PETER STUYVESANT. 

rtom in Frieslnnd, Holland, 1H02. Fir"t director of 
the Dritch West India Company ia tb» province of New 
Netherland on the Hudson Arrived at NewAirrter- 
■dnm. May, 1617. Ruled until ,,,ti4, when he sunen- 
•dered to ihe English, who named tbp town N^«' Vork. 
Died Aug., I6ba. 




PHILIP SCHUYLER. 

Bom in Albany. N. T., Nov. 22. 173.3. Entered the 
army, 17.55, serving three years. Was in expedition 
against Ticonderoga and Crown Point, as Colonel. 
Member of second Continental Congress. One ot the 
four Mai. -Gens, appointed to command the army, 1775. 
Twice tJ. 8. Senator. Died July, 1801. 




COTTON MATHER. 

Born ill Boston, Feb. V2. It'.fi^. Eflnratotl at Ilurvard 
CollfKe. Ordained a clergyman, h;m. Was a firm 
heliever in witrhcrafi and chiol promoter of the Salom 
Witchcraft excitement of Ifi 2. A volnniir.ous writer, 
and prodigy of learning. Died Feb. IS. 1728. 




POCAHONTAS, 

Favi-rite daughter of Powliatan. Saved the life of 
Captain Smith after his ondemnjition to death. Her 
marriacre, April. 1013, to John Rolfe, an Erigliehman, 
insMred jieaee in Virginia, and made her powerful 
father a warm friend ot'ti;e Kngli?h. 




Born in Providenre. R. 1., ]7i:j. Led a eea-'aring 
life from boyliood. Burned the Britif^h arnied-achooncr 
Ga^p*' in Narrugansett liay, June 1". 1™2. Firedfir!*t 
pun in naval (Service of the Revolution, drivintr the 
British frii:ate Rose from the hlockade of Narraganeert 
Bav. 1775. Commander. 177H, and in active pervice 
until May, n8(». Died May 2tt, 181U. 




GEORGE ROGERS CLARKE. 

Born in Albemarle Conuty. Va.. Nov. 1ft, 1753. Went 
to the Ohii) region, 1772. Captain iu army operating 
airaiiist Indians. 1774. Reclaimed tbe great Northwest 
Ter'itorv from the English. French, and Indians. 
Gained Mnk of Brig.-Gen. while servingunderSteuben 
in Virginia, 1781. Known as the "American Hanni- 
bal." Died in Kentucky, Feb., 1818. 




DAVID RAMSAY. 



Born In Lancaster Cmnty, Pa., April 2, 1749. Set- 
tled in Charleston, 8. C, as a [)liyMeian. Elected to 
Congress, 1T83, '85, and President ]wo tern., '86, Was 
the author of many valuable historical works, and the 
"latiier"of American copyright-^. Died May 8, 181&. 




CHARLES THOMSON. 

Horn in Ireland, 17.311. Came lo America, 1741. 
.■\dopled as a )-on by Delaware Indians, 1751). Elected 
Secretary lirst Continental Congress, 1774. and servid 
until 17 i*. Wrote, but destroyed, a most valuable his- 
tory of those days. Died Aug. Hi, 1824. 




PATRICK HENRY. 

Born in Hanover County, Va.. May 29, 1736. First, 
attracted attention by his eloquence when 27. Ad- 
mitted to the bar, 17C». First Kepublican Governor of 
Virginia, n76-'84. Great advocate of State Rights. 
Oppo crt to Federal Constitution, but acquiesced when 
it became law. Died Juno 6, 1799. 




FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 

Born in Philadelphia, Pa,, Hept, 3, 1738, First Bcbolar 
and first graduate of the College of Philadelphia, Set- 
tled in Bordentown, N, .J,, 1768. Member of Con- 
tinental Congress, Signer of Declaration of Independ- 
ence, Judge of Admiralty for Pa,, and Judge U, S. 
Court, 1790, Died .'May 9, 1791, 




BENJAMIN WEST. 

Born in Sprini:fiel(t. Pa., Oit. in, 1738. Was a clever 
portrait painter at, 15. Slndiod and painted in Italr and 
England. Won the friendship of George III., and with 
the aid of Reynolds the two founded the Koyal Acad- 
emy of Fine Arts. Died March 1 1, 18:^0. 




SAMUEL KIRKLAND. 

Born at Norwich. Conn., Der.. 17-Jl. Educated for 
misjiionary work, and lahored for forty yyard anion? 
the tribes of the Six Nations, chiefly the Oneida'^. Suc- 
ce-sful treatv-niaker, having confidence of Indians. 
Died Feb., 18.>8. 




PAUL JONES. 
Born in Arbigland. Scotland, July fi, 1747. Settled in 
Virginia, 1773. Volunteered servicea and was cotn- 
miseioned Lieutenant in the Navy, 1775. Made several 
fuccestfful cruipcR to British waters. Fought the 
memorable battle in his 1i(nih<ytnmf Richard with the 
Serapis and f'o?tn/t'fts of Sairhorongh, Sept. *-i;3, 1779, 
After the war became a Hcar-Admiral in Kuseia, and 
fouKht the Turks in the Blaak Sea. Died July IH, 179-i. 




DANIEL BOONE. 

Born In Berks County, Pa., 1731. Family emigrated 
to North Carolina. Became a noted hunter and ex- 
plorer. Penetrated the unknown valley of the Miftsis- 
sippi, and made a settlemont on the ■" Kain-tuck-ee" 
river. 1775. Captured bv Indians and adopted, 1778. 
Eacflped. helped make K nmcky an indepeiiaent State, 
lost his tulc to the land he subdued, and started on an 
exploration of the far West. Died Sept. 2H, IS'ii. 




JOHN WINTHROP. 

Born in Boston, 1715. Grailiiale nt Harvard Collet'e. 
173*.J. C'allfd at the time '' most iLnrnt'd ni:in in An.er- 
ica." Took famous oheervalinnH of transits of V<>niis, 
ITtil. Ytlt. Holii'i Proi'eRPor in Ilarvarrl. Rocrivcd de- 
gree of LL.L).,Edinbureli University. Died May 3, IITII. 




ROGER WILLIAMS. 
Born in Wales. 1.VI9. Kdueated at Oxford. l>rivcn 
to .\nieriea by feni,'ioiis perscealion, Iti'il. Kortned a 
rontrrr!?aliiin. S-ilem, Maps., 1('>.'M. Bani-^lied. 1(135. 
Kounde-i file eolo'iy of Rhode I^^Iand. Father of Amer- 
ican Bapiisls. Died April, 1633. 




Ilfife. 



> .\ 



JOHN DICKENSON. 
Born in Maryland. Nov. l.S, 17.32. Stndied law in the 
Temple, London. Member Pennsylvania Assembly, 
1764, of Stamp-Act Congrews, 1765. and of first Con- 
tinental CongreFs, 1774. Wrote the Declaration of 
Cont'ress, i77o. Governor of Pennsylvania, 1781!. Died 
Feb. 14, is;is. 




JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 
Bom in Lebanon, Conn., .Tune 21, ITln. Oraduale a» 
Harvard rolleee. 17.'7. Prepared for the ministry, bnl 
became a nu-rchant. Elected Memlitr of the A-semhly, 
17:!3, and Oovirnor o( Conneciicnt, 17(i» ; re-<>lected 
Governor for lonrteen consecutive terms. Died Aug. 




CADWALLADER GOLDEN. 

norn in Duii^e. Sontljiiul. Feb. 17. 16KB. Educated at 
Edinbursh University. Came to America, as a pbv- 
sician. 1708. Became Siirvpyor-Oeneral of New York, 
and ore (if the Governor's t'ouncil. Lient.-Governor 
and flctine roafi!;ipir:tt«'. 17'>0, sff-viiii^ througli Stamp-Act 
excitement. Died Sept. S8, 177 >. 




DAVID RITTENHOUSE. 

Born in Rosbornngh. Ph.. April 8. 1T3-2. Became one 
of the most eminent mechaniriuns and m ilhematiciane 
of hifl time. Inventor of "tlnsionti" in algrbrnical 
analysis. Constructed a machine to show motions of 
B'viar t^ystem. First Director Philadelphia Mint, Died 
June G, 17%. 




BENJAMIN RUSH. 
Born in Byberrv, Pa.. Dec. 24, 174,'>. Educated at 
Princeton and Edinbur^'h. us physician and t-cienti^f 
Member Continental Conirre-is, 1775, and siener of 
Declara'ion of Independence. Prof, of Chemistry, 
Medical College of Phila. Served heroically throui,'h 
yellow lever scourge, 1793. Died April 19, 1813. 




FRANCIS MARION. 
Bom in Winyaw. S. C, 1732. Foneht in the ww 
with the Cherokee Indians. 17BI. Entered Revolntion- 
ary Army a-* Captnin. Wan with Mnnhrie at Charles- 
ton. Organized the famous brigade thai hore hi.snanie, 
wi'h which he cleared the C'arolinas and Georgia of the 
emmy. Died Feb. iSi, i795. 




ROBERT R. 



LIVINGSTON. 



Born in \cw York Citv, 17t7. Graihisted at Kine's 
College, 1761. Studied I-.\v under Chief Jiii^tice Smltb. 
Was Secretary of State from organization of the Feder- 
al Government until 17>«8, wlieii fie became Chancellor 
of the State of New York, .\dmini8iered the oath to 
President Washington. MiuiHler to France, 1801. Died 
Feb. 36, 1813. 




TENCH COXE. 



Born in Philadelphia. Pa , May as, 17.5.5. Was one ol 
the earliest advoc'ites of cottoii-gTowins:. In 17H5 an- 
nounced his belie) in the future f;reatner*s of the coltca 
district south of Maryland. Was identified with every 
important industrial movement from 1787 until hie 
death. Died July 17, 18S4. 




JOHN HANCOCK. 
Born in Braintree, Mass.. 1737. Gradn.nte at Harvard 
College, 1754. Became counting-room clerk for his 
uncle. Entered public lile, 17f.i;. An abetl<T of the 
tea-riot. UVi. President Provincial Conoress of .Mass. 
President ol the Conlinenlal Congress when the Derla- 
rationut Independence was signed. Governor of Mass. 
3eT Tal years. Died Oct. 8, 17!!:). 




I 






samuel slater. 



Bom near F.elper, Eiie., June !l, 17f)8. Apprenticed 
t" a cotton-spinnor. Came to America with models of 
Arkwriffht's machines, Nov., ]78'.>. Bepan making cot- 
ton-fpinninff machinery. Providence, K. 1.. Jan 18 
17Mi\ Eleven months afterwarfi the succe-eful man- 
ufacture of cotton in the United States was began. 
Died April 20, 1S34. 




JOHN MARSHALL. 

B. .n in Germantown. Va., Sept. 24, 1755. Was In 
military service 1775-17HO, when he studied law. Secre- 
tary of War, ISOO. Appointed Chief Justice of the 
Hnitcd staler, Jan., 18')1. Anther of a " Life of Wash- 
togtou." Died July fi, IS?."*. 




FISHER AMES. 

Rorn in Pedham, Mass., April fl, 1756. Graduile at 
Harvard Collese, 177J. Admitted to the bar, 1781, 
Mimbcr of the State Legieiaturo, and elected to Con- 
preBP, 17H9. Declined election to Presidency of Har- 
vard College, 1805. Died July 4, 1808. 




JOHN RANDOLPH. 

Born near Petersbnrtf. Va., Jnne 2, 1773, the seventh 
IB decent from Pocahontas (?. v.). Educated in Col- 
nmhia (N.Y.) and William and Mary (Va.) Colleges, 
Klected to Congress. 17tt9, he ferved for 24 years, and in 
the Senate 2. Appointed Minister to St. Petersburg, 
I88(). Ill health forced him to resign. Died May, 
IKB. 




BENJAMIN THOMPSON. 
Born in Mass., March 17.53. Became a schoolmaster, 
hut marrying a rich widow, gave bin mind to scientific 
research." Refused to take part in political affairs when 
the Revolution opened. Sought British protection in 
Boston. Wa~ bearer of despatches from Lord Howe to 
England. Afier the war went to Bavaria, where he was 
created Connt Rumford. Died Aug., 1814, 




AARON BURR. 

Born In Newark, N. J., Feb. 5, 17S6. Graduate at 
Princeton College, 1772. Conimiepioned Lieut. -Col. 
17T7, and eerved two years, wben his health compelled 
him to resign. Appointed Attorney-General of New 
York, 178'.!, aud elected U. y. Senator, 1791. Caudidaic 
for President, 18lH), when CongreFS decided the tie vole 
in favor of Jeftersou, and cave Burr the Vice-Preei- 
dency. Fatally shot Alexander Hamilton in a duel, 
1804. Died Sept. 14, 183(i. 




DANIEL WEBSTER. 

Born in Salisbury, N. II., Jan. 18, 1782. Graduate at 
Dartmouth College. Admitted to the bar, 18ii.^. Elect- 
ed to Congress Irom New Hainpsliire, 1813 • re-elected, 
1814. Removed to Boston to practice law, 1816, resiirn- 
inp from Congress. Elected U. 8. Senator, 1826. Secre- 
tary of Slate lor President Harrison ; jetainedby Presi- 
dent 'I'yier. Negotiated the Ashhurton Treaty, 1842. 
Reelected U. S. Senator, 181.5. Secretary of State for 
President Fillmore. Died Oct -U, 1852. 




JOHN C. CALHOUN. 

Bom in Abbeville district. S. C, March 18, 1782. 
Gradnatc at Yale College, ISM. Took a seat in Con- 
gress, 1811. serving six years. Secretary of War for 
President Monroe, 1817. Elected Vice-President of the 
V. S., 182'>: re-elected with President .lackson, I82R. 
Secretary or Slate for President Tyler, 1843. Re-elected 
0. S. Senator, 1H4.5, eervingnntil bis death. Died March 
81, 1850. 




ROBERT FULTON. 

Born in I.ittle Britain Pa., 176.5. At the age of 21 he 
began studying with West, the painter, bui ,<rradna11y 
developed a genius for mechanics, and became a civu 
engineer. He made a voyage from New York to Albany 
in the Clermont, V\s first eiperimi'nlal steamhi at, in 36 
hours, 1H07. Surcfssfnlly coriHtrncted submarine bat- 
teries, and built the first steam man-of-war for the 
Government. Died Feb. 24, 1815. 





MARTHA WASHINGTON. 

Boru (Martha l>atKlnd2;e) in New Kent County, Va., 
May, 1732. Married Daniel Parke Cueiis, 17J9. Became 
a w'idow whf-n about 'Sk Mrirrieti Cnl. George W a-h- 
ins-tnn, Jan. '% 17.")'.), and settled on the Mount Vernon 
esa;e. Pre-ided over the exeai'ivi- manpions in New 
York, and Philadelphia. She survived her huabaud less 
than thiee y- ar::^. 



V.ILLIAM E. CHAKNING. 

Born in Newport, R. I., ijpril 7, 178.1. Graihiate ai 
Harvard Ci.Ilejre, 171)8. Ke^ent of Harvard, IHH; li- 
censed lo preach, 1S02 ; ordained pastor of the Fi-deral 
Street Unitarian Society, Boston, IS 3. Preached with- 
out aid until 18i!4. wtien an a-.-istaut was employed. 
Ri ct.-ived degree of D.D. from ITarvard. Was connected 
with the society nearly 4>yeire Died Oct. 2, 1842, 




T. MACDONOUGH. 
Born in Newcastle Oounty. Del.. Dec. 23. 1783. Wa? 
a midchipman in the navy* 1"!)M; a lifutenant, 1807; a 
ma8ter-conimand:tnf, 18ly. Was in command of four 
ships and ten galleys at the battla of Plaitsburgh, Lake 
Champlain, Sept. 11, IM14. For his victory h^ was hand- 
somely rewarded by roneresd. the stales of New York 
and Vermont, and ibe cities of New York and Albany. 
Died Nov. 10, 1825. 



WILLIAM J. WORTH. 

Rorn in Columbia County, N. Y.. 1794. Was a dis- 
liuiiuisht'd otHcer in the war of 181':i-'15, and rendered 
grand services in the Mexican War. Commanded the 
tirpi division of the army that moved on Monterey, and 
hrevetted \1aj.-Geu. lor gallantry dnriui; that engage- 
ment. Also i-eceived a sword from Congress. A hand- 
eonie monument is erected to hi^ memory in New York 
City. Died May. 1849. 




WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. 

Born ia Priuceion, N. J., May 7. 1774. Ealered the 
nava) service, 17i»S. Rrcoivcd Ihanks oT Napoleon 
Bonaparte for paviug; French resideiity in Airier- from 
euslavemeut by the Dey. Was active in War of 181'^. 
and honored by Concres^f with a ^o]d medal. Was 
Prepident of the Board of Navy Commissioner;!! three 
years. Died July 'J7, 1833. 




OLIVER ELLSWORTH. 



Born in Windeor. Conn. 
Yale and Piineelo'i Colle; 



April '2'.i, 1745. Educated ai 
Admitted to the bar in 



iiartTonl, lull. Mrmner Uontinenial Lonerehs, rrn. 
Appointed Judge of the Superior ( ourt of Conn,, 17K4. 
Fir-^t U. S. Senator from his State. Appointed Chief 
Justice of the United Stiite?. nii6. Amba:?3ador lo 
France. 1791t-lS01. Died Nov. 2ti, 18 -7. 




S. VAN RENSSELAER. 
Born near Albany, N. Y.. Nov. 1. 1764. Graduate at 
TlHrvard College. 178-2. Rlecied Lieut.-Governor of 
New York. 1795. On declarfition of war againpt Great 
Britain. 1812, he was conimis-ioned a Mnj.-Gen, and 
placed in command of the N. Y. militia. After the war 
was elfcted to Conere^s. Uis lust yeari* were epent in 
princely benefactions. Died Jan. 26. ]84<t 




WASHINGTON IRVING. 

Born in New York City, April 3, ilsi. Studied law 
when sixteen, bat abandoned it for the chanus of 
literature. Went to the houth of Europe for hi;* health, 
1S(I4. Returned lo New York, I8i't>. Wafi Secretary of 
I.eL'^ttiou at London, ]8'29-l833. Received degree of 
1 L.D. from the University of Oxford, 1831. Minister 
t(. Spjin, 1842. Died Nov. 28, 1859. 




WILLIAM PINKNEY. 



Horn III Aiiiiiipolls. Ml]., Mnrcli 1", ITfi-l. Aclnii'ted to 
tho b;ir, 17Hli. Appoiiilcd AllDniov-Ociii'nkl <if ihr 
V. S., ISU: IT. S. MInisdT to UusVia, 18lfi. On his 
rotiirn, IH.'II. wiis I'lcctt'd I'. S. Sciintor. \Vii« >i pro- 
foiiDd ttttito^iuau tmd brniltnit orator. DU'd Feb. 25. 
1822. 




A 

ALEXANDER 



HAMILTON. 



r... 



on tho island of NpvitJ, Rritititi WeFt Indtt- Jan. 
n, 1757. Cuini' lo the I'.S., I77S. V\ as arlivi' witli pen 
and Hword dnrini; Kfv<tIullon. Was WashinptonV rti(/^ 
and iliii'f socri'lary, 17"7-'»2. Admitted to tlio bar in 
N'l'w Yorli, 17*2. Secretary of tlie Treapury, 178''. 
Died .Inly 4, 1804. 




ROBERT Y. HAYNE. 

Born near Charleston. S. C. Nov. 10, T791. Studied 
law and was adniilled lo the bar. Volnnteered for the 
army early in IM.'. liecatne MaJ.-(ien. of the State 
militia. Regan practlee of iuwai I'harlecton. Speaker 
of State Assembly, 1818. Altornev-Generiil same Tear. 
V. S. Senator ten years. Chairmau of Commiitee of 
the Sonth Carolina Convention whieh reported llic 
niiliiticatton ordinance, 18,'!2. Soon a'ler was elected 
Governor. Issued a counter manlfesio to President 
Jackson's proclamation. Died Sept. il, 1841. 







EDWARD LIVINGSTON. 

Born in Clerneini. N, Y., 17til. IJradiialear Princeton 
Collego. 1781. Adniitled lo Ihe bat, 17>,V Elected to 
(^ongreas, 17!M. servmir until 1801, when bo resumed 
his profo>sion, fnun which he was called to tlieofflee of 
U. S. District-AIlorney. Took the yellow fever during 
the epidi'mie of lH(t;l. while visiting tb, si^k. He was 
in service under -laekson in I.ouisraiia, 1814. Chief of 
a commission to codify the laws of the ; *nre, and 
author of the penal code', adopted 1824. U. S. Senator, 
182',i. Ministir lo France, 1833. Died May V.S. 1-87. 




C. C. PINCKNEY. 

Born in rharlestoD, S. C , Keb. 2.'.. 174t>. EducatprI in 
'KiiglaDil. Bet;au prm-iiirc of law in Cliiirli^hton, ]7)1'.>, 
Knierecl ihe minyj and wart captured at Hie full of 
■C'liarietiton. Appointed Minister to the French Ke- 
public, nw, and f-econd Mnj.-<k'n. in the army, 1T!)7. 
Author of "Millions for defence, but not one ce:it for 
■tribute." Died Aug. in, 18::;5. 




D£ WITT CLINTON. 

Horn in Little I'.ritain, ■Murcli -i, ITii'.l (Jradiiate m 
folunihia <'n]Ii-u'<'. HWi. App.dn'ed U. S. Senator 
IMiil. Klei-ieil Mayor of New lork City iirinualiy from 
IS- :i to lsir..exe«-pi in iHn7,'lii. UrsucceHflfnl candidate 
for l*re>-ident. IHTJ. Cliielly instrumental in prorurmti 
the law for Cf nntt iirtin^ ili.- ICrir Canal. Klectecl (iover- 
uurul New Vork, ]«17, lH2ii, IH'-'O. Died Feb. U, IH'iti 




JAMES KENT. 



Born in what 1^ now Pntinin County. N. Y., .Tulv il, 
1703. Graduat<; at Vale Collr.:.-, |7KI.' Admitted to th^- 
bar. 178'], and i-etlled in PoULdikeepwie, N. Y. Hemoveil 
to New York CitjV, (7!);i and became I'rofcHsor of Law 
in Columbia ('olfeee. Elected Kecorder of the City. 
1797. deceived dej^ee of LL.D. trom i'olnmhia. Har- 
vard, aad Dartmouth CoIIct^eH. Appointed AH>»oeia1e 
JuHfice of the New York Supreme C()urt, 17U7. With 
Judge Radcliffe he reviwed the ]e;;al code of the State, 
Chief JuBtice of New York, IK(M-'H, and Chancellor, 
181W23. Died Dee. 12, imi. 




EDWARD EVERETT. 

Born in Dorche-ler, MasH,, April 11, 17!»4. Graduate 
at Harvard College, IHIl. Entered t^nitarian miniBtry, 
ronton, ]Ml:j Appointed to the Eliot cliair of (Jreek 
literature just created in Harvard, iHtl. Elertcd to 
ConureMH, ]H'Z\, holding hlH neat ten yearn. I'^lected 
(Jov(!rnor of MaH"a<'liuHettH, iH^il. and re clerltMl Itireo 
tinicH. Appointed Mininter to Great Jtritain, 1h4(I. Coin- 
ini>-Hioner toChina, IHir). Sccretarv of State of the 
United Slntei*, succeeding Daidel WcoHlcr, I>5'2, U. S. 
Sinator, 1853. Candidate for Vice-President, 186*). 
Died JsL. 15, lStJ5. 




W. C. C. CLAIBORNE.. 
P.oru in Va., 1775. Educated :ii \V)lli:im aud Mary 
College. Studied law, went to Temietsee, and was 
elected a meaiber of the Constitutional Convention 
when ai. Appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court 
when a. Appointed Governor of the Misriseippi Ter- 
ritoiy, 181],and of the Lonii-iana Territory, IS 4. Gov- 
eruor <.f the State, 181a, ai^d greatly seconded Gen. 
JackTOn in the defeiife of New OrleanB, in 1»j5. Died 
Nov. 23, I BIT. 




JOHN C. FREMONT. 

Born in Savannah, Ga , Jan. 2:. 181.'). Pro.iected a 
survey of the region between the MlPsouri river and 
the Paeific ocean, 1842. His fii-st expedition lasted four 
months, and the second, full of hard^'hips, from May. 
184:^ until July, 1844. Elected Governor of Northern 
California, July 4, 184H. In Oct., 1848, started on a 
fourth expedition, and in 1815.'! on a fifth. First candi- 
date of Hepubl lean party for Preeident. 185(i. Maj.-Gen. 
during part of the Civil War, and Governor of Arizona 
after its close. 




O. H. PERRY. 

Born in South Kingston. R. I.. .\ug. 2.3, 1785. Early 
■n 1812 he was in command of a flotilla ot guuboat^ in 
New York harbor. \'olunIcering to reinforce Com. 
Chauncev on Lalie Ontari ». he was sent by that officer 
to Lake Erie to enperinteud the buildii!g of a squadron 
to oppose the British. On Sept. 10, 1813. he lousht fe 
memorable battle in the Lawrence^ achieving a most 
brilliant victory. Died, a Commodore, Aug. 2;i. 1819. 




ISAAC SHELBY. 



Born near Hagerstown. Md., Dec. 11, 17.')0. Entered 
military life. 1774. In command of a company of minute 
men iii Va . 1776. Appointed Slate Commissary of 
Supplies. 1777, and attached to the Continental Com- 
missary Department. 1778. First Governor of State of 
Kentucky. 17H'.'. Served a second term, 1812. Led 
4.(:|«i Kentucky Volunteers across the Canatlian fron- 
tier, 1813 ; and' for his fight upon the Thames leceived 
a gold medal from Congress. Died July 18, 1826. 




ANDREW G. CURTIN. 

Bom in Centre co., Pa.. Ajiril 'i^i. ISIT. Stiuliod law in 
Dickinson College. Ciinvasst-d the State for Ikniy 
Clay, 1844. Appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth, 
1854. Elected Governor of Pennsylvania, 1800 ; re- 
elected. 1863. As one of the War Governore. he did 
much to strengthen the Union cause, and facilitate the 
raisins; of the vast armies. Appointed Minister to 
Russia, 1809. Member of the 47th, 48th, 49th Congresses. 




SAMUEL COOPER. 

Born in New York, 1798. Oradiiiitc at U. S. Milibiry 
Academy, 1815. Fiist Lieutenant and aide de camp to 
(ien, Maccimh, I838-'30. Captain. 1830. Brevettcd Col. 
of the siatr, for meritorious conduct in the Mexican w;ir, 
IHIH Adjutant-Gen. U. S. Army, 1852. designed com- 
misKJoti, Mar. 7, 1861. Appointed Adj. -Gen. of the Cou- 
ffdcrnie arniiet'. Mar. 16, 1861, and served in additiuu as 
Inspector-General. 




ROBERT ANDERSON. 

Born near Louisville. Ky., June 14, 180.5. Graduate at 
U. S. Military Academy. Was a Col. of III. Vols., in the 
Black Hawk War. Served in Seminole War, winning a 
captaincy by his sallautry. Aide de camp to Gen. 
Scott. 18;^. Appointed an Asst. Adj. -Gen. on the re-or- 
ganization of the army staff. Was with Gen. Scott 
through the Mexican War. Selected to command 
troops in Charleston Harbor. With 80 officers and 
men he defended Fort Sumter against a fierce bombard- 
ment for 38 hours, and was compelled to surrender, April 
14. 1861. Maj.-Gei'., U. 8. A.. Feb., 1865. In the same 
year he raised his old flag over the ruins of Sumter. 
Died Oct. 26, 1871. 




SAMUEL HOUSTON. 

Born near Lexington, Va., March 2, 17!t3. Ran away 
from home and lived with the Indians three years, being 
iidopted as his son by a chief. P^nlered the army as 
private. 1813. Served with distinction in Indian cam- 
jjuigns. Resigned in 1818, and began studying law in 
Nashville. Tenn. Admitted to the' bar the same year. 
AIaj.-(ien. of Militia. 1821 ; Member of Congress, 182:j-'27; 
(iovernor of Tennessee, 1827. In April, 1829. resigned 
and went to live with the Indians again. He wrested 
Texas from Mexico by the battle of San Jacinto, April, 
1H30, and became President of the Republic of Texas the 
the same year; re-elected 1841. B'irst U. S. Senator from 
ihe State of Texas. Died July 25, 1863. 




CALEB GUSHING. 

Born in Siilisliurv, Mmss., Jan.. 1800. GraJuate at n.^r- 
varil eollc'L'!-. IsiT.' Ailmilt«l to the bar, 1835. Elected 
to ( ont.'ri'ss, is:i."i. Went frmu tlie Whig to the Demo- 
cratic jiartv, 1841. A|i|«>iiiteil Commissioner to China, 
concliiiliii'i the lirst Anii'rican treaty, 1843. Entered 
Mexican War at head of regiment "quipped at his own 
expense, .Jndyc of Mass. Supreme Court, 1853. Att'y- 
Gen. U. S.. 18.5:3. President of the National Democratic 
Convention, ISIiO. Commissioner to codify laws of Con- 
gress. 18Bi;, Active in the purchase of Alaska from Rus- 
sia, 1-'6S. A counsel for settlement of the "Alabama" 
claims, I8"2. Died Jan. S, 1879. 




HENRY A. WISE. 

Bom in Drumuiondtowu, Va., Dec. .3, 180S. Graduate 
at WashiUKton Cullifie. Pa., 1825. Elected to Connress, 
18.'1."J. and t\s ic<' re-elected. Senate rejected his nomina- 
tion for Mini,stcr to France, 1842. Appointed Minister to 
Brazil. 1.844. Elected Governor of Virginia, 1855. John 
Brown's seizure of Harper's Ferry, his capture, tiial and 
execution, occurred under Gov. Wise's administration, 
1859. Member of State Convention, 1861, and labored 
to effect a compromise with the seceded States. Upon 
the secession of Vircinia he entered the Confederate 
military service as a Brig.-Geu. Died .Sept. 12, 1876. 




JOHN B. FLOYD. 

Bom in Smithflcld. Va., June 1, 1806. Graduate at 
Columbia College, S. C.. 1829. Began practice of law in 
native county, but soon moved to .Arl<ansas. Returned 
to Virginia, im'J. Member of Legislature, 184r-'4'.l. Gov- 
ernor of Virginia. 18.50. '.58. Dclei;;ite In National Demo- 
cratic Convention, 18,50. Appointed SecreUiry of War 
by President Buchanan, 18.57. By his order. "the army 
was dispersed in remote parts of the country and im 
mense quantities of arms were transferred from Norlli 
em to Southern arsenals, IHOO. He resijjned in Decemlier. 
l.'^BiJ; became a Brig. Gen. in the Confederate army; 
threw the act of surrenderiu'; Fort Donelson to Gen 
tJrant, 1862, upon Gen. Pillow, and escaped into soath- 
ern Tennessee. Died Aug. 26, 18oa. 




JEREMIAH S. BLACK. 

Born in llie '■ Glades,"' Somerset county. Pa., Jan. 10, 
1810. Admitted to the bar, ISJl. Became a local Judge, 
1842, and served for nine years, when he was elected a 
Supreme Court Jud!;e, short term. Elected for full 
term (15 years). 18,54. Attorney-General of the U- S. 
uiuler President Bindianan. Opposed the position of the 
President at the secession crisis, holding that the Gov- 
eriunent had a right to suppress insurrection anywhere 
and under any pretense. In Dec. 1800, he was appointed 
Secretary of State in place of Gen. Cass, resigned, and 
served to close of administration. He was engaged in 
many celebrated cases, and contributed his views on 
current public to))ic8 to the magazines and newspapers. 
Died Aug. 19, 1883. 




LUTHER C. LADD. 

On the 10th of April, ISfii, while a lindy of Massachu- 
setts troops were en route lo the field of action, they 
were tired upon on the streets ol Baltimore, Md., hy se- 
cessionists. Luther C. Ladd, a liti le over 17 years of age, 
Addison O. Whitney. 21 years of aEre. hoth of Lowell, 
and Charles A. Taylor, of Boston, were killed outright : 
und Sutnner H. Needham. of Lawrence was mortally 
wounded. The bodies of the first soldier.s killed in the 
war were given a public funeral in Lowell, and a grand 
"Martyrs' Monument" was erected June 17, 1865. 




MARSHALL LEFFERTS. 

Bom in Brooklyn N. Y., 1820. Entered military Ufe 
as a staff officer to Gen. Hall, of the New York militia. 
Became Col. of the famous Seventh Reeiment, of New 
York City, Aug. 15, 1859. Made a grand parade in honor 
of the Prince of Wales. 1860. Took his regiment to the 
field. April li), 1861, May 21), 1862, and June 17, 1863. 
During their fijst term the regiment opened communi- 
cation between the National Capital and the North, by 
relaying the rails of the railroad from Annapolis to 
Washington. Died suddenly, July .3, 1876. 




E. O. C. ORD. 



Born in Maryland. 1818. Graduate at IT. S. Military 
Academy, 1839. Served against the Seminole Indian?, 
18;i9-'42. On duty in California during the Mexican 
War, putting an end to the reign of terror there. Ac- 
companied the expedition against John Brown, 1859. 
Brig.-Gen. of Vols., Sept. ]86i, and placed in commaud 
of a brigade. Army of the Potomac. Participated in 
Gen. Grant's operations in Mis>issippi. Commanded 
the 13th Corps at the siege and capture of Vicksburg. 
Ascommander of the 18th Corps he took part in the 
operations before Petersburg and Richmond. Brig.- 
Gen. U. S. A., 1866. Retired 1881. Died July 2'i, 1883. 




MICHAEL CORCORAN. 

Born in Carrowkell. Ireland, Sept. 21, 1827. Appoint- 
ed to the Irish Constabulary force when 19. He re- 
signed in 1849, came to America, settling in New York 
City. Elected Col. of the tl9th Regiment. N. G. S. N. Y., 
1859. Court-martialed for refusing to parade his regi- 
ment at the Prince of Wales's reception, 1860. Took his 
regiment lo the seat ot war, and participated in the 
first " Bull Run " battle, where he was taken prisoner. 
He was held nearly a year. On his release was made a 
Brig-tJen. Organized the famous Corcoran Legion, 
Army of the Potomac, 1863. Fell from his horse, and 
died Dec. 22, 1863. 




NATHANIEL LYON. 

Born in Aphford, Conn,, July 14, WVi. Graduate at tT. 
S. Military Academy, 1811. Servfd at the bombardment 
of Vera C'rnz, and tbe battles of Oerro Gordo, C'ontrerns. 
and Churubusco. Early in 1861 he wae placed in com- 
mand of the U, S. Arsenal at St. Louis. His energy in 
capturing the Slate Guards, in breaking up the Confed- 
erate force at Potose, and in laliing civil control wben 
Gov. Jackson fled from the capital, saved the State to 
the Union. He encountered the Confederate forces 
under Sterling Price at Wilson's Creek, Mo., Aug. 10, 
1881, and was killed, after being twice wounded, while 
leading a charge. 




GIDEON J. PILLOW. 

■Rom in Williamson Co., Tenn., June 8, 1806. rtrad- 
nate at Nashville University, 1S27. Began the prac- 
tice ot law in Columbia. Delegate to the National 
Democratic Convention, 1844. Entered the Mexican 
War as a Brig.-Gen. of Vols., and served undc Gens. 
Taylor and Scott, attaining tiie rank of Maj.-Gen. 
.\fter the war, was acquitted on charges of insubordi- 
nation. Joined the Confederate army. 1861; command- 
ed at Belmont, Mo., Nov. 7, IStil. and was second in 
command under Gen Floyd at Fort Donelson. Feb. IHtia. 
Was removed from command for leaving his post. Died 
Oct., 1878. 




FRANCIS H. PIERPONT. 



A very signiticaiii civil and political movement wa« 
inaugurated in Northwestern Virginia, in the early part 
of May. 1861. The trnion feeling was very strong, and. 
accordingly, there was much opposition to Governor 
Letcher and the Confederates in control of the eastern 
counties. A convention was held at Wheebng in the 
middle of June. A new State Government was organ- 
ized, with Mr. Pierpont as Provisional Governor, a Union 
Legislature was elected, and steps were taken for the 
erection of a new State, which culminated in the for- 
mation of the free State of West Virginia, admitted into 
the UDioD June 3, 1863. 




STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 

Born in Brandon, Vt , April 23. 181.3. Studied law a 
short time in Canandaigua, N. Y., leaving in 1831 lor the 
West, and settling in .Jacksonville, III. Taught school 
and studied law, and was admitted to the bar, 1834. 
Wa' Attorney-General of the State before he was 24. 
Secretary of ^tate. 1810. Judtre of the Supreme Court, 
1841. Elected to Congress. 1848, '44, '46, and U. S. Sen- 
ate. 1847. Canvassed the Stale in opposition to Abra- 
ham Lincoln for U. S. Senator, 1858, and was re-elecled. 
Conservative Democratic candidate lor President, 1860. 
After Mr. Lincoln's inauguration he supported lbs 
Union cause. Died June 3, 1861. 




ROBERT PATTERSON. 



Born in Cappagh. Co. Tyrone, Ireland, Jan. 12, 1792. 
His father fled to America, having been engaged in or- 
ganizing the Iriifh rebellion of 1798. Robert served 
through the war of 1812-'14, retiring a Captain, and re- 
turning to the counting-house business in Philadelphia. 
Became Maj.-Geu. of State militia, and quelled the 
" Hed Row " riots in 183S, and the " Native American " 
riots in 1844. Appointed Maj.-Gen. of Volunteers for 
the Mexican War, he rendered conspicuous services 
throughout the campaign. In April, 18H1, he was select- 
ed to command the Pennsylvania troops, and Geu. Scott 
placed him over the Department of Wash'ncton, and 
gave him unlimited powers. Returned to his bus'nehS 
at the close of hia term. Died Aug. 7, 1881. 




WINFIELD SCOTT. 

Born in Petersbnrg. Va., June 13, 178t). Studied law 
and was admitted to the bar, 18i)(i. When Congress 
enlarged the army he obtained a captain's commiei>iou. 
Appointed Lieut, -Col. on declaration of war of 181i; 
promoted to Brig.-Gen., March. 1814. Became Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Army, 184J. His career in the 
Mexican War displayed masterpieces of military exe- 
cution, and placed him among the great milirary heroes 
of modern times. Defeated for President of the United 
States. 1852. Brevetied Lieut. -Gen. (an office created 
for him by Congress), Feb. 18-^5, taking rank from 
March 29, 1847, in honor of his services in Mexico. Re- 
signed his commiseion ou account of age, Oct. 3i, ISfil. 
Died May 29, ISm. 




WILLIAM S. HARNEY. 



Born in Louisiana, 1793. Appointed to U. S. Army, 
Feb. 1818. Paymaster, iaS3. Lieut. -Col. 2d Dragoons, 
1S3*>. Fought in the Seminole War in Florida. Brevet 
Col., 1840. for gallant conduct. Served wiih distinction 
in the Mexican War. Brevet Brig.-Gen., 185S. While 
in command on the Pacific coast, he took possession of 
the neutral territory of San Juan Island, Puget Sound. 
Was in command of Union troops in Missouri in the 
early part of the Civil War. Retired 1863. 




WILLIAM A. BUCKINGHAM. 

Bom in Lebanon, Conn., May 28, 1S04. Educated in 
the public schools, and went into mercantile business 
when 21, settling in Norwich. Elected Mayor, 1849, 
1850. 1856. 1857. Elected Governor of Connecticut, 1858; 
re-elected seven times, declining a ninth consecutive 
nomination, in 1866. After two years* rest from the 
fatigue of his great war services, he was elected to the 
U. S. Senate 1868, for the term euding March 3, 1^5. 
Died Feb. 8, 1875. 




ADAM J. SLEMMER. 

Bom in Montgomery co., Pa., about 1828. Graduate 
at the U. S. Military Academy. 18.'>0. Served against 
Seminole Indians and on the California frontier, four 
years. Appointed Assistant Professor U. S. Military 
icademy, 185,5. Transferred to Fort Pickens, Jan. 1(1, 
1861, wtiich he held against all assaults until May !l, 
1861. Major, May, 1861; Brig.-Gen., Nov., 1862, brevet 
Lieut.-Col., U. S. A., Dec, 1862; brevet Colonel and 
Brig.-Gen.. March, 180."). Severely wounded at Stone 
River. On garrison duty after the war. and in com- 
mand at Fort Laramie, D, T. Died Oct. 7, 1868. 




JOHN 



CRITTENDEN. 



Horn in Woodford county, Ky., about 1785. Served in 
War of 1812. Besan practice of law in Frankfort, Ky. 
I). S. Senator, 1817. Devoted himself to his profession 
until 1835. when he again became U. S. Senator. Ap- 
])oiuted Attorney-General of the U. S.. 1841, serving but 
a few weeks. Elected U. S. Senator, 1842 ; Governor of 
Kentucky. 1848. Appoiuted Attorney-General of the 
V. S.. 1850. Ke-elected U. S. Senator. 18.5.5. for term 
ending March 4. 1861. Author of the "Crittenden Com- 
promise," proposed to adjust the secessioi: difficulties, 
but rejected by Congress. Died July 26, 1863. 




WM. G. BROWNLOW. 

Bom in Wythe county, Va., Aug. 2!l, 18(15. Entered 
the traveling ministry of the Methodist Church, 1826. 
Removed to Tennessee, 1838. Edited the Knosville W/iii/ 
from 1839 until November, 1861, when il was suppressed 
by the secessionists, and he was imprisoned. Defended 
slavery, but opposed secession. After a year he was 
allowed to pass through the Northern lines. When the 
Union army captured Ivnoxville he started another news- 
paper, and'vigorously supiiortcd the jirosecution of the 
war. Elected Governor of Tenn.. I865-'67, Elected to 
11. S. Senate, taking his scat Marcll 4, 1869. Died April 
iS), 1877. 




LEWIS CASS. 

Born in Exeter, N. H., Oct. 9. 1783. Settled m Mar- 
ietta, O., t7!t9. Studied law and was admitted to the ban 
18(12. Entered the War of 1812 as Col. of the 3d Ohio 
Vols. Urgeci the invasion of Canada ; crossed the line 
and won the battle of Toronto. Prisoner of war on 
surrender of Detroit. Became Maj.-Gen. Ohio Vols., 
and Brig.-Gen., U. S. A. Military Governor of Mich- 
igan, 18i3-"31. Secretarv of War tinder President Jack- 
son. Appointed Minister to France, 18.36, resigning 
1842. Elected U, S. Senator, 1845. Nominated for 
President, 1848. Secretary of State, 1857-'eo. Died 
June 17, 1866. 




J. B. MAGRUDER. 
Born in Port. Royal, Va.. I8ns. Gradiuitc at U S Mil- 
itary Academy, ISill. In the Mexican War he won the 
brevet of Lieut.-Col by his elclllful handling of light 
artillery. Visited Europe under a commission from 
the War Department to report upon the artillery ser- 
vice in the great armies. On his return he reei«ned hia 
commission and entered the Confederate army as a 
Brie -Gen He served in front of Richmond until alter 
the battle of Malvern Hills, when he was transferred 
to the Trans-Mississippi army. Died Feb. 24, 18T1. 




ALEXANDER RAMSEY. 
Born near narrisbnrg. Pa.. Sept. 8. 1815. Clerk !« 
("ieeister's office, 1828. Secretary State Electoral Col- 
lege, 1840. Clerk State House of Representatives, 1811. 
Member 28th. 2!tth Congresses. Appointed Territorial 
Oovernor of Minnesota, 1843-'53- Mayor of St. Paul, 
Minn., 1855. Elected Governor of Minnesota, 18.'j9; re- 
elected 1861. Elected U. S. Senator, 18112, '69. Appoint- 
ed Secretary of War by President Hayes, to succeed 
Secretary McCrary, Dec. 10, 1879. Chairman of the 
Utah Commission, 1882. 




JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON. 

Born in Longwood, Va , Feb., 18'17- Graduate at U, 
S. Military .\cademy. 1829. Aide-de-camp lo Gen. Scott 
in the Seiuinol.; War. .\ttained rank of Colonel in ihe 
Mexican War. Quartermas'er-Gen. and Brig.-Gt-n.. ISfl i. 
Resigned. \\m\ 22,1801, and entered the Conlcderale 
army. In coramaiKi of all the forces on the Peninsula 
and at Richmond. lofiO. In command ot the Depart- 
m nt of Tennessee, 181)2 "K). In Nov. 1863, he was 
transferred to the army in the South and West, and was 
driven by Sherman until he took up a position at At- 
lanta, Ga.. when he was relieved .Inly 17, 1864 In Feb., 
1865. when Sherman had penetrired' South Carolina, be 
was ordered to the command of all forces available to 
check the advance. Surrendered a few davf alter the 
surrender of Gen. Lee. Settled in Richmond. Member 
of the 46th Congress. 




JOHN E. WOOL. 



Born in Newhiiigh, N. Y., 1789. deceived a captain's 
commis-ion in ihe'army at outbreak of the War of 1812, 
At the !-torming of Q.iieenstown Heights he was shot 
through both thighs. Brevetted Lieuti-Col. tor bravery 
at Plattsburg. At cl'ise of the war he was appointed 
Inspector-Gen. of the Northern Division; in 1821 In- 
spector-Gen. of the whole army ; and in 1S26 Brevet 
Brig. -Gen. lor 10 years' faithful service. In the Mex- 
ican War he selected the ground on which the battle of 
Buena Vista was fought ; was in command at Saltillo* 
and succeeded Gen. 'Taylor in command of the army or 
occupation. Maj.-Gen."lT. S. A. 1.S48. Received thanks 
of Congress and a sword, 18.54. During the Civil War 
his superior skill as an organizer of troops was used 
etIVctuallv iu New York, B.iliiiuore, and Fortress Mod,. 
roe. Died Nov. 20, 1869. 





JOHN A. ANDREW. 

Born ill Wimlhain. Me.. May 31, 1818. Graduate at 
Bowdoin College, Me.. 1837. Admitted to the bar in 
Boston, Mass., 1840. Attracted public attention by his 
connection with the Burns and Sims cases under the 
Fugitive Slave law of iHoO. Closely identified with The 
anti-slavery party from IH4H. Delegate to the National 
Republican Convention. IHfKl. Elected Governor of 
Massachii><4ts same year, au<i was re-elfCted four times.' 
beiiii^ one of the most .thcientof the "War Governors." 
Prepared ihi- address of ilie Northern Governors to the 
people of the North, lHVt2. President of the first Na- 
tional Unitarian Convention. 1K(;5. Died Oct. 30, 1867. 



AMBROSE E. BURNS DE. 

Born in Liberty, Ind., May C-'i, 1M-,M. Graduate at V. S. 
Military Academy, laiT. Served in the Mexican and In- 
dian wars. Entered Union Army. April, 18(il. Com- 
manded a brigade at the first batile of Bull Kun. Pro- 
moted to Brig. -(Jen. and Maj.-Gen. Commanded a suc- 
cessful expedition to North Carolina, 1862 ; the left wing 
of tlie Union army at Antietnm; the Army of the Poto- 
mac, and the Nmth Army Corps. Elected Governor of 
Rhode Island. 1866. '67. '68. Admitted within German 
and French lines at Paris during Franco-German War, 
1870- '71. Elected U. S. Senator. 1874 ; re-elected. 1880. 
Died Sept. 13, 1881. 





EDWIN D. MORGAN. 

Born in Wushini:t<Hi. Masn., Feb. S. 1811. Received a 
piihiie school education. Engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits, New York (rity. Alderuian of N. Y. city. 184'.)- 
State Senator. 1850. '51. '52, '53. State Commissioner of 
Emigration, 1855-\58. Chairman National Republican 
Committee. 1856-"64. Governor of the State of New 
York. 18.J!t. '60. '(Jl, '03. Maj.-Gen. of Vols. Sept as. 
1861-.Ian. 1, IKi;:}. serving without pay. While Governor 
he rait*ed. .(pupped and hast«*ned to the field 220.0t)i> 
volunteer soldiers. Elected U. S. Senator, 1863. Died 
Feb. 14, imi. 



JOSEPH HOLT. 

Born in Breckinridge co., Ky.. 18i>7. Chose the legal 
Itrofcssion. Appointed Commissioner of Pafents. 1857; 
I*:>stniaster-General, 1859 ; Secretary of War. 1860 ; 
•ludge Advocate-General of the Army, 1862. In the 
last capacity he was engaged in many celebrated trials 
growing out of the Civil War. most notably that of the 
conspirators who planned the assassination of President 
Lincoln. 1865. On the retirement of Judge Bates, he waa 
otfered but declined the post of Attornev-General of the 
Unifed States. Brevet Maj.-Gen., March 13, 1865. and 
retired Dec. 1, 1875. 




RICHARD YATES. 

Born in Warsaw, Ky., Jan. IS. I.HIS. Graduate at Illi- 
nois College. Stiulied and practiced law. Representa- 
tive in the State Legislature, 1842, '43, '44. '45, '46, '48, 
M9. Member of the 32d and .33d Congresses from two 
different districts. Governor of Illinois from 1861 to ISG.'i. 
Elected to the U. S. Senate as a Union Republican to suc- 
ceed W. A. Richardson, and took bis seat March 4. 1.S65, 
for the term ending March, 3, 18T1. Died Nov. 27, IS73. 




JACOB THOMPSON. 

Born in Caswell co\intv, N. C, May I.'i, ISIO. Ciradu- 
ate at the University of North Carolina, 1831. Admitted 
to the bar, 1834. Member of Congress, 1839-'51. Secre- 
tary of the Interior from March, 18.57. to Jan. 7, 1861. 
Was one of the most active secessionists before and 
after the breaking out of the Civil War. Governor of 
Mississippi, 1862-'64. Became aide de camp to Gen. 
Beauregard. Died 1885. 





^ 



\ 



AUSTIN BLAIR. 

Born in Caroline. Tomiikiiis cu., N. Y.. Feb. S, IfitS. 
Graduate at Union Collcue. N. Y.. 1839. Stutlit-d hiw 
and on removing to Michigan began its practice. Was 
county clerk of lilaton county, and prosecuting attorni-y 
of Jackson countv. M<'mber of the State Legisslature. 
Govtrniir of Michigan from IHtJi to 1865. Elected lo the 
40lh, 41bL andJSd CougreSBes. 



WILLJAM SPRAGUE. 

Born in Craiistdn. R. I., Se|)t. Vi. 1S."J(>. Received an 
academic education. Became hirgt-ly intereyted in man 
ufacturing pursuits. Elected Governor of Rhode Island. 
ISnO, by ihe Democrats and Conservative Republicans. 
Raised several regiments for the Union army, and ac- 
companied them to the field. Declined appointment aa 
Brig.-Gen. of Vols, U. S. Senator, 1863-75. 




JOHN C. BRECKENRIDGE. 

Born noar Lesinfj:ton, Ky., Jan. 21, 1821. Educated at 
CeDtre College. Danville, and studied law. Served in 
the Mexican war, and was counsel to Gen. Pillow. Elect- 
ed to Congrese. 1851 ; re-elected, 1853. Elected Vice- 
President on ticket with James Buchanan, 1856. Elected 
XJ. S. Senator. IStiO. Defended the Confederacy in the 
Senate and volunteered for its army. Expelled by vote 
from Senate. Dec, 1861. Appointed a Maj.-Gen. m the 
following summer. Served continuously in the field 
until Feb.. 1865. when Jefferson Davis appointed him 
Secretary of War. After Johnston's surrender he went 
to Europe, returning in 18ti8, and withdrew from public 
life. DiL-d May 17, 1875. 




LOUIS M. GOLDSBOROUGH. 

Born in Washington, D. C. Feb. 10. 1805. Appoints 
midshipman, June IS, 1812. Rt-captured an English 
brig from Greek pirates, 1827. Executive officer of the 
frigate Ohio, at the siege of Vera Cruz, Mexico, March, 
1847. Was flag officer of naval forces that co-operaled 
with the army in the waters of North Carolina, 1862. A 
fleet under his command sileneed the Confederate bat- 
teries at SewelTs Point, May, 10, 1862, and moved up to 
Norfolk, which was found evacuated. Commissioned 
Rear-Admiral. July 16, 1862. After close of Civil War he 
was in command of European Squadron. Commandant 
Navy Yard, Mare Island, Cal.. 1868, and subeequentJr 
that at Washington, D. C. Died Feb. 20, 1877. 




JOHN A. DIX. 

Bnm in Boscawen. N. H., July 24, 1798. Entered the 
army. 1S12, and was aide-de-camp to Gen. Brown, when 
Coitimander-in-Chief, U. S. A. Resigned his commission 
1828. adopted the legal profession, and united with the 
Democratic party. Adj. -Gen., State of New York. 1830. 
IT. S. Senator. 1845. Assistant Treasurer. New York. 
1853. Postmaster. 1859. Secretary of the Treasurv, 
Dec. 1860-March, 1861. Maj.-Gen. of Vols., May. 1861, 
and soon after, Maj.-Gen., U. S. A. Military command- 
ant in New York during the " Draft" riot^, 1863. Com- 
manded Department of the East, 1864-'6.5. Minister to 
France, 18R6-''()8. Elerted Governor of New York, 1872, 
and defeated by S. J. Tildeu, 1874. Died April 21, 1879. 




WM. L. YANCEY. 

Born at Ogt-ochee Shoals. Ga., Aug. 10, 1814. Admit- 
ted to the bar, 1837. and removed to Montgomery, Ala. 
Elected to Congress, 1844. and re-elected for a "second 
term. Delegate to the National Democratic Convention^ 
1S48. Took an active part to m;ik<' Kinisas a slave State, 
1854-''56. Delegate to the Natinmil Democratic Conven- 
tion, 18150. at Charleston, but his Southern policy wae 
opposed, whereupon he joined the convention at Balti- 
more. Reported the ordinance of secession adopted by 
the Montgomery convention. Appointed Commissioner 
to Europe by the Confederacy, I8tU. Unsuccessful in 
gaining recognition, he returned and served in Con- 
federate Congress. Died July, 1803. 




Clement c. clay. 

Born in Madison Co., Ala., 1819. Gradnflte a( TJui- 
vert-ity of Alabama. 1835. Private Secretary lo his 
father when Governor. Beeau the practice of law in 
RuntBville. Member of the Legis^lature, 1S4'2, '44. M5. 
Elected Jud«e of the Connty Court, 1^46, resigninc; 1S4S 
10 resume his practice. Elected U. S. Senator 1853 ; re- 
elected 1857. Resigned on breaking out of the Civil 
War. Became a member of the Confederate Congress, 
and was also engaged in secret diplomatic work for the 
Confederacy. He surrendered himself lo a Union offi- 
cer, 1865. Was released lofib. Died Jan. 3, 1882. 




GABRIEL J. RAINS. 

Bom in Craven Co., N. C, 1804. Graduate at U. S. 
Military Academy, 18'^T. lie e^-rved in the Seminole In- 
dian War, and w(m his Majority in the Mexican War. 
In 1854 he was ordered to the Pacific coast, where h» 
became a noted Indian fighter. Just as he had been 
promoted to Lieut. -Col. (IStiO), he resigned his cummii*- 
sion to enter the Confederate array, and was appointed 
a Brig.-Gen. His most noted services were in connec- 
tion with the torpedo bureau of the Confederacy, of 
which he was the organizer and chief. Died Aug, S, 
1881. 




HIRAM PAULDING. 

Born in New York, Dec. 11, 1797. Appointed Mid- 
sliipman, Sept. 1, 1811. Saw fir^t service at the batlle 
ol Lake Champlaiu. Commander, Feb. 9, 1837. Cap- 
tain. Feb. 29, 1844. Commandant Washington Navy 
Yard, 1853-'o5. Commanding Home Squad/on, 185tl-''5'?. 
Rear-Admiral, July 16, 18K2, and ordered to command 
of the New Tork Navy Yard. No small portion of The 
efficiency of the blockading fleets was due to his per- 
t'onal attention in fitting and equipping the vessels. 
Relieved from duty, 1S65. Governor of the Naval Asy- 
lum, Philadelphia, ]867-'(iM. Port Admiral, Boston, 
186!>-'71. Died Oct. 2i^, 1878, 




SIMON CAMERON. 

Bom in Lancaster Co., Pa., March 8. 17^)9. Leamefl 
the printer's trade, and became a newspaper editor in 
Doylestown, 182(1. Removed to Harrisburg 1S22. and 
took charge of the leadiTig Democratic paper of the 
State. Elected IT. S. Senator, 1845. He favored the 
Mexican War and the extension of the Missouri Com- 
promise Line to the Pacific. Re-elected U. S. Senator, 
1857. Immediately after his inauguration, President 
Lincoln appointed him Secretary of War, which office 
he held until Jan. 11, 18fi2, when he was appointed 
Minister to Russia. Re-elected U. S. Senator, 1866, "73. 
Resigned 1877. Succeeded by his son. 




JOHN SLIDELL. 

Born in New York Citv, iibout 1793. Graduate at Co- 
lumbia Collegi'. N. Y., 18M. Studied law, but was en- 
eajjed Id mercantile bueiuess, lfil7-'20. Being admitted 
to tbe bar. he became V. S. District Attorney in New 
Orleans, 18-2!>, and held offlce until 1833. Elected to 
Congrese, \Si:i. Appointed Minister to Mexico, 1845. 
Elected v. S. Senator. 18.>1. and was re-elected. In 1861 
with James .M. Mason (quid vuh). he was appointed a 
Confederate Comrais-'ioner to Europe- they were taken 
from the British steamer Trtn.t, by Captain Wilkes. II. 
S. N., and imprisoned in Fort Warren, from which they 
were released upon the demand of Oreat Britain, and 
allowed to resume I heir journey. Died in London, Eug., 
Julys, 1871. 




PHILIP KEARNY. 

Born in New York City. June 2, 1815. Was appoint- 
ed to the army, 1817, and sent to liurupe to study French 
cavalry tactics. Entered the military school at Sau- 
mur, and then joined the army in Africa as a volunteer. 
Appointed aide-Ue-camp to Oeii. Macomb, 1840, and to 
the same olHce under Gen. Scott. 1841. Equipped a 
company oP dra;joons at his own expense, and escorted 
Gen. Scott into Vera Cruz. Lost his left arm at tbe 
City of Mexico while charging: a battery. Resigned 
commission, 1851. Served during the Italian campaign, 
1859. He hurried from Europe when the Civil War 
broke out. His services were gladly accepted, and he 
was placed In command of the New Jersey troops. 
Maj-Gen. U. S. A., July 4, 1802. Killed at Chantilly, 
Va., Sept. 1, 18ti2. 




WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 

Born in Florida, N. Y.. May IH, 1801. Entered Union 
College, 1818. Admitted to the bar, 1822. Elected a 
State Senator, 183 1. Defeated for Governor, 1834. 
Elected Governor, 183S ; re-elected 1840, declining a 
third term, 1812. Canvassed the Stale for Henry Clay 
1S44, but devoted the most of the period 1843-'49 to his 
extensive legal practice. Elected U. S. Senator, 1849 ; 
re-elected 18.5,5. Appointed Secretary of Stale by Pres- 
ident Lincoln, immediately after his fl'st inauguration. 
He retained the important post tbioughout the war. 
At the time of Mr. Lincoln's ar-sassmation. Mr. Seward 
was brntally assaulted. Rcliied from Cabinet service 
March. 1869. Made a lour around the world .8T0-'71. 
Died Oct. 10, 1872. 




EDWIN M. STANTON. 

Born In Steubenville, O.. Dec. 19, 1S14. Graduate at 
Kenvon Colleiie 18*!. Admitted lo the bar. IS'ih. In 
1847' he removed bis family to Pittsburg. Pa., though 
retaining an oiUce in Steubenville. His business be- 
fore the U. S. Supreme Court became so large, that he 
was compelled to remove to Washington, J). C.,in 1857. 
Appointed Attorney-General of the T. S. Dec. 1860, 
retiring March 4. 1861. Appointed Secretary of War 
Jan. 11, 1862. He was retained in the Cabinet of Presi- 
dent Jol,C'.-on until Aug. 18i>7, when he was 8USI>ended, 
after peremptorily refusing to resign. This action ied 
to the impeachment proceedings of IStiS. He resigned 
after the acciuittal of the President. Appointed Asso- 
ciate Justice U. S. Supreme Court by President Grant, a 
few d-iys befoie his death, Dec. 24, 1869. 




BENJ. F. CHEATHAM. 

Bom in Daviiison Co., Tenn., ISlfl. Went into the 
Mexican War twice, as Captain of a company and 
Co'onclofa regimi--nt. Commanded a brieade in bnt- 
tles around Mexico City. Commissioned a Brijj.-Gen., 
Confederate army. May, 1%1, and Maj.-Uen., March,18(H. 
His services were confined to tlie We-tern armies, the 
record of his comniand extending through all the oper- 
ations of the Army of Tennessee, sharing in Hood's 
Biial campaign. Appointed postmaster ;a Nashville, 
I'enn., isn'i. Died Sept. 3, 1>^.6. 




STEPHEN B. MALLORY. 

Bom in Nassau, N. P., 1810. Educated in New York. 
Moved to Key West, Fla., studied law, and was aamit- 
ted to the bar, 1833. Became County Judge, Judge of 
Probate, and Inspector of Customs. Klec'ed U. S. Sen- 
ator, 1&5I • re elected 1857. Expelled on the seccse'ou 
of his State, Jan. 18t'>l. During the Civi: War he held 
the position of Secretary of the Confede'-aie Navy At 
the close of the war he was arrested. Hcleaseif on 
parole, March, 1866. Died >>ov. Itj, )8".). 




OLIVER P. MORTON. 

Born in Wayne Co.. Ind , Aug. 4, lH-23. Educated in 
Wayne County Seminary and Miami University, U. 
Admitted to the bar at Centreville, Ind.. !>il7. Elected 
Circuit Judge. 1S52. Left the Democratic for the Repul*- 
lican party. 1854. I)efeated for Govertior, 185ti. Elect- 
ed Lieut. -Governor, 18fi0. Two days after inauguration 
be became UoV(*rnor by the election of Governor Lane 
t-^ 'he U. S. Senate. Elected Giveruor, 1864. Elected 
H/ lue U. S. Senate, 1867; re-elected for following term 
Member of the Electoral Commission. Died Nov. 1, 
1877. 




JOHN T. GREBLE. 

Born in Philadelphia. Pa., Jan. lit, 1834. Graduate at 
U. S. Military .Academy 1854, and assigned lu the 
artillery branch. He was detailed for active duty at 
Fortress Monroe, Oct.. IStiil. Assisted in preventing 
the seizure of that impr-tant post by Confedeiates. 
Sent to Newport News as Master of Ordnance, M.ly 56, 
1861, he superintended the fortification ot that place, 
and trained the volunteers to artillery practice. He 
accompanied the expedition to Great Bethel, and was 
the flr-t regular army officer who perished on the field. 
Killed June 10, 1861.' 








ALEX. W. 



RANDALL. 

N. Y.. Oct.. 1819. 



Born in Montgomery co.. N. Y.. Oct.. 1819. Studied 
law and Sfttled in Wnukcshu, Wis., 1840. Appointed 
Judge of the Second District, 1no6. Governor of Wie- 
couein, 1S57-180I. Minister to Italy, 1861-'65. Post- 
maeter-General, 1866- 'GO. Resumed tbe practice of law 
at Elmira, N. Y. Died July -^^S, 1H73. 



HENRY W. HALLECK. 

Born in M'aitrville, N. Y.. Jan. 16. 1815. Graduate at 
IT S. Military Academy, 1839. Assistant Prof, of En- 
gineering at the Academy. 1^0. Served through Mexi- 
can war. Appointed Miij.-Gen. IT. S. A., Aug.' 19. 1861. 
Became Geii. -in-Chief of the Army and Chief of Staff 
under Lieut. -Geu. Graut. Died Jau. 9, 187"J. 





WILLIAM DENNISON. 

Born tn Ciiiciiimiti. oliiu. Nov, '23. 1815. Graduate at 
Miami University, IKSo. He became u lawyer, a railroad 
and a bank presidenl. \A'as Governor of Ohio. 1860-'62, 
and evinced sterling (pialities as the "War" Governor. 
He refused to surrender allt'ix<'d fngutivo slaves, denied 
the right of secession, and ;i11trme<l the loyalty of his 
State. Appointed Postmasfer-(ieneral, 18f>4, serving two 
years. Died June 1.5, 1882. 



ISRAEL WASHBURNE. 

Born in Livi'rmore. Me.. June 6, 1813. Educated in' 
the public schools. Member of State Le-gislature. 184:i-\50. 
In the latter year was elected to Congress and served 
coiitinuously from Dec. 1. 18.5*2. to Jan. I. 1861, when he 
resiixrii'd to i'nter upon his diiii''^ .is < -overnor of Maine, 
(electril iSflOl. He was re . Ii> h, I. isiH, find declined a 
third nmniiuilion. Was apiH.iiiinl i ullcctor of CuetomB 
at Portland, Me. Died May l','. LS8;j. 




JOHN S. MOSBY. 

The noted Confederate '■ Guerilla." Was a graduate 
of the UniverBity of Vir^nia, and a lawyerof local rep- 
utatiuD. He was for a long lime Gen. Lee's mo-I trusiy 
ecoat, and a terror to non-combatante within the Union 
lines. In March, 18ti3. he dashed into the villaj^e of 
Fairfax Court-bouse, took, Irom his bed and carried 
away the Federal commanding oflflcer. U. S. Consul 
at Hong-Kung, China, 1881. 




WILLIAM NELSON. 



Born in MaysviHe. Ky., 1825. Entered the U. S. 
Navy, I'^IO. Participated in the 8ie;^'e ol Vera Cruz, 
1847. Became Lieut. -Commander, 1861. Exchanged 
the naval for the military service, and made Brig -Gen., 
Sept. Ifi. ISfi], Commanded the "M division of Buell'a 
army at Shiloh. Placed in command of Louisville, Ky.. 
when threatened bv Bragg. Maj.-Gen. of Vols., Ju^y 
IT, 1862. Fatally shot at LomVville, Ky., Sept. 29, 1*2, 




JOHN B. HOOD. 

Born Id Owingsville, Ky„ June '39, ISSl. Graduate at 
0. S, Military Academy, 1V),3. Engaged on frontier 
duty until ISfil, when lie entered the Confederate Army, 
eerving in every position from lir^t lieutenant to that 
of Commander-in-Chief of an army, with the rank of 
Lieut. Gen, He lost a leg at Cliickamaiiga, Succeeded 
Gen. Johnston in command of the army resii.«ting Geii. 
sherman^s invasion of Georgia. 1864. Led " a lorlorn 
hope of the Confederacy.*' at Franklin, Nov. ;iO. and 
Nashville, Dec. 15. 15, 1864, and was relieved by Gen. 
Dick Taylor, He was a very gifted officer, andi thor- 
oughly understood the science of war. Died Aug, ,iU, 
1879. 




JOSEPH HOOKER. 

Boni in Hadley. Mass., Nov. 13, 1814. Graduate at 
V. S. Mililary Academy, 1^37. Served in the campaigns 
in Florida and Mexico, and resigned, ls.''i3. Brig -Gen. 
of Vols.. May 17, 1861. Served around Washington un- 
til March. 1862, when he was assigned to the command 
of a division. Army of the Potomac. From that lime 
until June 27, 1863, he participated in all the move- 
ments of that army, becoming its commander in Jan., 
1S63. In Sept., 1863, was placed in command of the 
Army of the Cumberland, and in 1864, he accompanied 
Sherman as far as Atlanta, when he asked lobe relieved. 
Received thanks of CongreBS, Retired upon full rank 
as a Maj,-GeD., Oct,, 1868, Died Oct, 31, 1879, 




JOHN A. WINSLOW. 

)i)rn in N. C. Nov. !l, 1811. Jlidpllipa.™, 182T ; 
?ie,.(™niit, 18-39; cominandcr, 18.').'); captain, 1862; 
Commodore, lS(i4 : Rcar-Admiral, IKfiK. Seived gal- 
lantly during the Mexican War. hut his principal dis- 
tinction arises from having fougllt the only sea engage- 
ment of the Civil War On Jane in. IHCl. while in com- 
mand of the U. S. S. Eearmrge. off the port ol Cherbnre, 
France, he discovered, fonght, and sunk the much 
dreaded Confederate steamer Ala'iama. He became a 
Commodore for this remarkable action. Commander of 
Gull Squadron, 1866, 'U~. Died Sept. 29, 1873. 




WILLIAM B. GUSHING. 

Born in Wisconsin. Nov. 24. 18-14. Appointee' to the 
tJ. S. Naval Academy from New York. IS-^I. In May. 
1861. he went into service at Hampton Koads. and 
captured the first naval prize of the war. Captured 
Jacksonville, Fla., and destro.ved the salt works at New 
Juliet, Nov., 1S62. The moi^'t daring act of the whole 
war was thedestruction by him of the Confederate ram 
Albemarle^ at her wharf at Wilmington, N. C. Oct. 27. 
]8(i4. Received thanks of Congres*^, and was promoted 
to be a Lieut. -Commander. Died Dec. 17. 1874. 




JAMES B. Mcpherson. 



Born in Sanduskv Co.,0., Nov. 11, 1828. Gradnateat 
head of class at the U. S. Military Academy, IS-iS. In- 
structor at Academy until 1854, when he was assigned to 
duty as engineer on the defences of New York harbor. 
In charge of construction of Fort Delaware. 1857, and 
subsequently of the defences at Alcatraz Island. Cal. 
.\ppoinIed aide-df-camp to Gen. Halleck. Aug., 1861. 
Brig.-Gen. U. S.Vols. and Maj.Gen., Oct., 1862. Served 
with Gen. Grant from the capture of Fort Henry, 1862, 
to the surrender of Vicksburg. 1863, and was pro- 
nounced bv him to be " one of the ablest engineers and 
most skillful generals." In command of the Depart- 
ment and Army of Tenn.. 1864, and of the left grand 
division before Atlanta, Ga., where he was killed July 
22, 1864. 




P. G. T. BEAUREGARD. 

Born in parish of St. Bernard, La.. May. 1818. Grad- 
uate at (J. S. Military Academy. 18')8. Served through 
Mexican War. His advice decided the manner in which 
the City of Mexice was attacked. Superintended con- 
struction of Custom House and Marine Hospital, New 
Orleans. Appointed Superintendent U. S. Military 
Academy, 18()0. Resigned to enter Confederate service, 
1861. Constructed the works at Charleston which 
forced Ma.ior Anderson to evacuate Forts Moulirie and 
Sumter, April, 1861. Was in command at the first 
Bull Run battle, July 21, '61: second in command, 
under S. A. Johnston, at Shiloh. April 6, '62; defended 
Charleston when besieged by Gilmore, '6.3: and with 
Gen. Jos. E. Johnston at the final surrender, April. 
1865. After the war settled in New Orleans. 




SAMUEL R. CURTIS. 

Born in Ohio, Feb. ISO". Graduate at the D. S. Mili- 
tary Academy, 18;^!. Re^i^ued in the following year, 
and was engaged in civil engineering until IKJ'T. Be- 
came Adj. -Gen. of Ohio militia. Served through the 
Mexican War with Ohio troopy, and after the discharge 
of his regiment, he was appointed civil and military 
governor of Camargo, .Monterey, and Saltillo. Member 
ol the 3.'Jth. 3()!h, 37th, 3tith Congresses. Was one uf 
the first Brig.. Generals appointed at opening of Civil 
War. Won a decisive victory at Pea Ridge, 18(i2. Had 
command of Departments ol .Missouri, Kansas, and the 
Territories, and the Northwest. Died Dec. i8, 18li6. 




BEN. Mcculloch. 

Bdhi in Rutherford Co., Tenn., 1814. Joined the 
Texan army under Gen. Houstou, 18^56, and was af^^icn- 
ed to the ariillery. Served eallantly at San Jacinto. :iiid 
afterward settled in Texas as a eurveyor. At the oni- 
break of the Mexican War he raised a company of T<'X 
an rangers, which were accepted bv Gen TayloV. With 
his men he won great honor at Monterey" and Bufiia 
Vieta. Joining Gen. Scott's army he participated in 
the capture of Mexico City, and was rewarded by .-ip- 
p«»intment as U. S. Marsha! for Texap. Briu.-(Jen. in 
the t'linfederate Limy. While leading a corps at the 
battle of Pea Ridge, March 7. 1802, be waB shot dead. 




THOMAS J. JACKSON. 



Born in Clarksburg. Va., Jan. 91, 18^4. Graduate at 
U. S. Militciry Academy, lS4fi. Was immediately order- 
ed to the Mexican War, where be was brevotted Captain 
and Major for meritorious conduct. Resigned his com- 
mieeion, 1852. and became a Professor in the Virginia 
Military Academy. Left this position and went into 
the Confederate army as a Brig.-Gen. Gained the ■'*o- 
l/riqu€to\ '* Stonewall" at the first battle of Bull Run. 
Maj.-Gen.. Sept. 18til, in command at Winchester. 
Crosr^ed the Chickahominy, June, 1862. Fought until 
accidentally wounded bv his own men, at Chancellors- 
ville, May 2, 18H8. Died eight days after. 




DAVID E. TWIGGS. 



Born in Georgia, 179*>. Entered the U. S. Army as 
Captain, 1812. Served throughout the war, and was 
retained with the brevet rank of Maj. Was Col. of 
Dragoons in Mexican W^ar. Commanded the right 
wing at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. Brevetted 
Maj.-Gen., and presented with a sword by Congress. 
Commanded a division uiuler Gen. Scott, 1847. and was 
military governor of Vera Cruz in the following year. 
As commander of the Union iroops in Texas. 1861, he 
surrendered military stores and material to the Mate 
authorities, and delivered hie Iroops to the Confed- 
«-rares. Died Sept- 15. 18b2. 




JAMES M. MASON. 



Born at Analostan Island, Va., Nov. 3, 1707. Graduate 
ai Uiiiversitv "f Penneylvania, 1818. Admitted to tlie 
bar, 1820. Member of Cougreas, 1837-'39. U. fe. tieuator 
1S46-'61 Author of the Fugitive Slave law Entered 
the Confederate Congress, 1861. In the fall of that year 
he and John Slidell iqii'd vide) were sent to Europe .is 
Special Commissioners by the Con federate Governmen t . 
After the close of the Civil War he went to Canada, 
where he remained three years, returning soon alter 
the issue of President Johnson's proclamation ot 1S68. 
Died April 28, 1811. 




SIMON B. BUCKNER. 



Born in Kentucky, 182.3. Graduate at U. S. MJiltary 
Academy, 1841. In the war wiih Mexico, iM5-'48, 
wounded and twice brevetted ; assistant instructor U. 
S. Military Academy, 1818-'50 ; resigned March '26, 1855. 
Superintendent of construction of tiie t'hicago custom- 
bouse, 18.'i5. Col. of Illinois Vols, for the Utah expedi- 
tion. Inspector-General commanding Kentucky home 
guards, IHIiO-'til. Joined the Confederate army. Sur- 
rendered Fort Donelson to Gen. (^rant. As Maj.-Gen., 
was assigned to the third grand division, and with Kir- 
by Smith surrendered to Gen. Canby, May -Hi, 1865. 
Elected Governor of Kentucky, 1887. 




ROBERT C. SCHENCK. 



Bom in Franklin. O.. Oct. 4. 18(in. Graduate at Miami 
"University, 1827. Studied law and was admitted to the 
bar. Elected to the State Legislature, 184], and to 
Congress, 1843 ; re-elected for the four succeeding 
terms. Minister to Brazil, I8.il-'51. When the Civil 
War broke out he was commissioned a Brig.-Gen. of 
Vols. Being wounded in battle lie wjis ajipointed Mil- 
itary Governor or Baltimore and its vicinity. Member 
of Congress I8ti.'i-'7I, when he was appointed Minister 
to Great Britain. Kesignod 1876. 




SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD. 

Born in Harford Co., Md. Dec. 20,1813. Removed 
to Ohio, 18i.'). Admitted to the bar, 1843. Prosecuting 
Attorney four years. Removed to Iowa. 1855. Elected 
Governor, 183i) ; V. S. Senator, 186ti ; Governor, 1875. 
The day before the inauguratifjn he was re-elected U. 
9. Senator, his term beginning March 4. 1877. Ap- 
piiinted Secretary of the Interior by President Garfield. 
He retired in 1882, and was succeeded hy Henry M. 
Teller. As -'War" Governor he saved his State an 
immense sum of money. 




GUSTAVUS V. FOX. 

Boni in Sausuf, Mass., June r3, 18-21. Midshipman 
1S38. Appoiuti-d AsBistant Secrelary of the Navv by 
Piesideui Lincoln, ISdI. lie was considered by Icadino 
naval and military officers the practical tiead of the 
navy throughout the entire war. Soon after the close 
of the war he was selected to present in person to the 
Czar ol Russia Itie congralulalinns of Congress upon 
His Majesty's escape from assassination. Kesigned on 
return, and entered manufacturing business. 




THEODORE RUNYON. 

Bom in Somerville, N. ,1 , Oct. 3,i, 1822. Graduate 
at Yale College, 1h42. Adniilteti to the bar, 1846. City 
Attorney of Newark, N. J., I8i3 ; City Counsel, 1856 ; 
Mayor. 18B3, '64. '(i5. Maj.-Gen State Militia, 1856. 
Took the first brigade of N. -J. troops to the war, April 
27, 1861. Saved the National Capital. Appointed 
Chancellor of N. J., 1873. '80, second term expiring 
1837. Received degree of LL.D from Yale and Rutgers 
Colleges, and Wesleyan University. 




HORATIO G. WRIGHT. 



Born in Clinton. Conn., ATarch, 182(1. Graduate at TT. 
S Military Acidemy, ill the corps of engineer-, S41 In 
charge of construction of Fort Jefl'ers n, and superin- 
tended that of Fort Taylor. Fla.. lsl6-o6. Commaudert 
expedition that destroyed the Norfolk Navy Yard. I.SCI. 
Tianned and began work on Fort Ellsworth coverin-' 
Alexandria. Brig-Geu., Sept. 14, 18B1. Organized the 
Port Royal expedition. Maj.-Gen., July, 1S6J Suc- 
ceeded to the command of the 6th Corps, May si, 1863 
Brevetted Col. U. S. A., for services at Spottsylvania ; 
Brig. -Gen. at Clear Harbor, and Maj.-Gen. for the cap- 
ture of Petersburg. Chief of Eugineers, June 30, 187!) 




GASS:US M. CLAY. 

Bom in Madison Co., Kv.. Oct. 19. 1810. Graduate at 
Yale College, mm. Elected Member of Legislature, 18;te, 
'40. Started a newspaper in Lexington, Kv., June, 
1845, and for advocating the enianoipalion of slaves in 
the State, he was frequenllv niobb.'d and had his mate- 
rial deslroyed. Viilnuteered for the Mexican War, 1W6, 
and was taken prisoner, Jan., 1847. Advocated the elec- 
tion of Gen. Taylor to the Presidency, 1848. Ran foe 
Governor of Kentucky on an anti-slavery platform, 1851. 
.\dvocated the election of Abraham Lincoln, 1860. Min- 
ister to Spain, 1861. Minister to Russia, 186'2-'69. Ad- 
vocated election Qf Horace Greeley, 1872. 




ANDREW H. FOOTE. 

Born in New Haven, Conn., May -I, 1808. Midship- 
man, 18i2 ; lieutenant. 183U ; commander, 185J ; cap- 
tain, IBBl ; Rear-.\dmiral, 1863. Appointed to the com- 
mand of the Western flotilla in the fail ot 1861. Toolj 
Fort Henry, Feb. 6. 1862. Eight days later he bombard- 
ed Fort Donelson, which surrendered tiie following day 
to the army. Received the surrender of Island No. 10, 
alter a most stubhorn eugageraent, April 7. He was 
compelled lo resign his command hv wounds received 
at Fort Donelson. Received the thanks of Congress, 
J'lne 16 1862. Ordered lo relieve Rear-.\dmiral Dupont 
off Charleston, he died on his way thither, June 26, 1863. 




EDWIN D. BAKER 

Born in London. Eng.. Feb. 24. 1811. Came to Am- 
erica when five years old, fubsequeutly located at 
Springfield. 111. Studied law and was admitted to 
the bar Elected a Member of Congress, 1817. Raised 
a regiment for the Mexican War. When Gen. Shields 
was wounded at Cerro Gordo, he succeeded to the com- 
mand of the brigade. Re-elected to Congress on his 
return. Removed to California, 1852, and to Oregon, 
186(1, and was elected U. S. Senator. Raised a regiment 
and entered the Union Army as a Brig.-Gen. While 
leadinL' '^is brigade at ihe battle of Ball's Blufl', Va., he 
was kiUeJ, Oct. 21, 1861. 




RAPHAEL SEMMES. 

Born in Charles Co., Md., Sept. 27, ISOfl. Appointed 
midshipman, 1S26; promoted to lieutenant, 1837, and 
commander, 1865. In 1834 he studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar. Served during Ihe Mexican War, as 
Aide to Gen. Worth. Took command of Confederate 
steamer Sumter at New Orleans, ran the blockade, and 
captured several merchant vessels in the Gulf, July, 
1861. Placed in command of the famous Alabama, 
Aug., 1862, and continued his career of capturing and 
destroying merchant vessels. His vessel was sunk in 
the Cherburg harbor. France, bv Ihe U. S. S. K(arsarg(\ 
June 111, 1S64. Died Aug. 30, 1877. 




JOSEPH 



REYNOLDS. 



Bom in Kentucky, 1822. Graduate at U. S. Military 
Academy, and entered Ihe army. July 1, 184.3. Ass't 
Prof, geography, history, and ethics, at Military .Acad- 
emy, 1846; Ase't Prof, natural and experimental phi- 
losophy, following year ; principal Professor. 1S49^'55. 
Commissioned Brig.-Gen. U. S. Vols.. June, 1861. Re- 
signed in Jan., 1882 ; re-appointed, Nov. 10, and pro- 
moled to Maj.-Gen., Feb. 2. 1863. In command of De- 
partment of Arkansas, 1864-'ti6. Appointed Col. 26th 
U. s. Inf., July 28, 1866 ; transferred 'f Mth Ipf , J«>-, 
1870. and to 3d Cav., Dec 15. 1870. Brevel MiO.-yen.. 
for gallantry in the war, and retired. 




AMBROSE P. HILL. 

Born in Culpepper Co., Va., Nov. !), 189.5. Graduate 
at the U. S. Military Academy. 1847. On coa^^t survey 
eervice, IS.'J.^-'bl. Resigned his commie^iou to enter the 
Confederate army. Made Maj.-Geu. for services with 
Gen. J. E. Johnston at Bull Run. Captured Harper's 
Ferry, Sept. 14, 1862. Took an active part in the battle" 
of Antietam. Fredericksbur;^, C'hancoUorsville, and 
GettyHburir, and the great battles in the Spring of ISfil 
around Richmond. Killed at Petersburg, April i, ISM. 




WILLIAM L. DAYTON. 

Born in Baskingridge, N. J., Feb. 17, 1807. Graduate at 
Collcgeof N. .I.,I82.i. Admitted to the bar, 18.30. Asso- 
ciate. Justice Supreme Court ol N.J., 1S38-'41. \ppoint- 
od U. S. senator to till vacancy 1842. and elected for the 
full term 1845-'51. Candidate for Vice-President on the 
ticket with John C. Fremont 185B. Aniiointed Attor- 
ney-General of N. J. 1857, resigning in 18t>l to Mccept ap- 
pointment as Minister to France, which position he 
held until his death, Dec. 1, 1864. 




SAMUEL F. DUPONT. 

I?orn in Bergen Point, N. J., Sept. 27, 180.3. Ap- 
pointed midshipman, 1815. In 1845, having attained the 
rank of Commander, he was ordered to the Pacific in 
command of the frigate Congress, bearing the flag of 
Com. Stockton. For three years he was incessantly en- 
gaged against the Mexicans and Indians. Appointed to 
the command of the Washington Niivy Yard, Jan.. ISSI. 
and of the South Atlantic Squadron in Sept., holding 
the latter until June .3. 1863, and rendering some of the 
most brilliant naval services of the war. Died, a Rear- 
' Admiral, June 2.3, 1865. 




HENRY WILSON. 



Born in Farmington, N. H., Feb. 16, 1812. When 21 
he went to Natick, Mass., to learn phoemaking. Be- 
came self-educated. Appeared ae a public political 
speaker, 1840. Elected to the Legislature the same year, 
he served four years in the House and lour in the Sen- 
ate. Defeated as Free Soil candidate for Governor, 1853. 
Elected U. S. Senator. 1855 ; re-elected 1859, '6.5. Was 
a member of Gen. McClellan's slafl' a short time. 
Elected 'Vice-President of the U. S.. on the ticket with 
Gen. Grant, 1872. Made a tour of the Southern States, 
1875. Died Nov. 22, 1875. 




BARBARA FRIETSCHE. 

This venerable lady, whose patriolic action inspirerl 
John G. Whiitier to compose one of his most charnunti 
ac.l popular poems, lived close to i bridge that spauned 
the stream which runs through Frederick, Md. When 
" Stonewall " Jackson marched throush the citv iu 
Sept., 18<>2, many Union flags were flving. These he 
ordereo hanled down. Barbara kept her^ flyins; until 
It was shot from its staff, when she seized and waved 
the tattered ensign. Jackson ordered his men to march 
on, forbidding another shot. She died June, 18B4. 




ALFRED PLEASANTON. 
Born in the District of Columbia. Dec, 1S23. Gradu- 
ate at the U. S. Military .Academy, July, 1814. Served 
conspicuously In the Mexican War. Iu the Civil War 
be commanded his regiment on its march from Utah to 
WHshinglon, and served with it in the Peninsular cam- 
paign of 1862. In Sept.. 1862, was given command of a 
division of cavalry in the Armv of the Pototmc. He 
was a Maj.-Gen. and chief of cavalry at Gettysburg, 
Drove Gen Price from Missouri, ISM. Kesigned his 
commission in the Regular Army, 1868. 




JOHN H. 
Bom in Huntsville, Ala.. 



MORGAN. 



, __ _, June 1, ISati. Served In a 
cavalry regiment in the Mexican War. Seltled in Lex- 
ington, Ky. Organized the Lexington Rifles, Sept., 18S1, 
with whom he entered the Confederate service. Com- 
manded a picked force with which he made frequentand 
daring raids into the LTnion lines. Was captured in 
18«.'), but effected his escape. In 18fi4 he undertook a 
raid into Tennessee. He was surprised at night by 
Federal cavalry at Greenville, and while trying to es- 
cape wad shot dead, Sept. 4, 




ABNER DOUBLEDAY. 

Bom in Saratoga Co., N. T., June 26, 1819. Graduate at 
U. S. Military Academy, 184'2. Captain, 185!5. Was one 
of the little garrison at Fort Sumter during the bom- 
bardment, 1861, and is said to have fired the first gun 
for the tfnion in the war, April 12. Commanded a 
division at Antietam, 1862. Obtained the rank of Maj.- 
Gen., Nov., 1862. Served at Gettysburg, Po.. July 2, 3, 
1863. Mustered out of Vol. service, Aug. 24, 1865. Re- 
tired from Regular Army. Dec. II, 1873, at his own 
request, having served over 30 years. 




B. M. PRENTISS. 

Born in Bellville, Va., November 23. 1810. Settled in 
Quincy, III., where he learned the trade of rope-maker. 
In the war with Mexico he was Adj. of the let III. 
Volunteer?', di^tiniiiiisihing himself at Biiena V^i^ta. 
WeDt into the Civil War as Col. of the 7ih 111. Volun- 
teerg. Appointed Brie -Gen. May, 1861. Wai? !*urpri8ed 
and captured at Shiloh, April, 18f>9. Mnj.-Gen. of 
Volunteers. Nov. 2ft, 1S62. Member of thi' court-martial 
that tried Fitz John Porter. Defeated Gen. Holmes, 
Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863 




JOHN H. REAGAN. 

Horn in Sevier Co., Tenn.. Oct. &, 1818. Settled in the 
Republic of Tesa«, ly39. Elected to State House of 
Eepreeentatives for two years, 1847 ; Judge of the Dis- 
trict Court for six years, 18,52; reei^Tied and was re- 
elected 18r)6. Member of the 351h. 3mh, 44th, 45th. 46th, 
47th Congresses. Appointed Postmaster-General of 
the Confederacy, holding the position to clost of the 
War. Was also Acting Secretary of the Treasury for a 
short time. Member of the btate Constitutional Con- 
vention, 1H7.'). and 4S(h, 4itth. 5lltb Congresses. 




MANSFIELD LOVELL. 

This name is intimatelv connected with one of the 
greatest events of the Civil War : the surrender of New 
Orleans to the Union authorities. He was born in the 
District of Columbia, educated at the U. S. Military 
Academy, and proved an efficient youuij officer in the 
Mexican War. As Maj.-G'-n. C. S.A., he assumed com- 
mand of the Department of Louisiana, Oct. 18 1861. He 
fortified as well as poe-^ible with the limited means al- 
lowed ^im. but could not hold the key to the Valley of 
the Mississippi. His conduct at New Orleans was vin- 
dicated by several Confederate officers. Settled is 
New York after the war. Died June 1, 1884. 







L mi 




GIDEON WELLES. 
Born at Glastonbury, Conn,, Feb. 1. 18' 2 Studied 
law. Became f^diirr of the Hartford 7>m^.-. lS'-:ti. Mem- 
ber of Legislature. lsaT-'35. when he was appointed 
Comptroller of Public Accounts. Postmaster at Hart- 
ford, 1836-'41. Appointed a bureau chief in the Navy 
Department, 184(5. eervins three years Was a del^i^te 
to the National Republican Convention which nomi- 
nated Abraham Lincoln. Appointed Secretary of the 
Navy. March. IHfll, and served nrtil Gen. Grant became 
President, wtien he was succeeded l.ty Adolph E. Porie, 
who was followed by George M. Roljeson. Lied Feb. 
11, 187H. 




DAVID G. FARRAGUT. 

Born at Campbell's Station, Tenn., July 5, I811I. At 
tbe age of 11 was appointed midshipman. Was on the 
frieate SStsra when sne was capiiired bv British sloops 
off Valparaiso. Was Flag-OtHcer of llie Hert organize'! 
to attack New Orleans, Jan., JRW, and directed that 
memorable engagement from the ringing of the Rarl- 
font. Rear-.^dmiral, l.siiS. Passed thebatteries of Port 
Hudson, 1hb:5, and maipnally aided Gen. Grant in the 
capture of Vioksbiirg. Compelled the surrender of the 
forts in Mobile Hay, Aug., 1864 ; Congress created the 
grade of Vice-.^dmiral for him for this work. Appointed 
Admiral, July 25, ls6«. Died Aug. 1:), 1870 




leomidas polk. 



Graduate at U. s. Mili- 



Born m Raleigh, N. C. ,„„„. „,auuaie at li ^ .vili 
tary Academy, 1827. Resigned same year and began to 
study for the ministry. Consecrated Missionary Bishon 
Protestant Episcopal Church. I»:i8. Became bishop Sf 
the Dwceseol Louisiann.lSll. Accepted the commission 
of a Maj.-Gen. in the Confederate Army early in he 
war. His nrsf engagement was at Belmont, Nov 7 IRlil 
He was in command of a corps at Shiloh, and inraded 
Kentucky with Gen. Bragg. For disobedience of orders 
at Chickamauga. 1863, he was relieved and placed 

lie w.^^'I'mw " •>"^'■rT''.'i''"'^'■"'g "<""• Marietta gI, 
lie was k.lled, Jmie 1 1, l^fi4. 




BRAXTON BRAGG. 

Bom in Warren Co., N. C, ]R1.'\. Graduate at U. S. 
JJilllary Academy, ISK. Served Ihrough the Mexican 
War, gaining a brevet of Lieut.-Col. tor meritorious 
conduct. Resigned the service, 1866. At ihe beginning 
01 the Civil War he was made Commander-in Chiei of 
the Volunteer Forces of Louisiana, and shurtlv after- 
ward a Brig.-Gen. in the Confederate Army, with com- 
mand at Pensaeola, Fla. Maj.-Gen. Feb., 18H3, in com- 
mand of the ad Corps at Shiloh. (ieneral. in April 
following, nefeated by Gen. Grant al Missionary Ridge, 

Q^I'-oS ,o~<P° "P^'*^'"' duty at liichmond, 18(t4. Ufed 
oept. 27, 1876. , 




CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. 
Born in Boston, Mass., Aug. 18, 1807. Grandson of the 
second and son of the sixth President ol the United 
Stales. Went to Hussia with his father, then U. S. Min- 
isler, when two years old. remaining six years. Grad- 
uate at Harvard College, 1825. Studied law with Daniel 
Webster, and was admitted to the bar. Elected Mem- 
ber of Congress, 18''8. Minister to Great Britain, 1861-'B8. 
when he was recalled at his own request. Appointed 
.Vrbitrator for Ihe U. S. in the Geneva Tribunal for set- 
tlement of claims arising from Ihe Civil War, 1871. 
Author of several historical works, a frequent con'rib- 
utor t ) magazine literature, and an able speaker. Died 
Nov. ai, Issii 




BENJ. H. GRIERSON. 

Born iu PittHliiir^, Pa., Jnlv, 1837. Removed at an 
«arly age to Ohio, and Bub^equeiiily to Illinois. Served 
on tbe staff of Qeu. Prenti&s in the Civil War. Was 
Maj.; Col. of theClh Ill.fav.; Brig.-Gen. of Vols , 1863; 
And .\taj.-Gen.. 186,5. He was one of the most conspic- 
uous cavalry leaders, and achieved remarkable success 
in many important operations, expeditions, and raids. 
Appointed Col. loth U. S. Cavalry, Jnlv, 1866. Brevet- 
ted Maj.-Gen. V. 8. A., March 2, 1867. ' 




SILAS H. STRINGHAM. 
Born in New Yorl:. Nov. 7, 1797. Midshipman, 1810 ; 
lieutenant, 1811; commander, 1831: captain. 1841; 
relired. 1H61. Commandant Charlestowu Navv-Yard, 
18I14-66. Port Admiral New York, 1867. Served iu tha 
last war with Great Britain, in Aliriers, and Mexico. 
In the Civil War he commanded the squadron whicll 
reduced Forte Ilatferas and Clark and ;^ave the U. S, 
aulliorities possession of the sounds of North Carolina. 
Died Feb. 7, 1876. 




C. C. AUGUR. 

Born in New York. 18-21. Graduate ai LI S Military 
Academy, 1843. Served in the militaiy occupation ol 
Texas, 1845-'4ti; iu the war wiih Mexico lW6-'48 ; and 
as commandant of cadets at the Military Academy, 1861. 
Appointed Maj.-Gen. U. S. Vol<., Aua. 9, 186*2. Severe- 
ly wounded at Cedar Mountain. In Gen. Bank-' expe- 
dition to New Orleans, 186'2 ; command of the district 
©f Baton Rouge, 18tJ3 ; in expedition to Port Hudson, 
1863; in command of the Department of Washington, 
]86.3-'66; of the Platte, 1867-'71 ; and of Texas. 1,S7I. 
Brevet Maj.-Gen. U. S. .\., March 13, 1H65. Ret U July, 




DAVID HUNTER. 

Born in Washin.-tnn. II. C, July Jl.lfifW Graduate ,il 
TT.S. Military Acarl em v. and entered the army, July. 1822. 
.\|.>pointed Col. 6th V. s. Cav , and Brig.-Gen. of VoN., 
May 14, 1861. Commanded division at Bull Run. July 
SI. Maj.-Gen. Vols., Ang., 1861. In command of De- 
partment of the South, 1862. In May, he declared 
slavery abolished in the department, which order was 
aniuilled by the President. Command of Department 
of West Va., May, 1864. Member of the commi-sioD 
that tried tbe a.ssassination conspirator-. 1865 Retired 
from the service, July, 1S66. Died Feb. 2, 1886. 




FRANZ SIGEL. 

Born in Zinsheira, Grand Duchy of Baden, Nov. 18, 
1824. Educated iu the military t^cbool al Carlsruhe. Bo- 
came Chief-Adjutant in the Baden army. 1847. AsCorr.- 
mander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army of 1848 he 
was deleated. and fled to Amer'ca, 185;t. Commissioned 
Brig. General in (he Union Army, May 17, 1861. Made 
Maj.-Gen. for his hervicep at PeaRidee, Mar.. 1862, and 
appointed to the command of f he 1 1 th Corps, Sept., 186'^ 
Resigned hi^ com mis- ion. May, 1%5. and settled in New 
York <"ity. Was elected Uegisler of the City and 
Coaniy, 1874. 




DOROTHEA L. DIX. 

Born in Worcester, Maes. Went to Eniope in 1634, 
and ^pent three years etudying the methods of treat- 
ment of the insane, paupers, and prisoners. From 1-41 
to 1861, she devoted herself exclusively to ameliorating 
the condition of suffering Immanity, particularly the 
insane, and visited the public institutions of nearly 
every State in the Union. From the beginning to the 
close of the Civil War she was Superintendent of Hos- 
pital Nurses, having entire control of their appoint- 
ment and a sitrnment. .After the war ehe resumed her 
labors in behalf ol the insane. Died July 19, 18S7. 




MONTGOMERY C. MEIGS. 

Born in Georgia, and a graduate of the U. S. Military 
Academy. Cadet, July 1, ls;j2 ; second lieutenant. Jnly 
1, lS;i6 : brevet second lieutenant of engineers, Aug. 1, 
1837; first lieutenant, July 7. 1838 ; captain. March 3, 
1853 ; Colonel llth Infantry, May 14, 1&61. He was pro- 
moted to Brif^. Gen., and appointed Quartermaster- 
General of the army. May 15. I8ijl, and honorably dis- 
charued the heavy labors of his office throughout the 
Civil War. Brevetted Maj.-Gen. for distinguished scr- 
vicee, July 5, 1864. Retired Feb. 6, 1882. 




WASHINGTON HUNT. 

Born in Windham, N. Y , Aug. 5, 1811. Admitted to 
the l)ar, 18:^4. Member of Congress. ls43-'49. Comptroller 
of Stale of New York, 1849. Elected Governor, 1S50 ; de- 
leated for same office. 1852, by Horatio Seymour. He 
then retired from active political life, but was drawn 
before the public again in 18^4, when he was a delegate 
to the National Demorratic Convention at Chicago. He 
was repeatedly elected a delegate \o the Triennial Con- 
ventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Died 
Feb. 2, 1867. 




DAVID B. BIRNEY. 

Born in Huiitsville, Ala., May 29, 1825. Kemoved to 
Philadelphia and be^^an the practice of law, 1S48. Enter- 
ed the Union Army as Lieut. -Col. of a Philadelphia regi- 
ment which he raised. At the espiration of the term 
the regiment re-enlisted under him as Col., and was 
attached to the Army of the Potomac. Brig.-Gen., Feb. 
1862. Served in all the battles of the Peninsula, as well 
ae those before Washington. Promoted lo be Maj.- 
Gen.. May 23, I8()3. Led a division at Gctiysburg, and 
commanded his Corps after Gen. Sickles waV wounded. 
In command <tf the 1( th Army Corps, Army of the 
Jamee, July 23, 18b4. Died Oct. 18, 18ti4. 




GEORGE 



Born in Cadiz, Spain, Dec. 31, IHl.^i. Graduate at U. S. 
Mililary Academy, 18^35. Served in the Seminole War 
and then resigned to enter upon the profession of civil 
engineer. Served with distinction in the Mexican War, 
and after its close was engaged in light-house con- 
struction. Brig.-Gen. of Vols., August. iSfil ; in com- 
mand of the Pennsylvania troops which constituted a 
division in the Army of the Potomac, with which army 
he served throughout the war. Brilliant as were hie 
services he wMl be best remembered as I he victor of 
Gettysburg, July 1, 2, 3, 1863. Ueceived thanks of 
Congress; .nade Maj.-Gen. U. S. A. Died Nov. (i, 1872. 




SAMUEL JONES. 

Born in Virginia, 1S2(\ Graduate at U. S. Military 
Academy, 1841. On frontier duty and in carrison, 
1841-'45. Instructor at the Academy, 1S45-'M ; again 
on frontier and garrison duty, 1851-'58, when he was 
assigned to duty in Washington as assistant to the 
Judge-Advocate. Resigned April 37, 18f)], and entered 
the Confederate service as Col. Becamn Alaj.-Geii. in 
1862, and was in command of (he Confederate Depart- 
ment of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, 1^P4. 
Surrendered his command, under instructions, to Gen. 
Johnston, May 10, 1805. 




HENRY H. SIBLEY. 

Born in Lnuieinna, July. 181ti. Graduate at U. S, 
Military Academy. July 1, 1&38. Served in Floridn War 
and throughout the Alesican cnrapaimi. gaining the 
brevet of Major for eallantry. With tbe Utah expedi- 
tion, 1857-'t}(). and that against the Navajoe Indians, 
1860. Entered the Confederate service, l^fil, and was 
soon a Brig.-Gen. Sonsiht the conquest of New Mt-x- 
ico, 18t)-2 ; fought at Valverde, Feb. 21. and occupied 
Albuquerque and Santa Fe in March, but was com- 
pelled to evacuate in April. At the close of the war he 
entered the Egyptian army. 




ROBERT B. RHETT. 

Born in Beaufort. S. C Dec. 34, IKIX). He went bv the 
family name of Smith until It^iT, when he assumed h\s 
ancestral one of Khett. Became a lawyer. Entered 
political life, 1836, when lie was elected to the .State 
Legislattire. Elected Attorney-General of the State. 
18.33. Was an emphatic States" Ki^^hts advocate. Mem- 
ber of Congress, lK3(i-]fU9. Elected U. S. Senator, I(«0; 
resigned, I8.'>3. Memt)er of Stale .Secession Convention. 
1860. Chairman of the Comniillee of the Provisional 
Congress, which reported the < 'uiifrdcrate Constitution. 
Delegate to the National Uemocratic Convention, 1868. 
Died Sept. 14 'WB. 




R. M. T. HUNTER. 

Born in Essex Co., Va., April 31, 18«1. Educated at 
the I'uiversity of Virginia and the Winchester Law 
School. Member of Congress 1831', '41, '46, '4V, and 
Speaker 1839- '41. U. S. Senator. 1847-'.51. Was Secretary 
of State in the Confederacy, a Confederate Senator, and 
one of the Commissioners who met President Lincoln 
and Secretary Seward at the Hampton Koads confer- 
ence, Feb., 1865. Appointed Collector of Customs for 
the District of Tappahannock, Va., .May 31, 1,885 Died 
July 18, 1887. 




JOHN A. DAHLGREN. 

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., 1810. Appointed midshi])- 
man, Feb. 1, 1836. On coast survey duty, l,S:j6-'42; ord- 
nance duty, l,847-'.57, when he perfected the invention 
of the Dahlgren gun. On ordnanci' duty Washington 
Navy Yard, 18tl0-'61. Appointed commandant of the 
yard, commissioned captain. July, 1863, and apj)ointed 
Chief of the Ordnance Bureau. ' Hear-.\dmiral, Feb. 7, 
1863. In command of naval force to co-operate with 
Gen. Gillmore in Charleston Harbor, July, August and 
September. 1863. Led expcditi<m up the St. John's 
River. Florida, Feb.. 1864. Co-operated \yith Gen. 
Sherman at capture of Savannah, (ia., Dec. 83. 1864. 
Bntered Charleston, Feb., 1865. Commandant South 
Pacific Squadron, 1866. Apjiointed to I'ommand of 
Waehingtuu Navy Yard, 1869. Died July 13, 1870. 




STEPHEN C. ROWAN. 

Born in Ireland, Dec. 38, 1805. Appointed midship- 
man from Ohio, Feb. 15, 183(i. Took an active part in 
the Mexican War. Commanded naval Irallalion under 
Com. Slorkton at battle of the Niesa, Upper California. 
E.wcutive ortlccr of the Ci/iiiir' when she boinbaided 
Guaymas. In the /'««7/tf eiigagid Confederate batter- 
ies, Acquia Creek. Ihe tiiM naval action of the Civil War, 
May, 1861. Commanded naval fiotilla and greatly aided 
the army in the capture of U<.anoke Island, Feb. 1863, 
Captured the works and Confederate lleet in Albemarle 
Sound. As Commodore, comniaiided na\al forces at fall 
of Newbem, N. C. Commanding Asiatic Squadron as 
Rear-Admiral, 186S-'69. Vice-Admiral, U. S. N., Aug. 
15. 1870. 




DANIEL E. SICKLES. 

Born iu New York, Oct. 2'i, IH^-i. Admitted to the 
bar. 1848. Secretary of Lesatiou at London. 1853. State 
Senator, 185.i. Elected to Congress, 1856. '5S. '6ii. Raided 
the Excelsior Brigade, and was appointed Col., June, 
1861. Brig.-Gen. Vols. Sept.. 1861. Attached to Hook- 
er's divi-iion, 3d Corps, in the Peninsular campaign. 
Succeeded to the command, April, 18H3, being then a 
Maj.-Gen. Lost a lee at Oettysburi: in tbe second day's 
fight. Iu command of District of North and South 
Carolina, 18n6-'67. Retired as Maj.-Gen. U. S A., April, 
1869. Ministi-r to Spain, I869-'74. Resumed law prac- 
tiCH, New York City. 




ALEXANDER McD. McCOOK. 



Born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, April 22, 1831. Grad- 
uate at U. S. Military Academy and entered the army, 
18j2. Instructor at Academy, 1857-'61, Brig. -Gen. of 
Vols., Sept., 1861, and assigned to the Cumberland 
Department. Commanded a division at Shilob and 
Corinth; the 1st Corps at Perryville; '2i)th Corps at 
Slone River and Chickamauo;a, and tbe troops for the 
defence of the National Capital at the time of Early's 
raid in July, 1864. Resigned his commissioD. Oct., 1865, 
and was appointed Col. of 6th Inf., Dec, 18H0. Seven 
of his brottier? fought on the Union side, and three of 
th«m, with iheir father, wei'c killed. 




DRAYTON. 



Was a wealthy land-owner, whose mansion stood a 
few yards Irom the beach and no? more than a mile 
from Fort Walker, erected on the Hilton Head side of 
Port Royal entrance, to oppo-^e the Federal naval ex- 
pedition of Nov.. 1861. As Brig.-Gen. was in command 
of the fort with 625 men under him. After a bombard- 
ment of four hours on the 7th he bad to evacuate the 
fort, which was occupied hy Gen. Wright's brigad-- the 
mext day. 




THOMAS L. CRITTENDEN. 

Born in Ru^sellville. K\ .. in 1819. A son of John J. 
CriltiMiden. author of the ■M'ritienden Compromise.** 
He served with honor in the Mexican War, and entered 
the Union army ea-'lv in the Civil War. Commanded a 
division at the battle of Shiloh. Aprd, 1H62. and wae 
soon after made Maj -Gen. of Vols. At the batile of 
stone River. Jan.. 186:-5. he commanded a corps. Brevet 
Bri-r -Gen. 0. S. A.. March 2, 1867; retired as Col., May 
19, 1881. 




HUGH JUDSON KILPATRICK. 

Bom near DockerfowD, N. J., Jan. 14, 1836. Gradu- 
ate at U. y. Military Academy, and Piitt'red army. May 
8, 1H(-1. Captain 6th N. Y. Vols., May 9; wounded at 
Big Bethel, June 10. Col. 2d N. Y. Cav., Bee, m''-i. 
Participated in the Rappahannock and Maryland cam- 
paigns and the second Bnll Rnn battle. Commanded a 
brigade of cavalry in StonemanV raid, and became Brig. - 
Gcfi., Jnne, ISfi;^. Commanded a division at Gettye- 
burir, and the cavalry on Sherman's march to the eea. 
Maj.-Gen. Vole., June, l8tjr>. Resigned in regular army, 
Dec., 1865, and his volunteer commission, Jan. 1. ISHti. 
Appointed Minister to Chili, Nov., 18fi5; recalled, 
1868* reappointed and died at hie poot, Dec. 4, 1881. 




GEORGE SYKES. 

Born in Dover, Dfl., Oct. !i, 1S2-2. Graduate at V. S. 
Military Academy. 1S42. Gained the brevet of captain 
in the Mexican War, and perved constantly on the 
frontier, in expeditions and agains^t the Indians, 1848- 
'fil. Commanded a battalion ol' regular troops at Bull 
Run. Brig.-Gim., 1S61. In command of the regular 
infantry in the defence of Washington. I861-'fi9, and 
the division of regulars in the Peninsular campaign of 
IftfiS. Succeeded Gen. Meade in command of the 5th 
Corps, June. lH(i3. Brevetted Col. for eallanlry at 
Gaires's Mills; Brig.-Gen. for Gettysburg; and Maj.-Gen. 
lor services during the war. Col, 2(.Hh tj. S, Inf.. Jan., 
^868. 




WILLIAM W. AVERILL. 

Ri-rn In New Y.)rk, I83n. Graduate at U. S. Military 
Academy, 1H55. Col. 3d Penn. Cav., 1861. Commanded 
the cavalry about Washineton, and served In the Pen- 
insular camp:iign, Brig.-Gen. of Vols.. I86J. Partici- 
pated in Stoneraan's expedition toward Richmond, 
April-May. 1868. Ens-aged in, and in command of, 
skirmishes, raids, and actions in West Va.. the Shenan- 
doah Valley, and Tennessee. Captain 3d Cav. V. S. A., 
July, 1863, and brevetted Major. Lieut.-Col.. Colonel, 
Brig.-Gen.. and Maj.-Gen. U. S. A Resigned. May, 
1865, and was appointed U- S. CoDsul-Generat to Canada. 




C. L. VALLANDIGHAM. 

Born in New Lisbon. O.. 1S22. Admitted to the bar, 
1H4-2. Member of Legislature, 1845-M6 Elected to 
('ongrese, 1857, and re-elected for two succeeding terms. 
Opposed measures for carrying on the war by the na- 
tional trovemment. Defeated for Congress in 1863 he 
assailed the covemraent with such bitterness that he 
was arrested by order of Gen. Biimside, Iried and sen- 
tenced to close confinement during the war. President 
Lincoln comnin»ed the sentence to banishment beyond 
the line?i. He wont to Canada, and afierward returned 
to Ohio, bnt was nut molested. Died Juut 17, 1871. 




F. K. ZOLLICOFFER. 

Born in Maury Co, Tenn., May 19, 181*2. Reoeiv.-d 
academic education; became a printer and newspaper 
editor. Stale Primer. I8i5; State Comptroller, 1^45- 
'49; State Senator. 1849; Member of Confess, 1S53- 
'59;' delegate ro the Peace Congress. Feb., 1861. En- 
tered Confederate army, and was assigned to tbe com- 
mand iu Ka-tern Teiineesoe as a Brig.-Oen., Aug. 8, 
18H1. DetVated at Camp Wild Cat, Ky. Oft. 21, 1861- 
and at Mill Spriuij, Ky., where he was killed Jan. 19. 
1863. 




'#-^/i 



ROSWELL S. RIPLEY. 

Born in Ohio, 18-21. Graduate at U. S. Military Acad- 
emy, aud commissioned brevet second lieutenant oi 
Artillery, 1S43. Served throuKbout the war wiib Mex- 
ico, and brevelted Captain and Major for gallantry. 
Resigned commission and engaged in l)usiuess to 
Charleston, S. C, 1853. Entered the Confederate army 
as aBrig.-Gen. He directed the fire upon Port Sumter, 
April, 1861; was wounded at Aniietam, aud subs^ 
queutly served in South Carolina. 




GEORGE P. PICKETT. 

Born in Henrico Co., Va., Jan. •2.''). 18-25. Educated at 
tbe U. S. Military Academy, and on graduation was 
ordered to service in Mexico under Gen, .'-cott. After 
the war he was on duty in the Territories and on the 
Pacific Coast. Resigned his commission, 18til,and vol- 
unteered for the Confederate Army, commissioned Col., 
shortly after promoted to Brig.-Gen., advanced to Maj.- 
Gen. after being wounded at Gaines' Mills. He was 
engaged in nearly every battle fought by the Army of 
Northern Virginia. Retired to private life after Gen. 
Lee's surrender with an unquestioned record as a dar- 
ing and stubborn fighter. Died July ;ji), 1875. 




DON CARLOS BUELL. 

Born near Marietta, O , March -2:1 1^18. Graduate ex 
U. S. Military Academy. 1841, Served in the Infantry 
until 1848. Became As's'i Adj. -Gen. U. 8. A., with rank 
of Col., July 17, 186-2, and Maj,-Gen. U. S. Vols., March 
-21, 186-2. Served in Florida. Texas, and Mexico, and 
received severe wounds at Chnrubusco, In command 
of Department of the Ohio, I8(il-'3'i; of the Army of 
the Ohio, 1862 ; engaged at the battle of Shiloh, siege of 
Corinth, operations in N(»rthern Alabama, and the re- 
treat to Louisville to cut off the army of Gen. Bragg, 
which he drove from Kentucky. Resigned his com- 
mission, June 1, 1864. 




JOHN W. GEARY. 

Bom near Mt. PU'asunt, Pa., Dec. .3i1, 1819. Became 
a civil engineer. VVent into the Mexican War as 
Lieut. -Col. 2d Pa. Vols., and commanded the regi- 
ment at Contrerae and Garila de Belen. Appointed 
first Postmaster of San Francisco, 1849. Mayor of the 
city, 18.51). Territorial Govfrnor of Kaneas, 1866. En- 
tered Union army, Jnne, 18til. Brig.-Gen. April. I86-,>. 
Distingoished himself at Gettysburg. 1868. Maj. Gen. 
Jan., 1S65, Elected Governor of Pennsylvania, 1866, '6H. 
Died Feb. 8, 1873. 




REVERDY JOHNSON. 



Born in Ann.ipolis, Md., Mav 21, 17!>6. Admitfed to 
the bar, 181.5. Elected U. S. Senator. 1815, and was ap- 
pointed Attorney-Generai of the U. S. four years later. 
Member of the Peace Congress, 1861. Re-elected U. S. 
Senator, 1S6'2. Appointed Umpire for the settlement of 

3uestions which had arisen with foreign governments 
iiring the Civil War. Appointed Minister to Great 
Britain, June, 1869. Negotiated a treaty for the settle- 
ment of the "Alabama " claims, which was rejected by 
the Senate. Recalled 1869. Died Feb. 10, 1876. 




STERLING PRICE 

Born in Prince Edward Co., Va., Sept. 1809. Settled 
in Missouri as a farmer. Elected Member of Congress, 
1841. Resigned at outbreak of Mexican War. and went to 
the field at the head of a cavalrv regiment. Commis- 
sioned Brig.-Gen. and appointed' Military Governor of 
Chihuahua for his toilliant capture of Taos. Elected 
Governor of Missonri, 18.5.'); declined re-election, 1.8.57. 
Appointed Maj -Gen. of State militia, he organized the 
State Guards, which Gen. Lyon forced to surrender. He 
sustained Gen. Lyon's attack at Wilson's Creek, in 
which the Union Army was defeated, and caplnred the 
city of Lexington after a four davs' siege. Became 
Maj.-Qen. C. ii. A. Died Sept. 27, 1867. 




E. E. ELLSWORTH. 

Born in Mechanicsville, X. Y., April 'it, 1837. Fali- 
inj: to obtain an appointment to the U. S. Military 
Academy, he went to Chicago, where he organized a 
corps of young men upon the plan of the French zou- 
aves. Oii the breaking out of the Civil War he removed 
to Xew York City, where he organized his famous Zou- 
ave regiment, recruited mainly from the Fire Depart- 
ment, and with it hastened to Washington. His regi- 
ment was ordered to Alexandria, May 23, 1861 . A Con- 
federate flag was flying from the Marshall House. He 
went to the roof, hauled it down, and while descending 
the stairs was shot dead by the proprietor, who in turn 
was killed by Private Brownell. 




NATHAN B. FORREST. 

Born in Bedford Co.. Teon., July 13, 1S*21. Was 
engaged in businei^s up to Civil War, which he entered 
as a private. Became Col. of a Tenn. regiment of 
cavalry, March, 1:<G2. Wounded at Shiioh, April S. lu 
command of Con ftvlerate cavalry at Chattanooga; Brig- 
Gen.. Jaly 21, 1862. In command at Murfre^eboro', 
Sept.; of a brigade. Bee. 4; en;:;a^ed in the action at 
Parker's Cross Roads. Dec. ^11, I8ti2; and in the battle 
of Chickamausa, Sept. 19. 2 i. 1863. Maj.-Gen., Dec, 
1863. In command of forces at the surrender of Fort 
Pillow, April, 1864. Lieut.-Gen., Feb., 1865. Surren - 
dered at Gainesville, May 9, 1865. Became a railroad 
president after the war. Died Oct. 20, 1877. 




■ 4 v// ^ ' 

JOHN SEDGWICK. 

Born in Cornwall, Conn., Sept. 13. 1813. Graduate at 
U. S. Military Academy, 1837. Won the brevets of 
Captain and Major, for bravery in Mexican War. Brig.- 
Gen. U. S. Vols.. Aug.. 1861. Commanded a divitiou of 
Sumner's corps in the Peninsular campaign, 1862. Maj.- 
Gen. of Vols., July 4, 1862. Commanded a division and 
was wounded three times at Antielam, Carried Marye's 
Oeights in the rear of FrederickHhurg, May, 1863. Made 
a forced march of 35 miles in 2u hours with the 6th Corps 
to the relief of Gen. Meade at Gettysburg. Captured an 
entire Confederate division during the passage of the 
Rapidan, Nov. 7, 1863. Killed in action near Spottsyl- 
vauia Court-hou^e, May 9, 1864. 




DAVID McM. GREGG. 

Born In Penn., 1S33. Graduate at F. 9. Military 
Academy and entered army. 18.5.'i. Served in Mexico, 
and marched bin command rhence to California where 
he was on frontier duty again^^t the Indians up to 1861. 
First lieut., March; Captain 6th U. S. Cav., May: Col. 
Bth Penn. Cav . Jan., 1862, which he led through the 
battles of the Peninsular campaign. Brig -Gen. U. s. 
Vols., Nov., 1862. Commanded a division of cavalrv in 
Stoneman's raid toward Richmond. Was in Gettysburg 
battles and the pursuit of Gen. Lee. In command of 
the cavalry corps of Grant's army. Aug., 1864, to Feb., 
1865, when he resigned. Brevetted Maj.-Gen. of Vols. 




HUMPHREY MARSHALL. 

Born in Frankfort Co., Kv., Jan. 13, 1S12. Graduate a* 
U. S. Militarv Aciidemv. 1~.T.'. Reeigred Irom the arm.v, 
1833. Stiidipa l;iw and practiced until ontlireak of 
Mexican War, wlien as Col. he took the let Kentucky 
cavalry to the field. After the war he settled on a farm. 
Elected to Congress, 18411, '51 ; appointed U. S. Com- 
missioner to China, 1SI52 ; recalled, 18.53 ; re-elecied to 
Coneres-', 18n5. '.'iT. He was oppused to secession, but 
went into the Confederate service, Sept.. IStil, as a 
Brig.-(Jen. Hesi^ned his commission shortly after, and 
was elected to tlie Confederate Congress. Resumed law 
practice, Louisville, Ky. Died March 28, 1872. 



/^ 




ROBERT OULD. 

After a protracted correppoiidence between repre- 
Fentafivesof tlieUnion and the Confederate forces on the 
BDijject of prisoners of war, a cartel for the exchanj^e of 
prisoners was signed July 22. 18»>2, by Gen. John A. 
Dix and Gen D. H. Hill. City Point and Vicksburi: 
were made the exchange points, and the former became 
the most prominent. Robert Onld acted as Confederate 
agent of exchange until the close of the war, while the 
Federal side was represented in turn by Col. Ludlow, 
Gen. S. A. Meredith, and Gen. B. F, Butler. 




■'T> 



W. F. LYNCH. 
Born in Va., 1801. Midshipman, 1819 ; Lieutenant. 
1818. Made his famous expedition to the Dead Sea, 
and near Jordan, 1848. Promoted to Commander on 
his return; Captain, IHSR. Resigned, 1861; commis- 
sioned Flag Officer, with rank of Commodore, Conted- 
erate Navv, June 10. Commanded the squadron which 
resisted Bnrnside's attack on Roanoke Island, Feb. 7. 
8, 18ti2. Was commandei at Smithville when Porter 
attacked Fort Fisher, and on the fall of the fort he re- 
tired to Wilmington. Died Oct. 17, 1866. 




EDWARD R. S. CANBY. 

Born in Kentucky, 181S. Graduate at U. S. Military 
Academy, 183!). For his services in the Mexican War 
he received the brevets of Major and Lieat.-Col., and 
was promoted to full rank of Captain, 1851. Col. Wth 
U. S. Inf., May, 1861, in command of the Union troops 
in New Mexico. Brig.-Gen. of Vols., 1862. In com- 
mand of U. S. troops in the city and ha'-bor of New- 
York during the '-Draft Riots" of 186:j. Maj.-Gen. of 
Vols., 1864. Received the surrender of Gen. Dick Tay- 
lor's army after the fall of Richmond. Full rank of 
Brig.-Gen. U. S. A., July 28, 1866. After the war he 
was placed.'in command of the Department of the Col- 
ombia, and was murdered by the Modoc Indians at the 
Lava-Beds in Northern California, April 11, 1873. 




GEORGE H. THOIVIAS. 

Born in Southampton Co , Va., July 31, 1816. Grad- 
uate at U. S. .Military Academy, 18111. Assigned to duty 
on the day of his graduation, he served continuously in 
the army for twenty years. Took a leave of absence in 
Aug., 186(1, but reported for duty again, April 14, 1861. 
He served through the Shenandoah campaign with the 
bravery of a veteran ; but it wa-* not until his influence 
began to be felt in the operations io the West, that the 
couutry came to appreciate his extraordinary abilities. 
Success followed success, and the crowning glory of all 
\«-as the annihilation of Gen. Hood's army in Dec. 1864. 
Hiuiors and rewards were pressed upon the victor ; Con- 
gress voted him thanks, and he n-as made a Maj.-Gen. 
Died March 28, 1870. 





SCHUYLER COLFAX. 
Born in New York C'ily. :\l;in li x.'3. IS:^^. Common 
F<hooi f(l II cation. Kemovcil in Iinliiinii, IS^itl. Delegalt* 
to and Sfcretary of National Wliii,' (.'onventionp, 1848. b'2. 
IMembtT of Congees from 18.54 to 1868. when he was 
fleeted Vice-President of the IT. S., on the ticket with 
(ien. firant. Speaker of the Houae during three Cou- 
greeees. Died, Jan. 13. 1885. 



MRS. U. S. GRANT. 
Misf^ Julia Dent was bom in IH'^C. After graduating 
in 184^J, Lieut. Grant formed heracciuuintancc, an(i on hie 
return from the Jlexican War. he was married tohcr, Auft. 
1848. After the Civil War phe shared the honors paid 
her famous Inisbaiul. His choice of a burial place was 
conditioned im a jiltMlge that she should be buried bepide 
Iiim, The composition of his ** PtTsonal Memoirs" 
was lighlt'tu'd by ilie fact that she was to enjoy a large 
royalty from Us sale, after his death. 




F. T. FRELINGHUYSEN. 
Bom in Millstone. N. J., Aui:. 4. 1817. Graduate at 
Rnt<!ers College, 1836. Delegate to IVace Congress, 1861. 
Appoiiitrd AttV-Gen. of N7 J.. I8(J1 and 1866. In last 
year clccled U. S. Senator, serving to March, 1869. De- 
chned appointment as Minister to England. 1870. Elect- 
ed U. S. Senator, 1871. Member of Electoral Commie- 
eion. Secretary of State under Preuident Arthur. I ied. 
May 20, 1885. 




Mrs. MARY McELROY. 

The '' Mistress of the Wbite House"" during the ad- 
ministration of President Arthur, who was a widower, 
was his sister. She had lived in Albauy, N. Y. since her 
marriage. While in Washington she was recognized ad 
the "lady of the house " at the President's receiitions, 
and dinners, and as sueli gave receptions every Saturday, 
P.M. during the oiticial seasons. 




ELIAS HOWE. 

Bistinguiwheil Aiuericuu iiu'clianii-ian. Born in Spen, 
cer, Mass., July 9. IHUK Conipleli'd the lirst eewini^ 
machine, 1S45. Had long litigation in courts, but 
established his claims, 1854. Keceived Cross of Legion 
of Honor and many medals. Kealized $::;.000,(»(R) np 
to expiration of his patents. Sept. 10, 1867. Died October 
■3, 1867. 



CHARLES GOODYEAR. 

Born in New Haven. Conn., Dec. 20, 1800. Perfected 
the idea of vulcanizing India rubber by means of sui- 
phur, 1889. gaining over sixty patents. Received Cross 
of Legion of Honor, and immerous medals Subjected 
to cosily litigation, but realized a great fortune and 
founded a monopoly. Died July 1, 18ti0. 




PETER COOPER. 

Bom in New York City, Feb. 13. 1791. Was the tirst 
to use anthracite coal in puddling iron. Btiill from 
original designs first locomotive engine conntrucled in 
America. Built aiuj endowed "Cooper Institute" at 
cost of $8(H),0<X). (ireenback candidate for I'resideiit. 
1880. Di<-d Apl.4. 1883. 




RALPH WALDO EMERSON. 

Born iu Boston, Mass.. May 25, 180.'}. iiradimii- at 
Harvard College, 183L Ordained minister Second Unitar- 
ian church, Boston. Settled in Concord, and devoted 
biuiKelf to study. Eminent as essayist, poet, philoso- 
pher. Received degree of LL.D.. Harvard, 1860. ^ ied 
April '27, 188a. 




CHARLES SUMNER. 
Bnrn in Boston. Mass., .Tnn. 6. ISll. Oradnato at 
Harvard College and Caniliridse Law Sehool. Admitted 
to the liar. 18:M. Delivered his first great oration. Bos- 
ton. July 4, 1K4.5. First anti-slaver.v speech. 1K50. Orig- 
inal champion of tlie slave in Consress. His opjiosition 
to the admission of Kansas as a slave State eansed Pres- 
ton Brooks to severely assanit him in the hall of Con- 
press. 18.56. Chairman of U. S. Senate Committee on 
Foreign Relations many years. Died Mch. II, 1874. 




Bom in Charlcstovvn, Mass.. Apl. 25. 1791. firadnate 
at Yale College, 1810, and studied for a painter. Con- 
ceived the idea of telegraphic ser\'ice, IS.'J'.;. SoiiL'lUaid 
in the U, S., England and France to build an ex[ieri- 
mental line, without success, until 1843, when CongreeB 
voted him $.S0.(1IX1. The firsf message was sent o\er the 
line, Baltimore to W;ishington, May 27, 1844. Laid the 
first sub-marine cable. N. Y. Harbor, Oct., 1842. Died 
Apl. S, 1872. 




CHARLES F. DEEMS. 

Pastor of "The Church of the Strangers." New Y'orlc 
City. Born in Baltiincire, Md., Dec. 4, 1820. (iraduale 
at Dickinson College, Pa.. 1839. Professor of Logic and 
Rhetoric in the University of North Carolina, 1841. 
President of Greensboro' Female College, N. ('., 
1840-51. Presiding Elder of the Wilmiugtuii and New- 
bern district, 1860-'t).^. Organized " church of the 
Strangers." 18G8 Received gift of Mercer street Presby- 
terian Church jtroperty from Com. Vandi'rl)i]i. 1870. 
Founded American Institute of Christian Philoso]iliy. 
Authorof "The Light of the Nations." 




JOHN CARD. McCLOSKEY. 

Fifth Bishoji and second Archbishop of New Y'ork, 
and first Cardinal in the United States of the lioly 
Roman Church. Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 2(i, 
1810. Graduate at Mount St. Mary's College aiKi Semin- 
ary. Md. Ordained priest in St. Patrick's Cathedral, 
New York, .Ian., 1834. First President of SI. .John's 
Coll<-ge. Foidham, N. Y., l&ll. Consecrated Coadjolflr 
to Bishop Hughes. 1844. First Bishop of Diocese of 
Albany, 1847. Inaugurated Archbishop, Aug. 20. 1864. 
Kjiised to the dignity of a Cardinal Priest, Maich IL, 
187.'). Died Oct. 10, 1885. 




LOUIS J. R. AGASSIZ. 

Boni ill SwitzerlimJ, Mav 2S, 1807. Studied anatomy, 
zoology and botany in the chief institutions of Europe, 
Came to U. S., IWB. Professor of Zoolot'y and Geolnu-j , 
Cambridge Scientific School. Estabhshed ecientilU 
Bchool on Penikese leland, Buzzard's Bay, 18T1. Died 
Dec. 14. 1S73. His son. Prof. Alex. Agassiz, succeeded 
him as chief of tiie scientific school. 



CHARLE.S DICKENS, 
line of the most popular autiit)rs of the century, 
Horn at Portsmouth, Eiig., 1812. Became newspaper 
critic and rejiorter. His first book was "Sketches by 
Boz," 1K.36. Made his first trip to the U. S., 1842, when 
splendid attentions were paid him everywhere. Returned 
on a lecturing tour, November, IStJT, Died at Gadshill, 
Eng., June 9. 1870, 




CORNELIUS VANDERBILT. 
Born on Slaleii Island, May 37, 1791. Began life by 
rowing a small passenger boat fnnn the Island to New 
York. Supplied llie luililHrv posts about the city Willi 
provisions, 1K14. Built hisfirsl vessel, 1S14 ; first steamer, 
18.53. Presented the steamer VdNilrrhUI to the (ioverii- 
ment, IHIK, for which he rcceive.l thanks of Congress, 
Began his railroad operations, 18.")7. Built and emlowed 
Vahderbilt University, Teuu., at a cost of $750,000. 
Died Jan. 4, 1877. 




HORACE B. CLAFLIN. 
Dislingnishecl merhant prince. Born in Miilforii, 
Ma^s . Dec, IS, ISll. Received a common senooj edu- 
cation, and after serving in his father's store, went into 
hiisiness for hini,self. 183'i Opened his importing and 
johlMiig (Irv goods house in New York City. July, 184:!. 
Siisiieiiiliiriiriefly in panic of 1800-lJI, but passed credit- 
alilv lliroiigh those of 18:i7, 1873. He gave largely to 
cliiircli and charity. Died. Nov. 14, 188.5. 




SALMON PORTLAND CHASE. 

Born in Cornish. X. II.. Jan. IS, ISOS, Graduate at 
Dartnioutli Colli-iie. IK^. AiinAxn-d to tlu- bar, 1829. 
EiiM-ti'd r. S, Senator from Ohio, lt^9. Twice Governor 
of Ohio. Elected V. S. Senator, ]H60. and appointed 
Secretary of the Treat^nry. Mch. 6. ISOI. Appointed 
Chief Justice U. S. Supreme Court, lHt>4. Died May 7, 
1873. 



FREDERICK EDWIN CHURCH. 

Born in Hnrlford. Conn.. ^lay U. IS-.'i;, Bt-cjiinc an 
art ^>upil of Thomas Cole, and allracted attention hy hie 
earheet hnuiscape paintings. Made sketchinj; trips to 
South America. 18ri3. TS. Conijilcted his an-at " Niag- 
ara Falls," IKOH, exhibited in both conntrics. Visited 
Europe and the Holy Land. ISCS. Located at IIiulsou, 
N. Y., with studio iu N. Y. t'iiv. 




HORACE GREELEY. 

Bom in Amhurst, N. H., Feb. 3, 1811. Began publica- 
tion of New York Trif>f/'i€, '\>U\. Menilier of Congress. 
ltW8. With Thiirlow^ Weed and William H. Seward 
took a very active part in State and national polities. 
One of Jetiereon DavisMiond-^inen, M;iy, 1K);T. Liberal 
Eepubliean candidate for President. 1872 Defeated by 
Gen. Grant, and died Nov. 21), following. Author of 
"The American Couliicl.'' 




JOHN A ROEBLING. 

Designer of Brooklyn BridL'e. also Niagara Suspen- 
sion Bridge, which he built. Born in Mnhlliauscn, Tliur- 
ingia. Prussia. June 12. 1806. Ueceived degree of Civil 
Engineer at the Royal Polytechnic School, Berlin. 
Settled in U. S. at Pittsburg. Pa., 18;J1. Manufaoiuied 
the first wire rope ever made in America. Engaged as 
engineer of the East River Bridge. May, 18(17. Died 
from result of an accident, July 22. 18t;y. His son, 
Washington A., completed the work. IS83. 








HARRIET BEECHER STOWE. 

\nthorfsa of " Uncle Tom's Cabin. "' Born in Litch- 
field, Conn.. Jniie 15, 1818. Removed to Walnnl Hille, 
near Cincinnati, Ohio, 1833, and was married to Kev. 
Calvin E. Stowe, D.D., 1836. She he^an imblishiug "Uneh' 
Rom's Cabin" ae a serial in the .\iiliiiiiiil Era.in 18150. Two 
years later it was brought out, in l)ool< focm, and had an 
enormous sale. She traveled extennively and never 
allowed Iter ^lifted pen to be idle when wronge were 
crying for redress. 



ELIZABETH CADY STANTON. 

"Champion of Woman Suffrage." Born in Johns- 
town N. Y., Nov. IS. 1816. Graduate at the Johnstown 
Academv, 1831. Married Henry B. Stanton, a lawyer 
and anti-slavery agitator. 18.39. aTid with him went to Lon- 
don to attend the " Worlds .\nti Slavery Convention," 
IMO She organized the lirst Wiinian's Hights Convention 
in the United States, July Itl-'JI. 1M4K. She became ac- 
quainted with Susan B. Anthony, in 1850. and thence 
forward they were associated in reformatory labor. 





JANE GREY SWISSHELM. 

Kmineiit philanthropist and journalist. Born in 
Wilkinslinrg. Pa., 1816. Removed to Louisville, Ky., 
18:58. Earlv in life she became convinced of the evils of 
human slavvrv and the injustice of existing laws to wives 
and mothers;' and until the day of her death she wielded 
a most trenchnnt pen in behalf of these reforms. During 
the Civil War she devoted herself to hospital work in the 
armies. Died July sa, 1884. 



SUSAN B. ANTHONY. 

Born in South Adams. Mass.. Feb. 15. 1820. Taught 
school in various parts of New Yoik Stale for fifteen^ 
years. Entered upon her temperance labors in 1851. and 
in the followingyear identified herself with the Womairs 
Rights movement. Was an incessant worker in the 
Anti-Slavery cause, 1857-66. Fre(]uently appeared be- 
fore Congressional committees in advocacy of Woman 
Suffrage, 





FREDERIC A. BARTHOLDl. 

Designer of tlit- cnlnssal brnnzr gtatm;- "Liberty En- 
Jighteninp llie Wiirld." on Bedloi-'s Island. New Ycirk 
Harbor. Wfle born in Colniar. France. Acbieved re- 
nown in liis own country by notaltle works of art. and 
in the U. S. by hie statue of Lafayette, in New York 
city, and "Peace." "The Young Vine Grower," and 
" Genius in llie Gra?p of Misery, Fliown at theCenten- 
nial Exhibition, to which he was a commiesiouer. 



MISS ROSE E. CLEVELAND. 

Born in Fayetleville. N. Y. (iraduate at Houghton 
Seminary, and remained two years as teaelier. Became 
princijjal of the Collegiate institute, Lafayette, Ind. 
On the election of her brother to the rresidency, she 
accompanied liiiu to the White House, becoming its 
mistress, .\iithor of "George Eliot's Essays and Other 
Studies." ISti5. 




JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. 



Bom in Tambridije. Mass., Feb. S-.', 181!). Graduate at 
Harvard Colkge. 1S.-!S. Elected I'rof. of Belles Lettres in 
Harvard, in siuc-ssion to H. W. Longfellow, IW;.'). Editor 
of the Athii:tie Mimllibi, 1857-IH, and of the ^orlh Ain- 
erican Jifiieit: 1«I«-T2. Received degree of LL. D. 
from Cambridge Universitv, Eng., 1874. Appointed 
Minister to Great Britain, 18T4, and succeeded by K. .1. 
Phelps, 1885. A voluminous author and poiiiilar lecturer. 



CYRUS W. FIELD. 



The " Father of the .Mhintic Calile." Bom in Stock- 
bridge, Mass.. Nov. ,■!(), 18i;i. Organi/.ed lirst ocean 
lelegrapli compaiiv. Mar. 10, isr>4. t'rossed ocean fifty 
times on cable business up l<i IStlfi. Displayed great 
pluck in s])itc of failures, and was honored at home and 
abroad on ultimate success. Acti\'e promoter of ele- 
vated railroad svsti-ms of New York city. Erected mon- 
ument to M.nj. knilTi on his property at Tappan, N. Y., 
which unknown parties di'strnyivl iii I88.'>. 




WILLIAM H. VANDERBILT. 

The richest man in lh<_- world. R.mii at New Brims- 
■wick, N. J., May H. isil. Educated at Columbia College 
■Grammar Si-h(toi. New York. On Tlie death of his father, 
Cornelius VunderbilT. Jan. 4, 1S77. lie came into possest^- 
ion of a fortune of $9ri.OiX).()00. He died Dec. H. 1885. and 
in hia will bequeathed the enormous sum of $:iUO,000,0(XI 
in ca-h, .securiticd and realty. 




CORCORAN. 



Distinguished philanthropist and art patron. Born ia 
GeorL,'etown, D. C, Dec. ::,*7. ITilH. PreHCiited the Wash- 
ington Orphan Asylum its valuable grounds, erected and 
endowed the Corcoran Art Gallery, and the Louise Home 
for Women; endowed Cohimbian College with a princely 
estate, mid tJave lar<:ely to the College of William and 
Mary, the Vii-<,'inia Military Institute, the University of 
Washington and Lee. the ITuiversity of Virginia, and 
other institutions. Died Feb. 34, is-'S. 




DORMAN 



EATON. 



Born in Vermont. (Jraduate at State University, 
1848, and Harvard Law School. 1850. Went to New 
York <_'ity 18.')!. and was associated with Judge Kent. 
Chairman U. S. Civil Service Commission. 1873, 1875. 
Member Civil Service Commission, anthori/.ed by act of 
Jan.. iHXi. liesigned, July :;.7, 1885. A voluminoue 
writer ou i)oIilical reform. 




JOHN HILL, 

*'The Father of Cli«-ap ro.stage.'^ Born in Catskill. N. 
Y., June 10, IHil. Member New Jersey State Assembly, 
18t»l, 'fi^. '(if), serving last year as S[X'aker. Elected to the 
40th, 41st. 42d and 47th Congresses, a.id to the State Senate 
for 3 years, 1874. He introduced into Congress bills to 
abolish the franking privilcire. ai.a to provide for a one- 
cent postal card and the reduction of ordinary postage to 
two cents. Died, Julv 'M, 18*4. 




GEORGE STONEMAN. 

Born in Bush. N, Y., lHJ-1. GradiKitc at U. S. Military 
Acadfinv. 1H45. yervt-d witli tlie cavalry m California 
and Oregon, 1847-1855. Brii;.-Gen. of Vols. Aus., 1861. 
Maj.-iicii. Nov.. 1863. Bi'ig.-Uen., by brevet, IT. S. A., 
Mar. 13. 186.'), for services in the capture of Charlotte, 
N. C. j\Iaj.-Gen., by brevet, *'for gallant and meritor- 
ious services in the field during the war,' same date. 
Col. 2l8t Inf. July, 1866. Retired Au?. 16, 1871. Elected 
Governor of Calitornia, 1883. 




GEORGE H. CROOK. 

liorn in Dayton. Ohio. Sept. S, 1S28. Cniduate at U. 
S. Military Academy, 1853. In the ('i\il War Iw'cauio 
Maj.-Gen.'of Vols. Appointed to command of cavalry. 
Army of the Potomac, 1.865. Command of District of 
Idaho, 1866-T3. Bri£;.-Gen., U. S. A., Oct. 29. 1873. 
Command of Department of Arizona, 18T3; of the Platte, 
18S7. Successful Indian flghicr. 




JOHN TAYLOR. 

Born in Milthrope. Enj;lanil. N'ov. I. 18(18. Settled in 
Canada, l.s;j3. and Ih.-lmu invi'^liL'atiiii,' the ju-inciples of 
the Church iif.lesu« I'liiist of I.alter Day Saints. Ordain- 
ed one of The Twehe ,'\pnstl'-s i[i .Missouri. Arrived in 
Salt Lake City with the fugitive .Mormons. 1817. Actc.l 
aiJ 'Judge, foreign missionary and historian. Succeeded 
Brigham Young as head of the " Cnurch,' 1877. Died 
July i"). 1887. 




SITTING BULL. 

{ Wif/i orir/htaf dntwuKj.) 
liorn ill Dakota Ter., 18:J7. Became a Rnb-chief ar a^e 
of 14, ami, having killed a foe, a full chief a year later. 
Pri'vioiis to 18f)K. made many hoj^tile expeditiouji ai^aiust 
the whiicH and friendly Inilianrt, Directed tlie Custer 
inassaen-. May '^"». IST*i, and escaped info Canada. After 
inncli ni'uotialion he crossed the line and surrendered 
to iliL- U. S. Military authorities, July '^U, ISHl. 




JOSEPH R. HAWLEY. 
Born in Stewartsville, N. C, Oct. 31, 1836. Gradnate 
al Uamilton College, N. Y., 1847. Admitted to the bar 
at Hartford, Conn., 18.">0. Entered Union Army as 
Lieut., April, 1801; mustered out a? Maj.-Gen., Jan., 
186t). Governor of Stale. 1866. President National 
Republican Convention. lutlS. Preildent U. S. Centen- 
nial ConiniissioM from IKT.'i to close of Exliibition. Mem- 
ber 4*1. 4.id. 4i;ili ConttrcsseB. Elected U.S. Senator 
for term endmg Marcli .'i, l.s^t3. Editor Hartford ijourant. 




FITZ-HUGH LEE. 
Born at Clermont, Fairfax county, Va., Nov. 19. 18.3.'>. 
Neiihew of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Graduate at IT. S. 
Military Academy, 18.56. Resiffned commispion. 1861. 
Became General of cavalry in Confederacy. In 1K7.5 tbe 
Khedive of Egypt solicited the services of him.self and his 
" Black Horse Cavalry " for a body guard. Elected 
Governor of Virginia. 188.'>. 




WESLEY MERRITT- 
Born in New York Citv, 18;?U. Graduate at U. H 
Military .Academy, 186(1. (>n Stoneman's staff in raid on 
Richmond, 18(W.' Conunan<led division of cavalry in 
Va-, 181)3-64. Brevetted Ma.i.-(ien. Vols., for services 
in Shenandoah camimign. Tri-siMil at the surrender, 
.\ppcUMalli)X C. 11. Lieut.-C<4. lllh U. S. Cavah-y, 1866. 
Col. :>\h V. S. Cavalry, 1876. Ai)i>ointed Supt. o' 
U. S. Military Academy. 




WILLIAIVI S. ROSECRANS. 
Born in Kingstone, Ohio. Sept. 6, isiit. Graduate at 
V. S. MilitarvAcademv. 1843. In cliarge of fortilica- 
tions at Newport. K. I.. 1847-53. Chief-Engineer. State- 
of Ohio, 1861. Brig-Gen., 1861, Conimaiided at battles 
of luka, Corinth. Murfreesboro'. 18(i3; < 'liickamauga. 

1863. In command of Department of Missouri. Jan., 

1864. Resigned eonmiission. 1867, and settled iu San. 
l'>ancisco. Member 47fh and 48th Congre.sses. Ap- 
pointed Register of the Treasury, 1,S8,'J. 




DANIEL 



VOORHEES. 



Born in RutliT (.oiinty. Ohio. St-jtt. -^i), 1S^7. Graduate 
at Asbiiry University, 1849. AdmitK'd to The bar, 1851. 
Appointed U. S. District Attorney for Indiana, IK'iH. 
Member of 37th, 38th. 4l8t and 4^d Coiit^reKneK; Beul. 
eucceesfnlly contested in the 39th. Appoiiited succesBor 
to O. P. Morton, in U. S. Senate. 1877 ; elected for full 
terms, March, 187!), Jan., 1885. Prominent as a Demo- 
crat leader. 








W. H. BARNUM. 

Born in Columbia county, N. Y. Sept. 17, 1818. Re- 
ceived public school education. Moved 1o Lime Rock, 
i_'onn. Delegate to Dem. Nati(«ial Conventions, 1868. 
'7:^, '7(i. '8*1. '84, and Chairman Executive Committee 
several years. Member of 40th, 41st.. 45d, 43d and 44th 
Confesses. ElecTeii U. S. Seuator, t» till vacancy for 
term ending March 3, 1879. 




WILLIAM D. KELLEY. 

"Champion of Protection." Bom in Pliiiadi'li)liia. April 
10. 1S14. Received a thoron<;h English eiiucation. 
Ten years Judge of Court of Common Pleas of Phila- 
delphia. Delegate to National Republican Conven- 
tion, 1860. Ejected to the 37th, 38th, 39th, 40th. 41st 
4-id. 43d, 44th. 45th, 4()th, 47th, 48tn, 49tn, ana .'ilith Con- 
gresses. Senior member of the House in contiuuou'. 
tservice. 




WILLIAM E. CHANDLER. 

Born in Concord. N. H., Dec. 28, 18;i5. Cniduate at 
Harvard Law School, 1855. Member of Legislature. 18G:i, 
'03. 'f)4. and Speaker last two years. Solicitor and Judge 
Advocaie-den., Navy Department, 18()."i. Same year First 
Ass't Si-rnMary of the Treasury. Delegat.e-at-LaitJie to Na- 
tional Kepublican conventions. 18tJ8. '70. One of counsel 
for Hayes' Electors before Florida Canvassing Board, 1870. 
Appointed Secretary of the Navy, April. 1880. serving to 
March. 1885. Elected U. S. Senator. June. 18?7. 





AINSWORTH R, SPOFFORD. 
Born at (iilinanton, N. 11.. Sipt, 12. \s-l't. Appointed 
Firyt Assislaiit Liluarian, Library of Congrt-BS, 18tn. 
Promoted to Librariau-in-Chief, 18fi5. The orisiiial Li- 
brary was built in 1800, and destroyed in 1814. The 
second building; was burned in 3851. It now occu- 
pies a portion of the central Capitol building. Pos- 
sessed of a phenomenal memory for names, dates and 
events. Husband of distinguished authoress, Harriet 
"rescott Spofford. 



HILL. 

rpt. 1-;. l,s-J3. Graduate 



BENJAMIN H. 

Born in JaspiT roinitv, Ga.. I 
at University cif (ia., is44. Adinilled to tlie bar, 1)^5. 
Presidential Elector, 185tj, 1860. Advocated Union cause 
in Stale CoTivention. 1801. Senator in Confederate 
Congress. Imprisoned in Fort Lafayette, 1865. Elected 
to 44th. 45th Congresses, and U. .S. Senate, 1876. 
Died, Aug. 16. 1882. 





WADE HAMPTON. 
Born in Charleston, S. C, Mjinli '2X, 181H. firandson 
of (ien. Hampton of revolutionary fame. Grailuate at 
South Carolina College. Wan a member of both 
branches of State Legislature, resigning from Senate, 
1861. Served in Confederate Army through Civil War. 
Three times severely wounded. Lieut. -Gen.. 18f>4. 
Elected (Joveraor of S. C, 1876, 1878, and U. S. Senator, 
1878, 1884. 



LEWIS WALLACE. 

Bom in Brookville, Ind.. April 10. IH'27. Abandoned 
study of law to enter Mexican War. Adj. -Gen. of Indi- 
ana, 1861. Forced the ('onfederates to evacuate Harpers' 
Ferry, and led a division at capture of Fort Donelson, 
for which became Ma.i.-Gen. Member of Court which 
tried the Lincoln conspirators. Presided at trial of 
Capt. Wirz, of Andersonville. Was Governor of 
New Mexico and Minister to Turkey after the war. 





MRS. LUCRETIA GARFIELD. 

Bom near Ilirani, Ohio, 18;^7. Married .Tames A. Oar- 
field, then a professor in llie colletie where she was 
Btudying, lS5fi. She was well suited hy nature and edu- 
cation to be the helpmate of her husband. Through his 
course in the Civil War and in t'ongress, she was oon- 
Btantly assisting and euenuraging him It was to her 
pick couch, thaf her husband intended to hasten on that 
fatal morning of July •..*. IKSI, and she was his tender 
Burec duriug the eighty days of siiflering. 



MRS. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Jiorii in Lexington. Kv., in 1S',>1. Married to Abraham 
Lincoln, Nov. i. iwa. " Accompanied the President to 
the White House, March 4, IKtil. Was with him when 
shot by Wilkes Booth, in Ford's Theatre, April 14, 1865. 
Congress gave her a pension of $3,(XXI per year, subse- 
i|ueritly increasing it to $.'j,i)O0, and made a special gilt 
of $15,"000. Died, July 10, IWS. 




PHILIP 



SHERIDAN. 



Bom in Somerset. Ohio, IKil. Graduate at V. S. Mili- 
tary Academy, 18.t3. Served on the Indian frontier, 1K.55 
-61. Brig. -Gen. of Vols.. 1H62, In command of cavalry 
corps. Army of the Potomac, April, 18(14. Mai.-tJen. 
Regular Army, Nov. 18*>4. Lieut. -Gen., March il. ISB'.I. 
Succeeded Gen. Sherman, in command of the Armies of 
the U. S., Nov. 1, 1883. 




SHERMAN. 

Born in Lancaster, Ohio, Feb. 8, IS-.tl. (iradnatcat 
r. S. Military Academy, IWO. Served in Florida and 
Mexico. Resigned, 1853. Ke-entered army, serving in 
the Western campaigns. Succeeded (ien. Grant in com- 
mand of Army of the Tennessee, IKBS, and of Military 
Division of the Mississippi, I8IH. Planned and led the 
great march to the sea from .\Ilanta, Ga., 18ti5. Lieut.- 
Gen. 1866. General, March, 186!*. Hetired, Nov. 1, 1883. 








GEORGE BANCROFT. 



Bom in Worcester, Mass., 0<t. 3, IHlW. Graiiuate Har- 
yard CoIIcki', is IT. (.'ollector Port of Boston, Wis. 
Secretary of Navy, l«ri. Minister to Great Britain. 184ti; 
to Pniesia, 1HI>7; to North (icrman Confederation. 186S; 
to liernian Empire, 1S71. Autlior of a very cele'^rated 
History of tlu Uiiiteil States. The last years of bis life 
were spent in revising tiiib \vork. 




WENDELL PHILLIPS. 

Born in Boston, M.a.-is.. Nov. id, ISll. Oradiuile Harvard 
folleL'e, 1K:)1; ( 'ainbriili;e Law Schonl, IKa. Bef^an agi- 
laliML' in l)t'iialf of Anti-Slavery, Temperance and Wom- 
an'H Kiiihts reforms, 1.S37. Succeeded Mr. tiarrison aa 
President of the Anti-Slavery Society. Received John 
Brown's slaves into his house. Distinguished lecturer. 
Died Feb. 2, 1884. 




JAMES 



MARSHALL. 



The llrst to discover gold in California. Born in Hope 
Township, N. .1.. 1S12. ' Made the overland trip to Cali 
fornia, .lime. I84.'i. Kntered sefvic(^ of Gen. Sutler, Sut- 
ter's Fort. iVirticipateil in Ihe movement that led to in- 
<ie()c'iuience of Callforiiia, 18-17. While building a mill 
race for his lurnhnr business at Coloma, he discovered 
the existence of gold, Jan, 18, UAH. Died, 1885. 



M 



•glf-^- 



c 

(*■■. 






"•'^lU^ 



% 




FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 

Born in slavery, about 1817. Self-cdneated. Kan 
away from his maaliT. seltliuf; in New Bedford, Maes. 
Klnployeil liy Mass. Anti-Slavery Society to lecture, 1841. 
Made lecniriiif; tour in Great Britain. SeiTetary Santo 
llomiiiL'o Commission, 1871. Presidential Klector for N. 
Y,. 187:;. Appointed \'. S. Marshal for District of Col- 
umbia, by President Hayes. 




CHARLES J. FOLGER. 
Born on Nrtntnrkct Island, Apl. Ki. ISIH. Graduate at 
Hobart College, N. Y., IWti. Admitted to the bar 1H:J9. 
Judge of Ontario county (N. Y..) Conn of Coni- 
nion Pleas, IHW. Elected County -Indu'e<if Ontario. 1K51. 
Member of New York Senate S years from ISfil, ami Pres- 
ident ;)/o tern. 4. U. S. Sub-Treayurer, Neu York. 1H70. 
Klected Chief Judtje, Court of Appeals*, ]KS(), Appointed 
Secretary of ihe Treasury. Oct. 1881. Defeated ae Kei>ub- 
lican Candidate for Governor. 188:2. Died Sept, 4, 18tH. 




MARSHALL JEWELL. 
Bom in Winchester, N. 11., Oct. 20, lH;:i5. Encaged in 
leather business in Hartford, <onn. Elected (Jovernor, 
1869, '71. '73. Appointed Miiiisinr to Knssia, 1H73. Re- 
called, 1874. and appi'ini.-il Pu-^nnaster-General. Elect- 
ed chairman Naiional Ii>'pu til lean Committee, 1880. 
Was a man of strong personal attractiveness and high 
executive abilities. Died Feb. 10, 188^3. 




ROBERT T. LINCOLN. 
Elde.«t son of the " Martvred President." Boni in 
Springtield, 111.. Aug. 1, 184:3. Studied in 111. State Uni. 
versity. Phillip's Academy, Harvard College and Law 
School. Ass't Adj.-(ien. on Staff of Cien. (irant, resign- 
ing to practice law. 18ti7. Presidential ElecT(»r. i87B. Ap* 
pointed Secretary of War by Pres't Gartield ; serve*! ta 
close of Pres't Arthur's administration. 




JOHN SHERMAN. 
Born in Lancaster. Ohio, May 10. 1H'..'8 Mem- 
ber Congress. 1855. Supported Gen. Fremont, 1856. 
Electeii to r^th. :iGth Consresses. Elected U. S. Senator, 
1861, '1)0. '72, 'HO. Prominent in making Treasury notes 
lesal tenderti, 1802- Proposed the Refunding Act. pass- 
ed 1870. The resumjUion of specie payments, Jan. 1. 
1879. a triumph of bis financitri policy. Secretary of 
the Treasury through Pres't Hayes's administration. 
Elected President of the Senate, p^-o tern, Dec. 7, 1885. 





WILLIAM 



HAZEN. 



Bom ill Vprmoiit, la30. Graduate at IT. S. Military 
Acailrmy, ]a')5. SiTved in Union Army through Civil 
War, atlainini; volunti'i-r rank of Maj.-tt™., and Regular 
Arniv rank of Col. Si-iit to olisrrve the Francotierman 
War.' 1870-Tl. Military attache I'. S, Legation at Vien- 
na, 187". Appointed Chief Signal Officer of the Army, 
Dec. 0, 1880. 



SAMUEL S. COX. 

Born at ZaneBville, Ohio., Sept. ,10, 1834. Graduate 
at Brown University. 1840. Secretary of Legation tO' 
Pern, 185.5. Delegate to Deni. conventions, 18t>4-68. 
Member of .3,5th, Sljth. 37th and 38th CongresHcs from Ohio, 
and the 4l8t, 4aiHi, 43d, 44th, 45th, 4Uth, 47th and 48th 
from New York, whither he removed 1865. Elected to- 
49th Congresi^, but resigned in (-ummerof 1885, to accept 
appointment as Minister to Turkey. Resigned thi& 
Diist^ioD, and was elected to the 5uth Congress, 1887. 




GEORGE F. EDMUNDS. 

Born in Hiehniond. Vt.. Feb. 1, 1828. Public eehool 
tdncation. .\dniltte<i to the bar. Member State LegitJ- 
Jatiiro, I8.M. '55. '57, '58, '5'.l, serving three yearn as 
Speaker. State Senator and Presidenlpro teni, 18(»1-6'J. 
Bntereil U. S. Senate, by aiipoiiitment, -\pl. .5, 18«;6, and 
by election, for terms eliding IHfi'.t, '75, '81, '87. Member 
of Electoral (.'ominission. "Sncce<'ded .Tudge Trumbull 
MM Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. 




ALLEN 



THURMAN. 



Born in Lynchburg, Va., Nov. 13, 1813. Kemoved to- 
Ohio four years later. Received academic education. 
.\draitted to th(! bar, 1835. Member of the 2!)th Con- 
gress. .Indge Sujireme Court, Ohio. 1851. Chief-.Justice 
same Court, 18.54-.56. Elected U. S. Senator, 1868, 1874. 
Frequently mentioned as a possible Democratic candi- 
date for President. 





THURLOW WEED. 

Born in Cairo. N. Y., Nov. l.^, 1797. Wjih cabin lio.v 
on a Hudtron River boat. St-rvcd in war of 181'^. 8f rvi-d 
two terms in State I.e^iislatnre. Editor of tbe Albany 
Evening; Jonrnal. IS-SO-lSti-J. Rendered hiFloric services 
to William Henry Harrit^on. Zachary Taylor, Winfield 
Scott, (jien. Fremont and ilr. Lincoln, when candidates 
for Presidency. .Sent on contidential mission to the 
European Courts, 1861. Died. Nov. :>:.', ]8sa. 



JUDAH P. BENJAMIN. 



Korl) in St. Domingo, 1813. Family settled in S»- 
vanah. lia.. 1816. Educated in Yale college. Removed 
to New Orleans. La.. 1*31. Admitted to the bar, 1834. 
Declined the appointment as Att\v-(ien. of the U. S.,]84g. 
U. S. Senator, 1R.V2-1861. Appointed Att'y-Cieu. tn 
Provisional (lovennnent of the Southern Confederacy, 
1861. Secretary of .State from Feb. 1862, to close of war. 
Admitted to the bar in England, 1866. Became a Q. C. 
Died, May 8, 188,'i. 





HANNIBAL HAMLIN. 

Born in Paris, Me., Aug. 27, 1809. Member Maine 
Legislature, 1836-1840, and Speaker three years. Member 
28th, 29th Congresses. Governor, 1857. U. S Senator. 
Elected Vice-President of the U. S., I860. Appointed 
Collector Port of Boston, 186.5. U. S. Senator for terms 
ending 1875, 1881, Appointed Minister to Spain, Oct. 
18B1. 



MONTGOMERY BLAIR. 

Born in Franklin county, Kv., May 10, 1813. Gradu- 
ate U. S. Military Academy, 1835. .Served in Seminole 
War. Resigned commission and admitted to the bar 
St. Louis, Mo.. im9. Became U. S. District-Attorney 
and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Removed to 
Maryland, 18.52. and appointed Solicitor of U. S. in the 
< 'ourt of Claims. Appointed Postmaster-General, Mch 
1861. Resigned, June, 1864. Died, July 27, 1883. 




WINFIELD S. HANCOCK. 
Bom in Mumgomc'ry Coiiiily, I'.l, Feb. H. 1834. 
Graduate at U. S. Military Aai'luniy. 1844. Survea in 
Mexican war. Attached to Army of Potomac as Brit:.- 
Ben., ISfii. Severely wounded at Gettysburg. 18B3. 
"articipated in every great battle in the East. Received 
Blanks of Congress. Maj.-Gen Regular .-irmy. March 
t3, 18(1."). Democratic candidate for President, 1880. 
In charge of Gen. Gran.'s funeral, 1885. Died Feb. '.i, 
IS86. 




BENJAMIN F. BUTLER. 

Born in Deerlicld, N. II.. Nov. .''i. 1K18. Graduate 
ilWatcrville College, Ale., WiH. liCKan pnutice of law. 
Lowell. Mass. Brig. -Gen. Union Anny. ISfil. !<crved 
to close of civil war, gaining rank of Maj. -General. In 
charge of New Orb-ans after its surrender. Elected to 
40th. 4Ist. 4341. 4:i(l utid -I."")!!! Coiitrresses. A manager 
of the impeatjinieid. of l^-esident .lohnson. I'lbtcrled 
(iovenior, .Mass. by l>einoeratic and tJreenback par- 
lies. 1883. Greenback candidttt*' for President, 1884. 








OAVID 

Born ill rMii.tia-ipIn 

as Midshipnmn, IS^U. 



D. PORTER. 

, Pa., isiir.. KiittTL-d U. S. Navy 
On coa;*t smvey service, 1836- 
I.S11. In charge of Naval rendezvous at New OrK-ana 
iu Mexican war. In continuous service in civil war. 
Superintendent U. S. Naval Academy after close of war. 
Viee-Admiral, 18(36 ; Admiral, 1870. Received thauka 
of Congress. 




JOHN ERICSSON. 
Born in Sweden, July ;il, 1S08. Built the locomo* 
live "Novelty" to compete a<;ainsr thc"lincket" in 
Knglund. 1830. Came to U. S". IS:iO. BcL'an building 
war vesselK. Designed and built the famous " Monitor," 
which rendered sucli timely service, March. 18(i'.;. 
(.'itmpleted the torpedo boat. '"The Destroyer." in 1S84, 
uiili'/iut; the heat of the eua and atmosphere as mo- 
tive power. 








MORRISON R. WAITE. 

Born in Lyme. Conn.. Nov. 20. I81fi : eon of a 
former (.'liiel-Jiii^Iicf of that State. Graduate Yale 
College. ISJT. Moved to Ohio, and admitti'd to the bar, 
1839. Counsel for the U. S. before the Geneva Tribu- 
nal. 18T1-72. President of Ohio Constitutional Conven- 
tion, 1873. Appointi'cl Cliief-Jiisticeof thel'. S. Supreme 
Conit, Jan. 31, 1S74, Eucoeeding Salmon P. Chaje. i)ied 
March J ;. 18H8. 




FITZ JOHN PORTER. 

Born in Portsmonlh, N. H., 182-3. Graduate at U. S. 
Military Acadeniv. IW."). Participated in cliief Imttles ot 
MexiCiUl War. Brig.-Geu. of Vols., 1861. Brig.-Gen. 
U. S. \.. by brevet. June. 1862. Maj.-Geu. U. s. Volun- 
teers, Juiy, I>6-.;. Maxwell's and Syke'e division of his 
corp- bore the biunt of the enf^atreinent on the last day 
of '.id Hull Kuu battle, and saved Pope's army from fiieat 
disaster on that day hound eiiiliy of disobedience to 
Pope's order-*, and cashiered Jan. 2"l. 186:^; ended iu his 
restoration to citizenship in 1884, and in Congress ex- 
culpating him in 188'>. and the President reappointing 
to the army as Colonel, to date Irom May 14, 1861. 




WALTER Q. GRESHAM. 

Born inforydoii, Ind.. 18:33. Served in Union Army 
tbrou^'h ci\il War, rearhini: rank of Maj-Gen. Vols. 
Severely wounded before Atlanta. Appointed U. S. 
Judge for the Indiana district by President Grant; 
Postmaster-General, April 3, 1.883, on death of Mr. 
Hmve, and Secretary of the Treasury, Sejjt., 1884. on 
(learh of Judge FoIl'it. Appointed Judge of the ;ih U. 
S. Cm uit, Oct. 28, WgA. 




EDWARD 



BEALE. 



Born in Washington. D. C, Feb. 4. 1,S22- GradnaJ^ 
at U. S. Naval Acadi my. 1842. Served Willi Con 
Stockton, Mexican War. Volunteered to leavi- Ke.-u- 
ny's surrounded camp to seek as.si-lance at San Diego 
for whicli successful mission he i\ as jiresented ^vI^t 
epaulettes and a sword. 1847. Rengned from i ,.vy 
at close of war. Siipl. of Indi.in Aflairs for New Mexico 
andCal: Surveyor-General Cal. and Nevada. Minisl«i 
to Austria, 1876 




JAMES B. BECK. 
Born in DumfiicBshiri'. Scoilanil, Ffli. 13, 1823. Re- 
ceived academic cdiicalicm lii'foTv (oniing to ttie U. S. 
Oraduated in iaw at Transylvania I'lnvcisity, Ky., 1840, 
Ix'glnnius; lira<'ti<'c at Lexinslorj. Mcmlicr of 4lltli, 41st, 
4ad and 43(1 ( ^ongn^sses. Declined re-election to the 44tb. 
Sleeted li. S. Senator ae a Democrat, taking seal, Mch. 
S, Ign. IJeelectud, 1882. 




JOSEPH 



BROWN. 



Born in Pickens county. S. C, April 15. 1H21. Edu- 
catei] in Calhoun Academy, and graduate at Yale Law 
School. 1846. State Senator of Ga.. 1849. Pierce Elect- 
or, 185:2. Judge Superior Courts, Blue Ridge Circuit; 
1855. Elected Governor of Ga.. 1857, and in the four 
succeedint; electiouf-. Chief-Justice State Sup. Ct.. 
18tiS. Appointed V. 8. Senator t») fill vacancy. May 
1880, and elected for unexpired term iu Nov. following 




ROSCOE CONKL'NG. 

Born iu .Mbany, N. Y.. detsn, 183!1. Educated for 
he bar. liemovid to I'liea, ISIl'., District Alt'y for 
~)itcida eoumv. IHfrfl. Mavorof I'rica. ls:i8. Elected to 
.jiith, 37tl). 3'.nl] and 40lh roiiiiies^-e^i, and to v. S. Sen- 
aie. 18fiB. IXT.i. IHT'.I, li<-sit;ned witti liis collea};ne, Mr. 
putt, IHHl, <-hari;int; bad faitli on I*resident (iarlleld, in 
tlie inatU'r of New York Collectorship. Ei*tal)liMlu'd 
bimwrlf Ml law practice, in New York City, rigidly avoid- 
ing politics. Died Apiil. 17, 1H88. 




DAVIS. 



Born in recil connty, jMd., Meli. 9. 181."). Kdiicated 

at Kenyoii t'ollegc, Ohio. Sellled at HI niiii;lon. III., 

anil admillcd to the bar. 18:W. Klectcil Jndge of 8th 
Judicial Circiiil of 111., 1.818, '5.5, '61. .\Hsociate .Instice 
II. S. .Supreme (Unirt, IKIW. liesigncd and elected U. S. 
S<'na1or, 1877. Nominated by Lalior lieft)rm Party for 
President. 18^^. An Senator was independent in politics. 
President of the U. S. Senate, 1881. Died JuneSti, I88ii 





HENRY B, ANTHONY. 

Born in Coventry, R. \.. April 1. 1M15. Graduate 
Brown Universtiy. Became fililcir Providence Journal. 
Elected Governor, 184!), 1K.">(1. Declined a third term. 
Elected U. S. Senator, IK.V.1. 1S(^4. 1870, 18:6, 1883. and 
President pro tern, of Senate, March '23, 1869, March 10, 
1871. His long experience made him very effective in 
committee work. l)ied, Sept. )i, 1884. 



GEORGE B. McCLELLAN. 

Bom in Pliihid.'lphia, Pa.. Pec. 3. IS-Oi;, Graduate at 
(I. S. Military Acadt-niy. 184ti. Served in Mexican War. 
Sent by Government to study Crimean Wnv. Maj.-Geu. 
of Ohio Vole., April 23, 1861. Maj.-Gen. in Kegular 
Army following month. Gen. -in-Chief Armies of th»' II. 
S., Nov., 1861. Superseded, Nov., 18<>:i. Demociatic 
candidate for Preyjdent. 18t>4. Eug.-iu-Chief, Depart- 
ment of Docks. N. Y. City, 1870. Elected Goveruur of 
New Jersey, 1877. Died, Oct. 29, 1885. 





...WW R. MORRISON. 

Bom in Mtmrne county. 111.. Sept. 11. ^H2.^. Graduate 
at McKendree tullegc. M'as four tt-rins member, and 
one Speaker of III., House of Heps. Elected to the 38th. 
4Sd, 44th. 4.5th, 4(ith. 47th, 48th and 49th Congresses. As 
Chairman of Committee on Ways and Means, was 
prominent in opposition to the tariff syHtem, effecting a 
earing of many millions of dollars. Saw service iu the 
Mexican and Civil wars. Member Inter-State Railroad 
Commission, 1887. 



JAMES B. STEEDMAN. 

Born in Nortliuinheilan<I county. Pa., 1818. Served 
in Ohio Lcgih^lanin- two tt^rms. Pfililic Printer. Waeh- 
ington. 1). C,. 1M.S7. Delegate to Charleston Convention, 
Entered ihe Civil War as Col., 14th Ohio Vols. Brig.- 
<ien., July, 1862. Won distinction and promotion at 
Chickaina'iiga. Provisional Governor, Georgia, 1865. 
State Senator, 1879. Died, Oct. 18, 1883. 




WILLIAM 



EVARTS. 



Born in lidMini, Mill's.. Feb. 0, IK18. Graduate Yale 
Collem'aTul Harvard Law Schonl. Admitted to the bar 
in New York City, IWl. Chief roiiiiBel for President 
Joh?)[*oii at iiijpcaehnieiit, 18fi8. Att'y-Oen. of the U. S., 
18(it<-lS7'J. Kepresented U. S. at Oeneva. "Alabama " 
tribunal, IR^X*. and Ke|mblican party, befon' Electoral 
CommiBnion. Si'eretary of State, 187(i-80. Elected U. 
S. Senator. 188.5. 




TIMOTHY O. HOWE. 

Born in Livermore, Me.. Feb. 34. 1816. Received ae- 

ademie cilmalion. Elected State l.e^'iflatiire, 184.5. Re- 
moved In Wiseoiir^in same year. Klecled .Indite of Cir- 
cuit and Supreme Courts. ]H.5tl. Kehii^ned 1S.55. Elected 
to the L'. S. Senate. 1SI>I. 'tu. 7.S. as a I'uiou Reiiublican. 
Was succeeded tiy Matthew H. Carpenter, an eminent 
lawyer and Keputjlie;in. .\p))oinied Postmatit«r-Gett- 
eral, Dec. 1881. Died March «, 18S3. 




CHARLES O'CONOR. 



Born in New York City. Jan., 1.SIH. Member Consti- 
tutional (Vinventiiui. islil. Democrat Kli'itor-at-l.arge, 
1852. Nominated by Dem. National and Workiu<;meu'8 
Conventions for l*n*sidenl. IKT'J. Was one of tile ablest 
and most successful members of the AuuTiean Bar. his 
cervices in the Forrest divorce suit, thi' Jumcl estate 
litigation, and the iirosecutiou of the Tweed King in 
1871, being historic. Died, May I'.', 18*1. 




GEORGE F. HOAR. 



Horn ni Concord. Mass.. Anj;. M. 182G. Oradnate at 
Harvard Colli-ffe. 1816, and afterwards at the Dane Law 
School. MeinlKT State Lcgislal lire. 1852. State Senator, 
1857. Klected tothe41st, 42d. 4.3d and 44th Congresses, 
and to the U. S. Senate. 1876. 188;^. Delegate to Repuh- 
liean .National Conventions, 1876, 1880, 1,884, President of 
tliat of 1,S80. Member of tllectoral Commission, Regent 
Smithscuiian Institute, and Preeideut .\njerican Autiquar. 
ian Society, 








JOHN T. MORGAN. 
Born in Alliens, Tcnn., June 20, 1824. Admitted to 
thp bar in Alahiiina, IH4,5. PreKidential Elector. 18«). 
Ijllegate to State Convention which decided on SeccB- 
eion. 1861. Joined Confederate Army as private. May, 
1861. Brig. -Gen., 186.3. Presidential Elector, State-at 
Large. 1876. Elected U. S. Senator to fill vacancy. IW.. 
Ke-elected, 1882. 







HENRY W. SLOCUM. 
Born in Delphi. N. Y,. Sept. il, 1S27. Cradiiate at U, 
S. Military Acaiieniy, IS.'J'J. Practised law in Syractise, 
N. Y,, 1856-61, aiid was artillery instructor N. Y. 
Militia, 185SI-61. Served in Ifnion Army through Civil 
War. Ma.1-(;en. of Vols. 1862. Elected to the 41st. 
42d and '48tli Congresses as Cfuigressman-at-Large. 
Democrat ; lawyer ; resident of Brooklyn and railroad 
manager. 




J. PROCTOR KNOTT. 
Horn near Lebanon. Ky., Ang. 20, 18.30. Removed to 
Missouri, 18,50. Admitted to the bar. 1S.51. Ajipointed 
.Att'y-(ien. nf Mu.. .\ug. JXV.l. and elected to same posi- 
tion! Aug. 1K62, Kctiirued to Kv., 1863. Elected to the- 
40th, 41st, 44ih, 45th 4Gth and 4Tth Congresses. Elected 
(iovernor, 1883, 




J. C. S. BLACKBURN. 

Born in Woodforil County, Kv., Oct. ), 18.38. (Jradil- 
ate at Centre Colli'gc, 183T.' Admitted lo I lie liar, 18.58, 
and praiiiced until 1861. Entered Confederate army 
1861, serving through war. Resumed practice. 1S65, and 
elected to the Legislature, 1871, '73. Elected to the 44th, 
45th. 4Uth, 47th and 48th (.lonL'ressee. and TJ, S. Senator, 
I8»l. 




^^^f*/ 










im^% . I 




JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

Born in Kenturkv. June 3. 1808. Criuluatf V. S. Mili- 
tary Acadcni.v. I.s-ix. Waa I'dliincl in Mexican War. 
U. S. Senator from MisH.. 1847. .Seiivtarv of War nnder 
President Pierce. Withdrew from Sena'te on Mr. Lin- 
colu'e election. ClioBcn Provisional President Coufed- 
•erate States. Feb. 4, 18(il; elected President. 1862. Cap. 
tured at Ir« insville, (Ja., Mav lU, 18C.5. Released on bail. 
J867. I;icluded in general amnesty, Dec. 35, 18BS. 




ROBERT TOOMBS. 



Bora in Washington. f;a.,.Tnlv2, 1810. Cradimte Union 
College, N. Y., 1828. .•Xdmilli'd lo the bar. MM. Served 
m the Creek war; in the Ceorgia Legislature; iu Con. 
gress from 18H to iKii. when he was elected P. .S. Senator, 
retiring on secession of (Georgia. Secretary of State of 
the Confederate tioveninieni, Feb. 21. 18U1, uiid Brig. Gen. 
Never accepted the general amnesty. Died December 
15, 188.'>. 




L. Q. 0. LAMAR. 

Born in Oxford, Ga., September 17. 182.5. Graduate at 
Emory College, ISM.'i. .\dmitled to the bar. Ift47. Prof, 
of mathematics in Mississippi State University, 1849. 
Resigned from Congress when Miss, seceded, and 
entered Confederate annv. On Confederate service m 
Ttussia. IKIW. Kr elected' Prof, in state University. 1886. 
Elected to 4*1 and 441 h Congresses, and U. S. Senator, 
lI'TIi, 1882. A|i|ioinli-il Secretary of Interior. March. 1885- 
Confirmed Associate JusUcc u. S. Supreme Court, 
Jan. n 1888. 




ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS. 
Born in Taliaferro County, Ga.. Feb. 11. 1812. Gradu- 
ate Franklin College. 1832. Served in both branches 
State I.egislaliire. 18.'i6.42. Opposed the seccession of 
the Slate, bnl aci|uieBi:ed in the act. Chosen Vice-Presi- 
(Unl of the Confederate Stales, 1862. One of three 
Commissioners who conferred with President Lincoln, 
Feb. 186."). .\rre8ted, couliued in Fort Warren, but re- 
leased, Oct, 11, 18<i.''). Re-entered (Congress. 1872. Author 
of two works on the Civil War. Died. March 1, 1883. 




WINFIELD S. SCHLEY. 

Naval Academy, 18B7. . ■..nimM,.. .-i is, . ^^ 'JjJ^^ 

JuBe-ilsM 'Al'lK.i'.H^^^^ »'"«'»'■ Navy De- 

partmuut, WasUiugtun, 1). C, 1885. 




,LI HUS 



GREELY. 



Born at Newburyport, Ma.B., \S«,- , E"'"3f,,Je''e* 
army as private, 1861. Mustered "\'« ™'XTLfeute„: 

SlX^lJ;;:;;!!.^.^ ;;?oa/;;Uun,H™LadyFran.|in 
^iS,!^^nnf^j;;^?1;.u"!^i;frd""mde;^,eut..fon;n,a^ 

der Sc dev, found him and .ix »'"" .'""'^/V",^' 
party, near mouth of Smith sSounrt, June ?2. 1884. 
Chief Signal Officer U. S. A., 1881. 




THOMAS ALVA EDISON. 



"The Wizard of Electririlv." Bom in Milan, Ohio, 
Teb 11 1847 Wa» a newsboV in early l.te. Began his 

^erteltion a ey..eu, of ek,;,, i.- r^htin, by ".oandescence. 
Bis patents ou electrical apparatus number ovei 100. 




GEORGE 



W. MELVILLE. 



Born ill New York Citv. .Jan., 1841. Sixved as engi- 
neer i 1 e naw in the ( Mvil War. Kn.^ineer on Tlgresi 
fn the cruise after the Polaris party. K",^''';^'-" ^r^tn: 
c^inloiius: steamer Jeannette. balled tiom han trail 
Cisco Julv 18T!1. After the wrecking and separation of 
officers and crew into two parties, ni.ide successful 
se*reh fm Capt. DeLoug's party, and found aU^ dead. 
March. l.SK-.i. On special duty, uew cruiser^, 1(*.. 




OLIVER 



HOWARD. 



Boni in Linils. Me.. Nov. 8, 18.30. (iraJiiiiti- at How 
dniii Cnlli-f;!-, Itm. V. S. Military .Academy, 18.>4. Col. 
of Maine Vols., and Brii;.-<;en.. 18(il. Maj.-Gen. of 
Vols.. 18IH. Hecoived thanks of CnnfireBB. 1864. Lost 
an arm at l'':iir Oaks. .After tlie war was Cnnimissioner 
of Free(lmen"s Bureau. Special Comniissioiicr of Indian 
Affairs, unci Sunt, ol U. S. Miliiary Academy, IHSl-t 
Comiiiandiiii: Division of the Pacific, 1887. 




HUGH Mcculloch. 

Bom in Kennelmnk, Me.. l.SUl. .Vdmiltcrl lo ihe bar, 
I8;J3, and removed to Korl Wavni'. Ind. .\p]ioinled 
Coinplroller of Ihe Curreiu y, ISISi. Wa.s Sccrenirv of the 
Treasury, .March. Mi.'>-I8t;>l. lieapponiled Secretary of 
the Tre(u<iiry. to succeed Waller (;. (:re^ham, after de- 
clining position on Tariff t'ommission, Oct. as. KSJU, 




JAMES G. BLAINE. 

Born in Wasln'iifrton T'ounty. Pa.. January HI, 18.30. 
Graduate at Washington College. Pa. Menibei-of Maine 
Legislature 18.59, "(Rl, '1)1 and 'fiti, serving last two years as 
Speaker. Member of se\en Congresses and Speaker of 
three. Secretary of State in President Garfield's Cabinet; 
resigned after President Arthur's accession. Author of 
" Twetity Years of Congress." Republican candidate for 
President of V s . is.M. 




JOHN A. LOGAN. 

Born in .Jackson County. 111.. Feb. 9, 1834. Served 
through Mexican War. Graduate at Louisville Law 
School. Ky.. 1.8.-,1. Member of Legislature four years. 
Prosecuting Attorney, l.s-,:!..-,:. Pn'sidcniial Elector, 
18:)b. licsigncd from SJlli Congress to enter Union 
army. Allained rank of ,Maj.-Gen. Declined appoint- 
ment as Minister to .Mexico. ISli.'i. Elected C. S. Sena- 
tor, isri, 1879. 188.). l{ei)ublican candidate for Vice- 
President ,,f ij. s., 188-1. Died Dec. ','11, l,8Kli. 




THOMAS A. HENDRICKS. 
Born in ;MiiskiTiL,'um coiintv. Ohio. Sept 7. 1>*10. 
Graduate at Soulli Haiiov.T CoHVl'l-. Iiiii., 18-)0. IK-le- 
pate to !ii(i. Sifiift'oitsiiiiitiunaH'uiivei'tioii. iKoO. Com- 
mitsininT (k'li. Land nitin-. l,S5r)-r>;i. iK-tVak-d for Gov- 
ernor, iSflO. but fl.rti-il isr-i. Di-tVatrd for Vice-Presi- 
dent of the U. S., in 1S7IJ. I)y derision of Electoral Com- 
misMion, on ticket with S, J. Tilden, and elected in 1884, 
on ticket with (irovt-r ricvcland. Died suddenly, Nov. 
25, 1885. 




AUGUSTUS H. GARLAND. 
Born in Tipton county. Tenn.. June II. 1833. Removed 
to Arkansas in followinij year. Admitted to the bar, 
1853. Opposed Hecession of Arkan^ias, but went with his 
State. Member of the Provisional Congress. Took 
part in drawing up Conntiturion of Confederate States. 
Elected I'. S. Senator. 18t)*j. but was refused admission, 
March 4. ]8fjr. Elected Governor, 1874. Elected U. S. 
Senator, 1876, 188:1. Appointed Attorney-General of the 
XJ. S., March, 1885. 




SAMUEL J. T 
Born in New Lelianou. X. Y.. 
at Tniversity of New York, ls;i4 
in New York City. Waf* very 
1846, when he began toengage in j 
Elected Governor of New York, 
didate for President of the I', 
election, Ijut acqniesed in the d 
CommJBPiou, which favored R, 
Died Aiii<. 4, 18>»i. 



ILDEN. 

Feb. 0. 1814. Graduate 
. Admitted to the bar 
active in politics until 
;reat railroad litigations. 
1874. Democratic can- 
S , 187*i. Clfiimed the 
.'cision of the Klecloitli 

B. Hayes, KepuOiican, 




SAMUEL J. RANDALL. 
Born in Philadelphia, Pa.. Oct. in, I8!28. Receiveu 
academic education. Member of Citv Council, four 
years; of the State Senate, two. Member of the 38th, 
S'Jth, 40th. 41st, 4-Jd, 43d, ^4th, 45th, 4(;th, 47th, 4sih, 
49th. and 5()th Congresses. Speaker of last sessions of 
441h, 4'>ih. and 4i;th Congresses. Long recognized as a 
Uemocraiic leader. 




DANIEL MANNING. 

Boni in Albany. N. Y. Aiif. V,. Kil. Cnnnocted with 

the AUwiiv Ar'/i'x fnmi liih Iltli vtiir. Dilfgati- to Dem- 

ocriitir Nn'li il Ciinv.'nlioiis, IhTll. ISW. Si-m-tary State 

Cominiitci-, 1h;'.i, nil. KIriiid Clmiiiiian, IHKl. Presi- 
dent NaliiMuil ('niiinicnial Haul;, Albaiiv. Cast the vote 
of New Viirk for Cl.-velaiul at National Convention, 
18W. Appointed Sicivlary of the Treasury, March, 1886. 
Resigned, IHSr. Died Dec. 14, 1S.S7. 




THOMAS F. 
Born in \Vihiiini.'lon. Del.. 
the bar, IJC)!. .Appfiinied L'. 
ware, 1K>.% Elei ted to U. 
father, IStid. Heelerled 18; 



BAYARD, 
(let. -M. IH-^. Called to 

S. DiBt.-Atfy for Dela- 
^. Senate to pncceed his 
'^1. Member of Electoral 




WILLIAM C. WHITNEY. 
Born in Conway. MaKS,. 1R.39. Graduate at Williston 
Seminary and Harvard Law Sehool, wm. Admitted to 
the bar in New York city. Aided in the prosecution of 
the Tweed ]iill^^ Sc\cn years Corporation Coinisel in 
Kew York, resisjiiiiii;. lK8a. It was ehliniated that his 
saving to the city while its counsel, directly amounted 
to $!;,(XX1,(K10, anil indirectly to much more. Appointed 
Secetary of the Navy, 1885. 







Oommisrion. Ap|iointed Secretary of Slate. March. 1885. 
Was an earnest and constant advocate for true Civil 
Service reform, aud did much to correct Custom House 
aboeefl. 



WILLIAM C. ENDICOTT. 

Bom in Salem. Mass., 1827, Graduate at Harvard 
College, 1847. Admitted to the bar, )8.%0. Appointed 
Judge of Supreme Court. 1873; resigning in 1882 om 
account of poor health. Joined Democratic party, 1860. 
Apiiointcd Secretary of War, March, 1885. He is s 
member of the llistoricaJ Society and of the Board of 
Overseers of Harvard College. Was never an active 
politiciao. 




LEVI PARSONS MORTON. 

Born in Shnreham. VI.. May 10. 1824. Received coni- 
moB-school education. Engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness in Hanover, N. H., in IMS, in the dry-jjoods busi- 
nesfi in New York City in 1854. and in banking in New 
York City and London in 1863. Defeated for Congress 
1876, elected 1878. Gave a quarter of the cargo of the 
U.S. S. Constellation for the starving poor in Ireland 
in 1880. Appointed U. S. Minister to France in 1881. 
Elected Vice-Preeidenl of the United States in 1S88. 
Liberal contributor to charitable and political interests. 







JEREMIAH McLAIN RUSK. 



Born in Morgan County. Ohio, June 17. 1h80. Received 
public-echool education. Engaged in farming in Vernon 
County, Wis., in 1853. Entered the Inion Army as 
Major and became Brevet Brigadier-iieneral. Was 
State Bank Controller, lS(;f5-69, and M ember of Congrese. 
1871-77. Declined appointmentp of Chargti d'Affaires 
to Parag:uay and Uruguay, and Cliief of the Bureau of 
Engraving and Printing in 1881. Was Governor of Wis- 
consin, 1881-88. Appointed Secretary of the newly- 
created Department of Agriculture, 1889. 



-.-i^s^-^>. 




BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRACY. 

Bom in Oswego. N. Y., 1829. Received academic ed 
ncatiOD. Admitted to the bar, 18.11, elected District 
Attorney of Tioga County 1854, and re-elected 1866. 
Became Brevet Brigadier-General in the Union Army. 
Settled in Now York City, 1865. Appointed U. S. Dis- 
trict Attorney for the Southern District of New York, 
1866 and 1872 ; declined second term. Was one of the 
leading counsel in the Tilton-Beecher suit. Appointed 
Judge of New York Court of Appeals 1881, and Secre- 
tary of the Navy 1889. 




JOHN WANAMAKER. 

Bom In Philadelphia, Pa,. July 11. la-iT. Received 
country-school education. Learned the clothing busi- 
ness and opened a store of his own, 1861, which has 
grown into an enormous establishmtnt. Devoted 
Preehyterian and Sunday-school and Y. M. C, A. 
worker. Founded Bethany College and its preparatory 
and training schools. Active in charitable, religious, 
and educational movements. Millionaire, protection- 
ist, and large contributor to presidential election can- 
vass 1888. Appointed Postmaster-General, 1888. ^ 




WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON MILLER 

Born in Augusta, Oneida Co., N. Y., 1841. Graduated 
at Hamilton Colieg.', l«jl. Studied law witli Chief- 
Justice Waite, admitted to the bar in Oneida County, 
N. Y., and removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., to practice. 
Became law partner of Benjamin Harrison and remov- 
ed to Indianapolii', 1874. Continued partner.-hip till 
Gen. Harrison's election to the Presidency, and became 
his most intimate friend. Never held a political office. 
Appointed Attorney-Genera] of the U. S., 1889. 




REDFIELD PROCTOR. 

Born in Cavendish, Vt., June 1, 18:11. Graduated at 
Dartmouth College, 1.S51, and the Albany (N. Y.) Law 
School, 1859. Entered the Union Army as a private, 
became Colonel of the l.")th Vt. Vols., and served with 
distinction. Resumed practice of law. Served in State 
House, l?(i7-8. aiid Senate (president pro tern.), 1874. 
Elected Lieutenant-Governor of Vermont, 187t), and 
Governor, 1878. Pounded town of Proctor, near Rut- 
land. Interested in farming and marble quarries. 
Appointed Secretary of War, 1889. 




JOHN WILLOCK NOBLE. 

Born in Lancaster. Ohio. Oct. if}, IKU. Gradnated at 
Vale College, 1K5I. Admitted to the bar and began 
practisluf; in St. Louis, .Mo., IS.'w, allerward removed 
to Keokuk, Iowa. Became Brevet Brigadier-(Jeneral 
in the Union Army in the Civil War. Returned to St. 
LoniB at the dose of the war. U. S. District Attorney, 
1866-7(1. Counsel in many cases involving lart'e interests. 
Appointed Secretary of the Interior, 1889. 




WILLIAM WINDOM. 

Born in Belmont County, Ohio, May 10, 1827. Receiv- 
ed academic education. Admitted to the bar, 1S50, and 
elected District Attorney of Knox County, 1852. Re- 
moved to Winona, Minn', isss. Member of Congress. 
18.")8-69 U. S. Senator to fill vacancy, 1N"I, and again 
1871-77, Secretary of the Treasury, 1881. Resigned 
after President Garfield's death, and engaged in rail- 
road and flnanciiil business. Appointed Secretary of 
the Treasury, 18811. 



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OUR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, AND HOW IT IS 

ADMINISTERED. 

GovEnyMEST is neeessarj- for the restraint of disordcrlr persons antt for the security of jnstioe 
'£t is tlie manifestation of organized social po\\-er. Its primary and neeessarj- functions are to main- 
tain the peace and to execute justice between diftcreut uicuiliers of sneiety. 

Where there is no transgression there is no necessity for law. Every citizen has a natural righl 
to defend his life and property from injuiy. The collective body of citizens have the riglir, to organ- 
ize power for the general good — in other words, to create a Government, which, therefore, justly 
derives its powers from the will and couseut of the governed— THE people. 

According to this fundamental principle the people of the United States, in lepresentative con- 
vention a.-jsembled. established a Xafional Government in republican form, having its functions pre- 
scribed by a written declaration adopted by the people and known as tlie Cunslilntion of the United 
Stales. 

THE GOYERKMENT. 

The National Government is eomjiosed of three co-ordinate departments — namely: 

1. The Legislative, or that which makes the laws. 

2. The Executive, or that which enforces the laws. 

3. The Judicial, or that which interprets the laws and administers justice. 

These powers are lodged in ditfcrcnt hands. The body which makes the laws has nothing to do 
with the enforcement of them, while the judicial department is independent of the legislative and 
executive departments. 

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 

The legislative power is ve.sted in a Congress of representatives of the people. It consists of i 
Senate and Home nf Rppreseiitatives. The members of the former are chosen by the several State 
Legislatures, and those of the latter are chosen directly by the people by secret ballots. 

Representatives. — A represeutative. when chosen, must be twenty-five years of age. a citizen of 
the United States six years, and an inhabitant of the State in which he is chosen. 

The number of representatives of each State is determined by the population of the State. In 
order to keep the number of the members of the House of Representatives about the same the ratic of 
representatives is changed from time to time. For example, in 179:.' the apiiortionmcnt was .^S.MO 
inhabitants to every representative ; in 1S70 the number was 138,000 inhabitants to every representa- 
tive. 

When a vacancy happens in the representation of a State the executive authority of such State 
issues writs of election to fill such vacancy. 

The representatives choose their own presiding oiBcer (the " Speaker") aud others, and have the 
sole power of impeachment. 

Senate. — A Senator, when chosen, must be thirty years of age, nine years a citizen of the United 
States, ami an inhal.'itaut of the State for which he is (-bosi-n. 

Each Stat^ is entitled to two Senators, without regard to its populatioa. They are chosen for a 
term of six years. Each Senator has one vote. 

The Vice-President of the United States is President of the Senate, but has no voto nnlesH they 
be equally divided. 

The Senate has the sole power to trj- all impeiwhmeuts. When silting as such high c»urt it is 
the duty of the Chief Justice of the United States t(i preside, and no person may be convicted witbont 
the concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the Si-uate present. 



o u i: N A T I o X A L a ( > \' E li X :m E N T 

Born HorsES. — The two Houses of Congress meet at the same time and place, in separate chanr 
(•era. Kacli IIoiiso is the jmii-'o of the elections, returns, and qualiiicatians of its own members. & 
majority in eacli House constitutes a onoriim. 

Each House detcmiiucs its own rales of proceeding, ma.v punish its members, and, with the con- 
currence of two tliirds of the members presejit, maj' expel a member. 

Neither Housio during the session of Conjrress may, without the consent of the other, adjourn for 
more than throe days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses may be sitting. 

Members of both Houses are privileged from aiTcst (except in cases of treason, felony, or breach 
of peace) during their atteudauee at the sessions of their respective Houses, or going to or returning 
from the same. Nor may they be questioned in any other place for any speech or words in debate in 
either House. 

No person holding office under the United States may bo a member of either H'— .se during his- 
continuance in oiEco. 

The existence of each Congress is limited to two years. 

POWEIiS OP CONGRESS. 

Congress is vested with sovereign powers to levy and collect taxes and provide for the national de- 
fence ; to borrow money ; to regulate couimeree with foreign nations and among the several States ; 
to coin money; to punish counterfeiters; to establish post-routes and post-offices; to giant patents 
and copyrights; to declare war, carry it on on laud and sea (but not to make appropriations, for th»- 
pnrpose, for a longer time than for two years), and conclude peace ; to create and maintain a navy ; to 
call forth the militia of the several States in certain contingencies, and to enact all laws ueeessaiy for 
the execution of the powers granted them, liut Congress may not suspend the privilege of the writ" 
of habeas foiyxM unless where the public safety may require it; pass a bill of attainder or e.c-jwst- 
facto law ; lay a tax or duty on inter-State exchanges of commodities ; give commercial preference to ■ 
any port; subject vessels bound to or from one State to enter, to clear, or p.w duties in another State; 
cause money to be drawn from the public treasuiT, excepting appropriations made by law ; grant any 
title of nobility, nor allow any person holding any pffiee of profit or trust under the United States, 
without the consent of Congress, to accept any gift from any foreign power while holding such office. 

MODE OP PASSING LAWS. 

All bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. Every bill must- 
have the concurrence of both Houses, and then be presented to the President of the United States. 
If apiiroved by him he signs it and it becomes law ; if not approved he returns it with his written ob- 
jections. This is called a t-elo. Then it may be reconsidered, and, if passed by a vote of two-thirds of ■ 
each House, it becomes a law without the signature of the President. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the two Houses may be necessary 
(excepting on a question of adjournment) is presented to the President of the United States, and. 
may take the course of a bill. 

The enumerated powers vested in Congress are denied to the several States which compose the 
Ecpublic. 

THE STATES. 

The several States of the Republic are indejx-ndfiU in a degree, but not smrreign. By the pro-vi- 
sions of the National Constitution they are denied the exerci.se of the functions of sovereign power. 

Originally there were thirteen States in the Union. Since then the process of fonning a new- 
State is by erecting a ju-esi-ribed doiiiaiu of the Republic into a TernOny and organizing a Territorial 
government, administered by a chief magistrate and other officers appointed by the President of th& 
United States, by and with the consent of the Senate. The Territory has a Legislature to enact laws 
of local application, but Congress may reject any of them. The inhabitants elect a delegate who re- 
presents them in Congress, tells that body what the Territory needs, but has no rote. The jieople of a 
Territory <lo not vote for President of the United States. When a Territoiy contains a specified num- 
ber of inhabitants a convention may be called, a State Constitution formed and adopted, and applicar 
tion be made to Congress for the admission of the Territory into the Union as an independent State. 
The application may be rejected, and there is no ajipeal but to another Congress. If permitted tc 
become a State it immediately assumes State powers and takes its position as an equal of the otbat 
'States according to Hi ability. 

ii 



AND HOW IT IS ADMINISTERED. 

When a new State is formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State, or lOrmed bf 
the iiiucliou ot two or more States or parts of States, the consent of the Legislatures of the Statofl con- 
cerned and of Congress must first be obtained. 

Congress must guarantee to every State in the Union a repuljlican form of government, and pro- 
tect all from invasion when required by the proper authorities of a State or States so invaded. 

EXECUTIVE DEPAKTMENT. 

The executive power of the Kepublic is vested in a President of the United States, whose term of 
office is limited to four years. Ho is eligible to re-eleetion indefinitely. His power is co-ordinate but 
not coequal with that of the Legislative Department. He is the agent to execute the will of Congress- 
expressed by laws. 

The method of choosing a President and Vice-President is prescribed in the Twelfth Amendment, 
to the National Constitution (.see page xx. of the Supplement). 

The President is commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy of the United States; also of the' 
militia of the several States when called into the actual service of the RepubUc. 

With the advice and consent of the Senate, the President makes treaties with foreign Powers and' 
the Indians within the Republic ; appoints ambassadors and other representatives of the GovemmeDt 
in foreign lands, also judges of the Supreme Court and all other officers of the National Government 
whose appointment is not otherwise provided for. He has power to fill official vacancies during the 
recess of the Senate. 

It is the duty of the President to convene Congress when extraordinary occasions may require a 
session ; to give to Congress, when in session, from time to time, information concerning the state of 
the Republic, and to recommend measures for tlieir consideration ; to receive ambassadors and other 
public ministers, and to take care that all the laws shall be faithfully executed. 

The President may be removed from office on impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors. 

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

The judicial power of the United States is vested in one Supreme Coui't, sitting at the NationaT 
Capital, together with such inferior courts as Congi-ess may, from time to time, establish in various 
parts of tlie ynion. The judges of the Supreme Court and inferior United States com'ts hold their of- 
fices during good behavior. 

The jurisdiction of the National Judiciary extends to all cases of law and equity arising under th« 
Constitution of the United States : the laws of the United States and treaties made under their autho- 
rity ; all laws affecting ambassadors, other ministers, and consuls of the United States ; controversies in 
which the United States may bo a party; controversies between tn-o or more States, between a State 
and citizens of another State, and between citizens of diiferent States, but not to any suit in law or 
equity eomraenced or prosecuted against one of the States by citizens of another State or by citizens 
or subject^s of any foreign State. 

Tlie Supreine C^">urt h.is original jurisdiction in all ca.ses affecting ambassadors, other public minis- 
ters, and consuls, and those in which a State may be a pai'ty. In all othe- cases it has appellate juris- 
diction both as to law and fact. 



ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT. 

The President administers the laws through the advice and assistance of eight cabinet ministers, 
who are each at the head of a separate executive department. Five of these ministers are denomi- 
nated "Secretaries." 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS. 

The Executive Departments are knowm-espectively as of the State, ol Finance or the Treasury, of 
War, of the Navii, of the Interim; of the Piist-Office, of Justice, and uf AgrKulture. 

The State Department is in charge of the Secretary of Stftte. It has two branches — namely, 
the Dipinnintic and the Consular. It has a Disbursing Agent, a Trmislator, Clerks of A()pointment and 
Commissions, of the Rolls and Archives, of Territ<irial Business, and of Pardons and Passports ; alao a 
Superintendent of Statistics. The Diplomatic bniuch has charge of all correspondenee between th» 

iii 



OUR ^T A T I O X A L GOVE R X M E N T . 

Doi-nrtmcnt and other iliplomatic sigonts of tlip United Stiitc-s abroad, and those of foreign powora 
;ifcrcditrd to the llov.-runitnt. The Consular branch has charge of all correspondence betwoen the 
Dopartuienl and the consuls and commercial agents of the United States. 

Tin; FiXiN-cE ou Treasuuy Department is iu charge of the Secretary of the Treasurj-, who has 
as assistants a First and Second ComptroUer of the Treasury, a Commissioner of Customs, six Audi- 
tors, each charged with distinct functions, a Treasurer a Kogister. a Solicitor, and a Comptroller of 
tho Treasury. Ho has under his direction a Light-House Hoard, a Bureau of Construction, the United 
.suites Coast Survey, the Internal Uevenue, and the United States Mints. He has the general .super- 
vision of tho financial transactions of the Gorcrnmeut, and is charged with the execution of the laws 
iconccniiag commerce and uavigatiou. 

TiiK Wak DKi'AirniKN-r is under the control of the Secretary of War, who is charged with all 
■business ])ert:iining to the Army and the supervision of all fortifications, arsenals, and stores, also of 
the Weather Sigual Service. He has under his control tho ofljces of the Commanding General of tho 
Array the Adjutant-General the Quartermaster General, the Paymaster-General, the Commissary- 
General, the Surgeon General, tho Engineer's Office, the Topographical Office, the Ordnance Office, and 
the Olfiec of Refugees and Frecdmen ; also the Military Academy at West Point. These titles indicate 
tho functions of the respective bureaus. 

TitK Natv Depaktmknt is uuder tho control of the Secretary of the Navy, who is charged with 
all business pertaining to that branch of the service. That business is conducted through the aid of 
eight bureaus— namely, of Yards and Docks, of Navigation, of Ordnance, of Construction and Repairs, 
of Equipment and Ivecruiting, of Provisions and Clothing, of Steain-Eugineering, and of Medicine and 
Siirgerv. These several titles indicate the functions of the respective bureaus. The Secretary of the 
Navy has control of tho Marine Corps, a military organization attached to the Navy. 

The iNTEUioit Dei'aktmest is m charge of tho Secretary of the Interior, who has the care and 
management of the Public Lands, of Pensions, of the Indians, of the Patent Office, of the Department 
of Agriculture, and tho Bureau of Education 

The PostOkfice Depakt.mest is in charge of the Postmaster-General. The business of tihis De- 
partment is distributed atnong several bureaus, as follows: the Appointment Office, in charge of the 
First Assi-stant Postuutsler-Geucral; the Contract Office, iucluding the Inspection Division, in charge 
of file Second Assistant Postmast<?r-General ; the Finance Office, in charge of the Third Assistant 
Postmaster-General, who has also charge of the Dead-Letter Office ; and the Money-Order Office, in 
charge of tho Superintendent. i 

TnE Pepaiitment of Justice is in charge of the Attorney-General of the United States. Its 
ordinary duties may bo olassiiied as follows : 

1. Official opinions on tho cun'cnt business of the Govcrumcnl. 

2. Examinations of the titles of land purchased for sites of public works. 

3. Applicatioue tor pardons iu all cases of conviction in the courts of the United States. 

4. Applications for appointment iu all the judicial and legal departments of the Government. 

5. The conduct and argument of*all suits in the Supreme Court of the United States in which the 

Government is concerned. 
'8. The supervision uf all other suits arising in any of the Departments, when refenodto tho At 

tooucy-Geueral. 
The liKi'.MiTMKNT OF AosicuLTURE IB iu Charge of the Secretary of Ai;rienltare, who, in addition to 
•oxccutive fuiictioue, performs the duties which devolved upon the Commissioner of Agriculture when this 
Jiraiicli was suluM'Iiiiale to the Interior Departmeet. 

\1 



THE STORY 



OF 



A GREAT NATION 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 

The spirit of Discovery awakened in Europe — The great advantage of the Crusades to Trade^ 
Missionaries and Merchants — What WiW known of the Athmtic Ocean — The wonderful Island of 
St. Brendan — Iceland and Greenland— Discoveries on the Coast of Africa— The Madeira Islands 
— Italy the School of Geography. 

At the heginnino- of the Christian era, the Roman Empire extended 
over all Southern and Western Europe as far as Britain, over North- 
ern Africa, and the Levant. There was regular intercourse through 
all the vast empire, and there was trade with countries lying heyond. 
After the Roman Empire fell, barbarians overran many parts of 
Europe, and the Mohammedans gained Africa and the East. When 
new countries were formed, there was little trade, and people had 
only scanty knowledge of distant parts, even in Europe. The only 
people who traveled far, were pilgrims who used to go to the Holy 
Land. The ill-treatment given to the pilgrims by the Mohammedans 
led to the wars known as the Crusades, in which most of tbe Chris- 
tian kingdoms of the West united to recover Palestine from the hands 
of the Saracens. The expeditions sent out fiiiled to wrest it from 
them, but they made the F]ast known to the marines and merchants, 
who began to trade with those distant countries. 



102 THE STORY OF A GKEAT JnATIO^T 

One great and good result came forth from the Crusades, although 
they failed in their main object. People learned more of the East, of its 
science, its fabrics, its plants, its riches of every kind. A spirit of travel 
Avas awakened. Missionaries set out to announce the gospel to distant 
lands; merchants hastened to open new avenues of trade. All Europe 
was astir. The accounts l>rought back by Carpini and Rubruquis, who 
penetrated into Tartary, opened a new world. Then Marco Polo, the 
greatest of early travellers, pushed on till he reached Cathay, or China, 
and astonished men with his accounts of the strange people of that 
land. Catalani next described the wonders of Asia, and Man deville gave 
a book of travels in which he introduced the most extraordinary stories. 
Then commerce reawakened from its long sleep, and trade between the 
various Christian States, and between them and distant lands, was ex- 
tended with remarkable rapidity. In the commercial operations whicli 
sprang up, Genoa and Venice took the lead : their shi])s were not con- 
fined to the Mediterranean, but sought the shores of the Atlantic. The 
sciences of Geogi'aphy and Navigation became in Italy favorite studies, 
and were cultivated to an extent not common in other parts of Europe, 
with rare exceptions. 

But most of the Kings of those times were too much taken up with 
wars and pleasures to give any attention to such severe studies, or 
encourage them as they should. Italy, where there were free Repub- 
lics, full of commercial activity, and then the religious centre of Chris- 
tendom, had the most learned geographers and navigators, as well as 
the most skillful naval commanders. 

Other nations, therefore, for several centuries, looked as a matter of 
course to Italy for the latest improvements in all that regarded navigation 
nnd the sea. Kings even hired ships from these Italian Republics to aid 



OE, OUR COUISfTEYS ACIIIEVEMEISrTS. 103 

'.tliem in tbeii' war.s. This will exjjlaiu to us why so many Italian naviga- 
tors took part in the early discoveries of America — Columbus, Cabot, 
T^espucius, Verrazzaui. 

But the explorers did not all go by the way of the Mediterranean. 
'The people on the shores of the Atlantic had from the earliest times 
made voyages that seem incredible when we know the wretched kind 
<of vessels in which they sailed. The earliest known vessels of the 
IBritish isles were coracles, and our readers would hardly think of ven- 
1;uring out to sea in them uow^ They were simply a strong basket of 
■wicker-work, covered with a hide drawn tightly over it while still soft. 

In these flimsy boats the natives of the British Isles ventured out to 
sea, crossed over to the mainland of Europe, and even carried on war- 
like and piratical ^expeditions. 

As the West was converted to Christianity, zealous missionaries set 
out in these coracles to carry the truth to parts which were yet Pagan. 
The most famous of all these early voyages is that of St. Brendan, 
Abbot of Clonfert, who died in 577, in tlie western part of Ireland. 
This brave and adventurous missionary sailed with a iiart}' of compan- 
'ions, Ijoni and bred like himself on that wild coast, out into the Atlantic, 
in vessels of wicker and ox hides, and evidently reached Iceland. His 
authentic narrative was soon lost sight of, but the minstrels and story- 
rtellers made his voyage the most popular narrative of the Middle Ages. 
According to the story in this form, of which there are many versions in 
different languages, he met floating islands made of crystal, with churches, 
ihouses, and palaces, and all the furniture in them of the same sparkling 
,'inaterial. He mistook a large sleeping fish for an island, and his party, 
Handing on it unawares, was nearly engulfed. He finally came to an 
•island, where there was a mountain of fire, evidently the mouth of hell. 



104 THE STOEY OF A GKEAT XATIOK ; 

and Avhere devils, by hurling fiery stones at them, drove them from the 
shores. Interwoven with all this are meetings with hermits and won- 
derful personages. It is easy to see the icebergs in this, and understand 
how the story grew ; the whale is easilyrecognized ; and in the volcanic 
island we see Iceland with its Mount Hecla. The natives flocking tO' 
the shore to oppose the new comers were naturally supposed to be hurl- 
ins the stones which came from the volcano. 

When Iceland was subsequently discovered and colonized, and thus-- 
took its place in geography, no one thought of identifying it with St., 
Brendan's Island ; but out of his story grew two islands, the island of 
Demons, which in most early maps figures on the nort Invest coast of 
America from Labrador to Grreenlaud : and a second St. Brendan's Isle, 
which was supposed to be off the Canaries. This island, the story grew,. 
used to appear and then vanish, and the traditions of Spain and other- 
countries made it the residence of some great personage in their history., 
whom the people believed to be living in a sort of retirement, to reap- 
pear one day in this world and save his country. 

A volume would scarcely contain all that has been written about. 
St. Brendan's voyage and his wondtrful island. 

But the existence of St. Brendan's island west of the Canaries was. 
long so firmly believed, that expeditions were frequently sent out to- 
reach it. They retui'ned unsuccessful, or perished and wei-e no more' 
heard of. Articles from the shores of America driven on tlie Azores; 
and Canaries were all naturally sn{)posed to come from St. Brendan's. 
Island, and kept up the commoi; faitli in its existence. All this made^ 
men familiar with the thought of voyages out into the unexplored 
waters. 



OR, OUR C0U:N'TRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 105 

Under the leadership of Ingulph they colonized Iceland in the ninth 
century, and that remote island l)ecanie before long a centre of learning 
and religion in tlie north. Soon after, Eric the Red discovered and 
colonized Greenland in the 10th century. At this time these North- 
men were all pagans, fierce and cruel. Leif, the son of Eric. ho\vever, 
returning to Norway became a Christian, and in the year 1000 brought 
out clergy who converted the pagan settlers in Greenland. 

As we now know that land, we can scarcely conceive how a colony 
could have been planted and gi-own up on that desolate shore. But it 
is evident that it was then washed by the Gulf Stream, and enjoyed a 
comparatively mild climate. 

The settlement of the Northmen in Greenland subsisted down to the 
middle of the fifteenth century, and there is extant a bull of Pope Nicho- 
las as late as 1450, recommending the piety of the Bishop of Garda, who 
had erected a fine church at that place in Greenland ; and the ruins of 
this church have, it is thought, been recently discovered. 

But if these hardy Northmen had passed beyond St. Brendan's they 
too had their strange lands further on. One was White Man's Land or 
Greater Ireland ; the other was a country called Vinland, or land of 
Vines, to which some of their people actually went. 

From the vague account given in one of the Icelandic sagas or poems 
as to Vinland, many attempts have been made to decide exactly where 
it was : Nearly two hundred years ago, a very learned little book 
called " A History of Ancient Vinland," was published at Copenhagen, 
and within a year or two an American scholar has been endeavoring ta 
explain it all, but there are not many who put much faith in the matter, 
and those who believe that the Old Mill at Newport is a Scandinaviaa 
ruin, erected by the early Northmen, ai'e very few indeed. 



100 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

The people of the North were thus actually colonizing the New 
"World ; but while the declining settlement in Greenland was struggling 
for existence against the Esquimaux or Skroelings, who had become 
very liostile, and finally destroyed it utterly, the people of Southern 
Europe seem not to have made any attempts in this direction. Some, 
however, think that the hardy Bretons of France, and the Basques, 
a maritime people, living in France and Spain on the shoi'es of the Bay 
of Biscay, reached Newfoundland at an early day and there began to 
take codfish ; but they were not learned navigators ; they wrote no 
books and drew no maps. 

The great mariners of southern Europe were, however, pushing dis- 
coveries in another direction. As the Crusades had failed, Asia Minor 
and Egypt remained in the hands of the Mohammedans, who viewed all 
Christians passing through their land with Jealousy. If the Christian 
ships could sail around Africa and so reach the rich lands of India and 
Cathay, they might carry on a profitable trade, with Avhich the Saracens 
and Turks could not interfere. The Carthaginians were said to have 
done it. So the minds of men began to turn in that direction. 

About the middle of the fourteenth century French vessels began to 
trade down the coast of Africa, and actually reached Guinea. Genoese 
and Catalans discovered the Canaries, and the island of Madeira was 
next added to the list of discoveries. 

As to the discovery of Madeh-a, so called from a Portuguese word 
meaning wood, the island having been found covered with beautiful 
trees, a very romantic story is told. 

In the reign of Edward III., Anna d'Arfet, a noble young English 
lady, fell in love with a poor young man named Eobert Macham. As 
her family were endeavoring to foi'ce her to a marriage with a wealthy 



OK, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 107 

suitor whom she loathed, they resolved to fly to France. To facilitate 
their plans, a friend of E,ol)ert entered the service of Anna's guardians 
as a groom, and was thus able to attend her on her daily rides near the 
seashore, and arrange the plans of the lovers. Robert found a vessel 
suited for their purpose, and when it was ready, she rode down to meet 
the small boat in which he was to come ashore for her. Their secret 
had however been discovered. As she neared the shore and recognized 
her lover's boat approaching, she heard a clatter of hoofs and saw her 
pursuers approaching. She spurred her spirited steed into the surf, rid- 
ing as far as he wotild bear her, and thus was received by Robert, com- 
pletely discomfiting her pursuers. The vessel, though with but a scanty 
crew, at once hoisted sail. But the next day a terrible storm came on. 
Day came and went, with no cessation of the tempest, and the frail ves- 
sel, driven before the gale, was hurried into strange seas. No land was 
seen till on the thirteenth day, green hills, rich in tropical vegetation, 
greeted their eyes. Robert and Anna landed with a few of those on 
board, and were delighted with the beauties of the new-found isle; but 
before they had recovered from the fatigues of their terrible voyage an- 
other storm drove their vessel off. They were on the Island of Ma- 
deira, separated from Christendom. Poor xlnna, \vorn out by her 
hardships and excitement, could not rally even in this beautiful spot — 
she sank rapidly, and died the third day. Robert buried her at the 
foot of a tree where she had spent much of her time in prayer ; but his 
own days were sealed. In less than a week he too breathed his last, 
and was laid beside her. Their comrades hastened to leave a spot 
fraught with such melancholy memories. They succeeded in reaching 
the coast of Morocco in their small boat, to find their former comrades 
of the vessel already in slavery there. A Spaniard, also held in bond- 



108 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOIT. 

ao-e, learning their stoiy, was able after his return to Spain to guide a 
Portuo-uese ship to the island toml) of the unfortunate lovers. Such is 
the romantic story of the discovery of Madeira. 

The Azores, or Vulture Islands, wei-e next discovered in 1448 by Dom 
Gonzalo Velio, Commander of Almonros, and (in Corvo, one of the 
islands of this group, a statue was found, with an inscription on the ped- 
estal in strange characters that none could decipher. And this statue, 
so the story goes, pointed westward with its right hand, as if to show 
that there the great discovery was to be made. 

The next year Anthony Nolli, a Genoese navigator, discovered the 
Cape Verde Islands. 

Meanwhile in Europe students had taken up the ancient geographers 
Ptolemy and Strabo. Editions of Ptolemy were printed with all the later 
discoveries. Maps were drawn, and all who sought to advance in the 
sea service studied and compared what was handed down from the past 
with what was discovered day by day. 

There was at that time in Europe a thoughtful, studious man, mak- 
ing marine charts and maps for sea captains, selling books of geography 
to students, though doubtless studying well every book before he parted 
with it, for many of his books still preserved are covered with his notes. 
He was a man of action, too ; he could command a ship and guide it 
skillfully in the fiercest of storms, or on the least frequented coasts. Nor 
was he lacking in bravery. He had met the Mohammedan corsairs and 
repulsed them, though he bore scars that showed how dear victory cost 
him . This man was to make a discovery that would throw in the shade 
the discoveries of all before him, change completely the current of 
men's thoughts, and raise up a new order of things. This man was- 
Christopher Columbus. 



PART I . 

CIIAPTEK I. 

I lie early Life of Christopher Columbus — His first Voyages — Terrible Naval Engagement 
near Lisbon— His wonderlul Escape— His Scheme of crossing the Atlantic — Genoa, Venice, 
and Portugal refuse to aid him — Home in Genoa— At Palos— Father Marchena and the 
Convent of Santa >Laria de la Rabida — He starts for the Court of Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella. 

Genoa, one of the great commercial republics of Italy, a city of long 
historic fame, was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. His family 
were genteel — not above honest toil, but people of culture. His father 
Dominic possessed some small property at Genoa and places near it, 
and at the same time was a comber and weaver of wool. They were 
therefore comfortably off, and Christopher was born in a house belong- 
ing to his father outside the city walls where the road winds off to the 
little town of Bassagno. Tradition, which recent proof sustains, shows 
that the future glory of Genoa was baptized on the hillside church of 
Santo Stefano di Arco by the Benedictines who presided there. 

He was the eldest sou, and the hope of the house. His father sought 
to give him an opportunity to acquire knowledge greater than his own 
home afforded him. The commencement of an education had been laid 
in Genoa, and before he reached his tenth year Christopher was sent to 
Pavia. Here some one attached to the University for three years in- 



112 THE STORT OF A GREAT NATION; 

structed the lx)y, who evidently showed aptness for learning, and dili- 
o'ence. At his early age he could not have followed the course of the 
University, but he acquired the rudiments, a knowledge of Latin, and 
some insight into mathematics. But he was naturally a student and a 
lover of l)Ooks. 

Back again to the narrow street of Genoa, where his father's place of 
business was, came the boy, his imagination fired by the glimpse into 
learning, the open sea beckoning him to its life of adventure and free- 
dom. Obedient to his father, whom he ever honored through life, he 
took his place in the workshop and sought to mould himself to the 
quiet life of commerce. But he yearned for action in the career where 
his grand-uncle was already famous. 

At fourteen he was ali-eady on shipboard. Docile, prompt, eager to 
learn, eager to advance, he was one to wm his way with his commander 
and with all. His voyages carried him over most of the Mediterranean, 
from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Archipelago. That sea was at that 
time swept by corsairs which sailed under the Crescent, and made war 
on all Christian flags. Every merchant-ship went armed, and a sea- 
fight was often the incident of a voyage. Young Christopher in one of 
these engagements received a deep wound, which, though healed at the 
time, broke out in his later years and endangered his life. 

In 1459 Christopher had become an officer under his grand-uncle, 
wno commanded a fleet for King Rene, of Anjou, then seeking to win 
his kingdom of Naples. It is evident that young Christopher did his 
duty well, for Reno sent him in command of a vessel to cut out a gal- 
ley from Tunis, which had become notorious for its ravages on Chris- 
tian commerce. 

A few years after this we find him on the Atlantic, commanding a 



OR, Orii COUNTRY 8 ACHIEVEMENTS. 



113 



vessel in a Genoese fleet, under Colombo il Mozo. His native State 
was at war with the sister republic of Venice, and they were on the 
lookout for some rich vessels of the Queen of the Adriatic. They 
finally came upon them between Lisbon and Cape Saint Vincent. It 
was a sad spectacle to sec Italians thus arrayed against each other, but, 




"-Jj^^^jv— - 



CONVENT OF SANTA MARIA LA liABrDA AT PALOS. 



as IS usual in such wars, the feeling was intense on both sides. All day 
long the Venetians gallantly resisted the attack of the Genoese. Chris« 
topher Columbus had grappled one of the Venetians, and in the hand 
to hand fight on her deck had nearly forced lier to yield, when she took 
fire. In a moment both vessels were in flames. But tl:e sliips were so 



114 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATIOJT ; 

bound together by spars and cordage, as well as grappling-irons, that 
Columbus was uiiable to disengage his vessel from her burning anta- 
gonist. The combat ceased, and as the fires would soon communicate 
to the powder, the recent antagonists plunged into the sea, the only 
rivalry being to reach the shore, which a line of breakers showed them 
some five miles distant. Columbus struck out manfully, spent as he 
was with the terrible fight, but in his exhausted state he would never 
have reached the shore had not Providence thrown in his way a large 
oar, by the aid of which he at last reached land, to turn and look back 
on the sea, beneath which lay all that remained of the noble vessel he 
so lately commanded. 

At Lisbon, which he had thus strangely reached, he found his brother 
Bartholomew making and selling charts and dealing in books of navi- 
gation, the great Pi-ince Henry having made Lisbon a resort of expe- 
rienced naval men. The society of these men was very attractive to 
Christopher, who, joining his brother in business, made it lucrative 
enough to enable him to send remittances to his father, whose commer- 
cial affairs had not prospered. While perfecting his knowledge of geo- 
graphy and arriving at the final theory as to transatlantic voyages, he 
married Dona Philippa Perestrello, daughter of an Italian navigator 
who had made many voyages of exploration and died Governor of 
Porto Santo, one of the Madeira Islands. The papers of this naviga- 
tor aided him still more, and King Alphonsus, at one of his audiences, 
showed Columbus some enormous reeds that had been driven across 
the Atlantic. As early as 1474, we know, by letters of the celebrated 
Italian cosmographer Toscanelli, that Columbus had already laid before 
him his plan of reaching Cathay by sailing westward, and that his mo- 
tive was the extension of Christianity. But he was not yet ready to 



OR, OTTK COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 115 

siibmit his plau to the world. This lie did in 147(). Like a true son 
of Genoa he first proposed it to that re2:)ublie ; but they shrunk from 
undertakine; to test it. Venice viewed it with no o-reater favor. 

Discouraged at this, Columbus, weary of the shore and study, from 
time to time made short voyages, with some extending to the German 
Ocean and to the north Atlantic, even ))eyond Iceland. 

At last there came an opportunity to lay his favorite plan before 
the King of Portugal, who began to show an interest in new discov- 
eries. The plan of Columbus was referred to a committee of learned 
men, one of them being a cosmographer of some note. They rejected 
it as unwise ; but the King favored it so much, that listening to un- 
worthy advice, he secretly sent off a vessel to test the soundness of the 
views of the Genoese navigator. Providence did not permit treachery 
to succeed. Columbus, crushed with disappointment and afflicted by 
the death of his faithful, loving wife, fled from Lisbon in 1484, taking 
by the hand his son Diego, and was soon once more in Genoa. 

But he could not rest. His faith in his plan was intense, and he 
vras no longer of an age when he could waste time in inaction. Again 
he endeavored to enlist the Republic of Genoa, and failing he set out 
■with young Diego for Spain, entering it unheralded and unknown. 

A little out of the petty seaport town of Palos, in Southern Spain, 
on a high promontory looking over the sea, nestled in the pines that 
clothe its summit stood a little Franciscan convent, built on the ruins 
of an old pagan shrine. At the door of this rambling old-time struct- 
ure Columbus one day knocked, as many a wayfarer did, to ask a 
little refreshment for his son. The Guardian of the Convent, Friar 
John Perez de Marchena, entered as he was admitted, and, struck l)y 
the whole beaiing of the stranger, asked him of the object of his jour- 



116 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOK. 

Bey. From one in his guise, the reply was strange enough. He was 
from Italy on his way to Court to lay an important plan before the 
Kings, for so Spaniards always called Ferdinand and Isabella, each 
being monarch of a separate state. 

If Padre Marclieua was surprised to find his strange guest a man 
of such ability and enterprising mind, Columbus was no less delighted 
to find in the Guardian of the little convent of Santa Maria de la 
Rabida, not only a kind-hearted man, but one of great learning, scien- 
tific attainments, and an excellent cosmographer, prized especially by 
Queen Isabella for his wonderful acquirements and his solid piety 
and humility, which induced him to prefer hiding his abilities at 
Palos, rather than display them in the sunshine of the Court. 

A friendship was at once formed, close and strong, between the two 
men, and the deep religious feeliz.g of Columbus, and his studies, 
made their union lasting. Columbus and his son became the welcome 
guests of the friars, and in this haven Columbus enjoyed a repose to 
which he had long been a stranger. Here, guided by this learned 
man, he extended his studies, and spent much time in prayer. At 
last, with a higher, nobler courage, with his plan more fii-m than ever, 
and an array of learning to maintain it, he set out for the court, bear- 
ing a letter strongly commending his jjroject to a man of great in|lu- 
ence with the sovereigns. With the freedom of a Friend this good 
man obtained and handed him a sum of money to meet his expenses,, 
and crowned his friendly acts l)y taking on himself the care of young 
Diego's education and support. Columbus now bent his Avay to Cor- 
dova, to renew proposals that had been elsewhere rejected. 



CHAPTER II. 

Position of the Spanish Kingdoms — Columbus at Court— His Plan rejected — Employed by- 
Queen Isabella — Returns to Palos iu order to go to France — Padre Murchena again^ 
Queen Isabella resolves to send him out— The little Fleet fitted out at Palos— The Portu- 
guese endeavor to defeat his Voyage — The open Sea — Alarm of Sailors— Land !— He takes 
Possession iu the Name of Isabella — Voyage II(.)me — The Portuguese again— Enters Lisbon — 
Received by the King— At Palos — Pinzon and Columbus — The Discoverer proceeds to Court 
to announce his success. 

The coudition of Spain at this period was a peculiar one, not easily- 
understood without a knowledge of its past history. 

When the Roman Emi^ire fell, under the attack of the hordes of 
barbarians who overi'au it, and planted new kingdoms in various 
parts, Spain fell into the hands of the Goths, a warlike race who 
sprang from what is now called Sweden. These Goths became Chris- 
tians and ruled over Spain for many yeai's, till in the year 711, the 
Saracens or Moors who had embraced the religion of Mohammed and 
conquered all the northern part of Africa, arrived at the straits between 
Spain and Africa, then called the Pillars of Hercules, but was now to 
be called Gibraltar, the mountain of Tarifa, one of their leaders. 

It depended now on the Goths, whether the religion of Mohammed 
should enter Europe, or be checke<l. The Goths were brave, but 
their king was a wicked tyrant, and his nobles were so incensed at 
him that some of them actually invited in the Saracens, who reduced 
all Christians to slavery, giving them no choice between the Koran 
and the sword, death or the religion of Mohammed. 



IIS THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION) 

Eocleric, the last of the Gothic kings, met the Saraceus in battle in 
Xerez, and after a bloody engagement was totally defeated and slain, 
though many believed that he escaped and was shut up, doing'pen- 
ance in some cave or some lonely island, to reappear one day and 
recover his kingdom. 

But the Gothic monarchy fell at Xerez. The Saracens swept over 
Spain, reducing it all to their power. Only a few brave Christians, 
under a prince named Pelayo, retiring to the mountains of Asturias, 
defied the Saracens, and after defeating them in several battles secured 
their independence. 

■ Meanwhile, the Saracens established kingdoms, which ruled with 
great splendor and magnificence, cultivating art and science. But the 
little Christian kingdom of Pelayo gained strength, and other Chris- 
tian kingdoms were gradually formed as they recovered part of the 
laud from the Saracens. Of these the most important were Aragon 
and Castile, and on the Atlantic, that of Portugal. At last, Ferdinand, 
king of Aragon, married Isabella, Queen of Castile in her own right, and 
united the two great kingdoms of Spain. But the people were jealous. 
Each State remained independent of the other ; Ferdinand led the 
troops of Aragon, and Isabella those of Castile, in the war they under- 
took to overthrow Granada, the last of the Moorish kingdoms. They 
were not st}led King and Queen of Spain, but the " Catholic Kings." 

It was to their court at Cordova that Columbus proceeded : but 
the Moorish war absorbed all thoughts, and Isabella, though favor- 
ably inclined, could promise to aid him only when the war should be 
ended. His plans were laid before a committee of learned men, none 
of them however navigators or of great geographical knowledge. 
They decided against it. Still Columbus was kindly treated and em- 



OK, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 110 

ployment given him suited to his alnlities. He married again and re- 
mained for six years in vain urging his favorite project. Then he gave 
it up, and returning to Palos, announced to his friend Padre Marchena 
his intention of going to France. The good friar wrote to Queen Isa- 
bella urging her not to lose so great an opportunity. One of her offi- 
cers, Luis de Santangel, warmly espoused liis cause, and when Granada 
fell, on the 30th of December, 1491, all seemed to promise a speedy 
success. But when they began to treat the matter seriously with Co- 
lumbus they took alarm at the magnitude of his claims. He was to 
be Admiral of the Ocean, Viceroy of all new found lands, and to re- 
ceive one-tenth of all the gold, precious stones and other commodities 
exported from them. At last all fell through, and Columbus started 
for Cordova to take leave of his family before proceeding to France. 

Then Queen Isabella decided to send him out ou his voyage of ex- 
ploration, if she had to pledge her jewels to obtain the money. An 
officer was soon galloping after Columbus. On the 30th of April a 
patent was issued, creating him Grand Admiral of the Ocean, Viceroy 
of all the islands and mainland he might discover, and making the 
dignities hereditary in his family. The little fleet of three vessels was 
to be fitted out at Palos, but it was not got ready except with great 
difficulty, so foolhardy did the project seem to the shipowners and 
seamen of that maritime place. At last, by the aid of Martin Alonzo 
Pinzon, who had seen at Rome a map showing land beyond the At- 
lantic, and had faith in the project, the vessels were equipped. 

An old heavy carrack, furnished by the town of Palos, was named 
by Columbus the Santa Maria; it was old, but still serviceable, and 
became his flagship. The Pinta, and the Nina, the latter belonging to 
the Pinzons, completed the important srpiadron, which carried in all a 



1 20 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

hundred and twenty men, royal officers, physicians, and a goldsmith 
to test what might seem to be precious metals. In this party there 
were an Englishman and an Irishman. After piously attending divine 
service in the chapel of La Rabida, they moved in procession to the 
shore and embarked. Early on the third of August, 1492, Columbus, 
having completed all his arrangements, and commended his undertak- 
ing to the Almighty, in his friend's little church on the shore, stepped 
on board his flagship, and hoisting his flag gave the order to sail. He 
steered at once to the Canaries. Here he made some necessary repairs 
on the Pinta, and altered the sails of the Nifia. Here too he heard 
that three Portuguese vessels had been sent out to capture him and 
defeat his expedition. But he eluded them, and his flotilla went 
boldly into the unexplored sea. That soon assumed a character new to 
the oldest mariners ; and what pei-plexed Columbus sorely, the needle 
in the mariner's compass no longer pointed due north, but inclined 
westward. For a time all went well. Twice the cry of land was raised 
hy Pinzon, claiming the pension promised by Queen Isabella, but it was 
a mere delusion. The men grew sullen, mutinous and threatening. 
The life of Columbus was in danger. At last he stood alone. On the 
seventh of October, led by the Pinzons, the men of all the vessels rising 
in arms demanded that Columbus should abandon his mad project and 
sail back. Never did his greatness of soul display itself moi'e nobly. 
He awed them into submission. He had started to 2^0 to the Indies and 
he intended to pursue the voyage till, by the help of God, he found it. 
That night was spent in watching, and as Columbus urged, in prayer. 
At ten o'clock, as he stood on the poop of the Santa Maria, he discerned 
a light moving in the darkness. The Pinta then ran ahead, and at two in 
the morning a sailor on board that caravel, John Rodriguez Bermejo, 



OR, oiTR cot^ntky's ACTITFTKAIEXTS. 121 

discoverer! land. The cannon boomino- over the western wave an- 
nounced the glad tidings, and Columbus, kneeling, intoned the Te Deum, 
which was chanted witli heartfelt joy. The ships now lay to in a reef- 
narbor of immense size, till morning should enable them to approach 
land safely. 

On Friday, October 12, the risnig sun discovered to their eyes an 
.sland clad in verdant groves of the mangrove tree ; a lake whose 

clear waters flashed 
in the morning sun 
lay near the inviting 
shore. No sight could 
be more charming to 
men whom long ab- 
sence from land had 
driven almost to fren- 
zy. Anchoring In the 
tiarbor, Columbus, now 
fltished with pardona- 
ble pride at the tri- 
umphant success, ar- 
rayed in a scarlet man- 
tle, and bearing the 
j-oyal standard with the figure of Christ Crticified, landed in his 
cutter, as did the commanders of the other vessels. Planting the 
cross he knelt to adore the Almighty, kissing the earth to which 
His hand had guided the vessels. Uttering a prayer ot singular 
beauty, whi-.h history has preserved, he rose, and named the 
island San Salvador, Holy ^aviour. Then drawing his sword he form- 




PORTEAIT OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 



12-2 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATIOX ; 

ally took possession in the name of Queen Isabella for her kingdoms 
of Castile and Leon. 

The island was called by the natives Guanahani, and now bears the 
name of Turk's Island. And from Hawk's Nest Reef Harbor there 
burst on the view of the great discoverer so many islands around, that 
he knew not which to visit. 

Some of the party now wandered around, full of wonder at strange 
plants, and flowers, and birds. Others with axes shaped a large cross. 
No human beings were seen, but at last a few naked forms appeared 
and cautiously drew near. The Europeans in their dress and ai'ms 
were a strange spectacle to them, as they with their copper tint, their 
beardless faces, their want of all clothing, were to the Spaniards. A 
friendly intercourse began, and all was gladness. 

Columbus planted the cross where he had set up the royal banner, 
and intoned hymns to thank God in a Christian spirit. Then con- 
tinuing his voyage, he discovered several other islands, to which 
he gave the names of Santa Maria de la Concepcion Isabella, in 
honor of the Queen, Fernandina, in honor of the King. Then he 
reached the great island, Cuba, which he named Juana, in honor of 
the daughter of Isabella, and finally, Hispana, which, however, retains 
its Indian name, Hayti. 

While exploring this maze of islands the Santa Maria stranded, and 
became a total wreck. The great discoverer then erected a little fort 
on the shore of Hayti, in the territory of the friendly Cacique Gua- 
canagari, and leaving in it forty-two of his best men, sailed homeward 
in the Nina and Pinzon in the Pinta. 

Terril>le storms were encountered, and Columbus, fearins: that he 
should never see Europe again, drew up an account, which he enclosed 



oil, Ol-R COUJfTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS, 123 



"t'AC-SDIILE OF PORTIONS OF THE FIRST LETTER OF COLUMBUS, 

PuhlisJied in 1493, 
From the only known copy in the Ambrosian Library. MUan. 




vlctoziaqoc ufofcnotmcbabaSo mtii£vj>afe 
vos eicrftio eftaporlaql jabii^e^omo '^xxtM 



nmneto»5^ ^clla$ todaaJje tomabo pofcfiTo po^fus altt!3ia8 

ftla efpana vaqs a todos los cnTnanos tetimti aqtii xzixigt 
ffe P gatwtttciacrtotegnn diccbo aftciibiettefecba ctilaca^ 
fenem fob2e laspHas >it canarta ajsv. dc febzera ^ilLt 

IRpmaqnej^awa^cttiro enlacarta. 
E»efpttcs beftacfcripto.'pellando minafbe CaTtaia falpo 



los mraos poz coit aqm en cftepnerto bcttJlbona op a Tac 
tatnapoiroarattilla beimti^o adondeacobe efcnuirarws 

aiie3av.itrttoda8la&|mbia8bcfierap2el)aUa^c)iostfc*Ei)o 
mies cowo cnmaf o a^otUjc po fuf en trtt^btas zbolaf 



SBCQsricnaopozeftamar.® ijcn aqwa todos los boalies 
odamarqucjamasona ta!itnalMcraouoti^ta:as usp 
wad bemues/ccljaajc^^iao oc waco. 



124 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION. 

in a cask, in a cake of Avax, and set adrift. At last, however, the Nina 
reached the Azores, but the Portuguese treacherously seized some of his 
men who landed to offer up their prayers in a chapel by the sea. With 
some difficulty he obtained their release, and continuing his voyage, on 
the 4th of March he was off the mouth of the Tagus, and, not without 
great risk, succeeded in bringing his storm-racked caravel into the road- 
stead of Rastello. Being thus driven into the waters of Portugal he 
wrote to the King, who at once invited him to Court. In spite of his 
chagrin at his own want of spirit in declining the offers made by Colum- 
bus, John 11. now received him as he would a prince. Columbus had 
written letters to two officers of the Court of Queen Isabel, as well as 
to the sovereigns themselves. He was however anxious to reach them 
in person. At Palos the crew of the Nina were received as men res- 
cued from the grave. To add to the general Joy, in the midst of their 
exultation the Pinta, Pinzon's vessel, came slowly up the bay. It had 
been driven to the Bay of Biscay, whence Pinzon had written to the 
Court. 

After fulfilling at La Rabida and other shrines vows made amid their 
perils and storms, Columbus with some of his party proceeded to Bar- 
celona by way of Seville, bearing with him iu his triumphal progress 
seven natives of the new-found world, with gold and animals, birds and 
plants, all alike strange to the eyes of Europe. 



CHAPTER III. 

Columbus is solemnly received by Ferdiuuml and Isabella at Barcelona— His second Voyage 
—Other Nations enter the Field of Discovery— Voyages of Cabot and Vesputius— The Name 
of the latter gives a Title to the New World— Columbus sails on his third Voyage— His 
Enemies — Bobadilla — Columbus arrested and sent to Spain in irons — His fourth Voyage — 
He beliolds the Destruction of his Enemies by the hand of Providence — Reaches the Coast 
of North America— Returns to Spain — Dies at Valladolid— Strange Migrations of his Body 
— His Tomb at Havana. 

The fifteenth of April, 1493, was a glorious day for Barcelona. The 
whole city was astir. The great discoverer of a New World was to 
enter the city and be solemnly received by Ferdinand and Isabella. Be- 
neath a canopy of cloth of gold, on two tliroues, sat the Queen of Cas- 
tile and the King of Aragon : and on a rich seat by them the Prince 
Royal. An arm-chair awaited him, who now approached. At the 
shouts of the people and the sound of music all eyes turned towards the 
city gates, and ere long the banner of the expedition was seen by the 
courtiers around the throne, as the procession made its slow way 
through the wondering crowd. The sailors of the Nina, with the 
strange products of the New World, trees and shrubs, fruits and aro- 
matics, rude golden articles, the arms of the natives, birds, animals, 
and, strangest perhaps of all, several Indians wondering and wondered at. 
Richly attired, but modest, Colum])Us advanced. The Sovereigns arose 
from their thrones to meet liim, and extended their hands to welcome 
the great Discoverer. He bent his knee in reverence, but they would 



\2C) THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

not permit it. Isabella bade him be seated and covered as a grandee 
of Spaiu. Then at their request he made his report of that wonderful 
voyage and explained how strange and new the islands were in their 
people, and their productions. All listened with breathless attention 
to this unlooked-for result of what had so long been regarded as a dream. 
It was the triumph of Columbus, the triumph of Isabella. 

Then in that spirit of religion which influenced him and made him 
deem himself specially raised by Grod to bear the name of Christ to the 
New World, he expatiated on the field thrown open to Christianity, all 
were moved to tears. 

Columbus's own letters, and letters of Peter Martyr and others, spread 
the news through Europe. Printing was then fifty years old, and the 
letter was printed in Spanish, in the strange gothic letter of the period. 
Of this book only one copy is now known, and we give a fac-simile of a 
I^age, that our young readers may see what printing was in that day, 
and what the first book in American history resembled. Latin was, 
however, the universal language, and the letter of Columbus to Sanchez, 
translated into Latin, was printed again and again. 

The favor of the rulers of Spain did not end in the pomji of the re- 
ception. Substantial honors were bestowed on Columbus, and a large 
and well equipped fleet was at once prepared in which he was to carry 
over a large body of settlers, domestic animals, and all necessary for oc- 
cupying the territory. The Grand Admiral with a stately retinue pro- 
ceeded to Cadiz, and on the 25th of September, embarked In his second 
voyage in the Maria Galanta, with two other large caracs and fourteen 
caravels. Among those who sailed with him were Padre Marchena 
and the illustrious Las Casas. He reached Dominica on the 3d of No- 
vember, and soon after an island to which he gave the name of his flag- 



OR, OTTR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 127 

ship, Maria Galanta. Keeping on he discovered and named others of 
the Windward Islands, and then reached Porto Rico, called by the natives 
Boriquen. When he arrived at St. Doming-o he found his fort in 
ruins. His men had all been massacred. Insubordination had broken 
out, and all had perished in various ways, though Guacanagari, true to 
Columbus, had endeavored to save them. Saddened as he was at this 
news, Columbus proceeded to found, at a suitable spot, tlie city of Isa- 
bella, the first European town in the New World. When the works in 
this city were well advanced, he sent back part of his fleet to Spain, and 
estalilishing a post further inland, proceeded on his voj^age of discovery 
visiting Cuba, Jamaica and some smaller islands. Then he gave his 
whole attention to his settlement, which was in a very distracted con- 
dition, many of the settlers being turbulent and mutinous, with but 
little inclination to any serious work. Columbus, himself regarded with 
jealousy as a foreigner, had, notwithstanding his high rank as Admiral 
and Viceroy, great difficulty in establishing order. When he had, as he 
supposed, placed all on a better footing, he sailed back to Spain in 1496, 
leaving in command his energetic brother Bartholomew. On reaching 
Spain he found that his enemies had not been idle there, and that a 
strong prejudice had been created against him. 

His two successful voyages wei-e now the theme of conversation in 
Europe : and the courts which ha<i ridiculed his projects and the re- 
ward he claimed, now saw their error and sought to retrieve it. Portu- 
gal had, we have seen, been the first to attempt to prevent Columbus 
from succeeding, and now protested against the famous line of demarca- 
tion drawn by Pope Alexander VI. between the Spaniards and Portu- 
guese, and against the Papal Bull confirming the Spanish right of dis- 
covery. 



128 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Enclaud, where Bartholomew had pleaded in vaiu, now determined to 
attempt a voyage of exploration. It seems strange that the route of 
St. Brendan was again followed. 

In 1496, John Cabot, a Venetian, by long residence if not by birth, 
was in England, where he had been established for some years Full 
of energy he applied to the King, Henry VII., for a patent to seek new 
lauds. 

The cautious, money -loving King issued a patent authorizing 
Cabot and his three sons to search for islands, provinces or regions in 
the Eastern, Western or Northern seas, and as vassals of the English 
King to occupy the territory, but they were to bring all the products of 
the new found lauds to the city of Bristol, and pay one fifth into the 
royal treasury, a provision very characteristic of a King who in his last 
will drove a close Ixargain as to the price of the religious services to be 
performed after his death. 

Under this patent, John Cabot, accompanied by his son Sebastian, 
sailed from Bristol in May, 1497, with a single ship, to seek a northern 
passage to China. A.fter a pleasant voyage of what he estimated to be 
seven hundred leagues, on the 24th day of June, 1497, he reached 
land at about the fifty-sixth degree of north latitude, among the frozen 
cliffs of Labrador. He had discovered North America in its most un- 
promising part. Seeking the northwest passage he ran along the coast 
for many leagues, planted the standard of England and the lion of St. 
Mai-k for Venice. Then he started again across the Atlantic, noticing 
two islands which he had not time to visit. 

This summer trip of three months gave England her claim to North 
America. 

His return gratified all England, from king to peasant, and 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMEBTTS. 129' 

though it had revealed only a barren land, led to further grants from. 
Henry VII. 

This same year there sailed another explorer, and the most fortunate 
of all, for by a strange accident his name was given to the New World. 
This was Americus Vesputius, born at Florence, in Italy, in 1451, who 
had been for some time in Spain directing the commercial affairs of 
Lorenzo de Pier Francesco, one of the i:)rincely family of Medicis. He 
met Columbus in 1496, and seems to have enjoyed his friendship. In 
May, 1497, he sailed on a voyage of exploration, and running as he 
estimated a thousand leagues, passing the islands discovered by Colum- 
bus, reached the mainland. It is not easy to determine his course, but 
he seems to have reached Honduras and to have coasted north along 
the shore of the Gulf of Mexico till, doubling the southern cape of 
Florida, he again emerged on the Atlantic and ran northward for a month 
along our seaboard, to an excellent harbor where he built a small vessel. 
Thence he sailed back, reaching Cadiz in October, 1498. 

By some, this voyage has been doubted, by others it is supposed to 
have been along South America. But a more careful examination leads 
us to the conclusion that to Americus Vesputius is due the honor of 
being the first to explore the extensive line of coast which our Re- 
public holds, on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico ; and that he did 
so Avhile the Cabots, starting from the north, were in part examining 
our Atlantic seaboard. 

But while his countrymen were thus revealing to the world the exist- 
ence of a new and mighty continent, teeming with animal and vegetable 
life, rich in all that nature can give, but occupied only by roving bands 
of savage men, Columbus was detained in Spain by the intrigues of his. 
enemies and by the dull delays of stupid or malicious officials. 



130 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

It was not till May, 1498, that he so far overcame all these obstacles 
as to be able again to embark : and in that month he set out on his 
third and most iinhappy voyage. 

That same month saw Sebastian Cabot sail from Bristol with two 
ships, and a number of volunteers eager to share in the perils and ro- 
mance of the undertaking. He crossed the Atlantic, and in the 55th de- 
gree found himself in the midst of icebergs, which thi'eatened him with 
destruction while they filled all hearts with wonder. In spite of the 
danger he sailed on, till on the 11th of June he reached an open sea 
which inspired him with hopes of reaching China ; but his men became 
alarmed and compelled him to seek a milder climate. Running down 
along the coast he saw the immense shoals of codfish on the banks of New- 
foundland, so numerous, some accounts say, that his ship could hardly 
get through them. Then they began to see inhabitants clad in skins, and 
opened trade with them. Of his voyage we have unfortunately no de- 
tailed accounts. He went south till he was at the latitude of Gibraltar 
and the longitude of Cuba, probably near Albemarle Sound, whence he 
steered back to England. In his northerly course he saw the polar 
bear feeding on fish, and apparently described its contests with the wal- 
ruses, which it so often attempts to surprise asleep on the ice, but which, 
almost powerless there, seeks to gain the water and drag the bear 
down. 

Vesputius and Cabot enjoyed lives of honor and respect. Both were 
frequently employed by monarchs and received substantial marks of 
favor. Cabot, in the Spanish service, visited Brazil, explored the La 
t*lata, and was honored by Ferdinand with the title of Pilot Major of 
Spain, while Emperor Charles V. employed him in new discoveries 
and when he returned to England, sought by great offers to induce him 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 131 

to return. But he preferred Englaud and died at Bristol in 1557, en- 
joying a pension given by Edward VI. 

Vesputius was highly aj)preciated Ijy the Spanish Kings, who knew 
his skill in cosmograjjhy, as geography was then called, and in the pre- 
paration of charts, recording the latest discoveries, to guide the ships 
constantly starting oiit of Spanish ports. But the King of Portugal 
for a time obtained his services, and he not only sailed on several Span- 
ish expeditions, but commanded Portuguese fleets in which he explored 
the South American coast. He, too, held the title of Pilot Major un- 
der the Spanish Kings. Some have charged Americus Vesputius ^vith 
gross injustice to Columbus in robbing him of the honor of discovering 
the New World by affixing his own name to it. But there is really no 
ground for this charge, and though the name America was formed from 
his Christian name, it was not done by him. The thing came about in 
this way: In 1507 a celebi-ated geographer named Waldseemuller 
published at St. Din, a little town in Lorraine, one of the provinces re- 
cently taken from France by Prussia, a little work entitled " Cosmo- 
graphise Introductio," and to it he added an edition of the four voyages 
of Vesputius, which had fallen into his hands. Not being familiar, it 
•would seem, \vith the voj^ages of Columljus, he ascribed all the honor 
to Vesputius, and on his map first introduced the name America. Of 
this book there seems to have been a large edition, as it found its way 
to all parts of Europe, and as the name was more short and convenient 
than the term used by the Spaniards, "The Indies," it was adopted <>;■ 
inaj)s generally. 

In this same eventful year, Vasco de Gama, doubling the Cape of 
Good Hope, sailed through the Indian Ocean and planted the flag of 
Portutral on the shore of Hindostan. 



132 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOJT ; 

On the SOtli day of May, 1498, Columbus, for whom Providence 
had in store its greatest trials, sailed with sis caravels from the Port of 
San Lucar de Barrameda, a Spanish port not far from Seville. 

A French fleet lay in wait for him. Steering a southerly course, he 
touched at Madeira, whence he dispatched three vessels to St. Domin- 
o-o, under command of his brother-in-law, Pedro de Arana, designing 
himself, though in ill health, to make a voyage of discovery before pro- 
ceeding to that island in person. Taking a southwesterly course, he 
came before long into the regiou of those tropic calms, where the sun 
pours down its fatal heat, and not a breath of air seems to ruffle the 
surface of the ocean. For a week his vessels rolled like logs. Then^ 
when wind came, he steered more northerly, suifering greatly, as the 
long calm had nearly exhausted their supply of water. Finally, on the 
last day of July, three mountain-peaks were seen, and to this island 
Columbus gave the name of Trinidad, in honor of the Trinity. 

Near it he perceived a strong current, as if some mighty river were 
sweeping into the sea. When the tide rose, a still stranger spectacle 
met his eye ; an immense tidal wave, rising as high as his masts, came 
rolling on, and bearing his caravel up, met the river current, standing 
like a watery mountain. He was oif the mainland of South America, 
at the mouth of the Orinoco. In memory of his peril, he called it the 
Dragon's Mouth. 

Exploring the coast for some days, he landed on Sunday, and plant- 
ins; a cross, had divine service celebrated. Friendly intercourse was 
(ipened with the natives, but Columbus, suffering from gout, and nearly 
blind from an affection of the eyes, felt that he must reach his colony in 
St. Domingo. There, Francisco Roldan, the judge in the colony, had re- 
volted against Bartholomew Columbus, because he sought to protect the 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. ISil 

Indians from the oppressions of men who sought gold by the most 
wicked means. Bartholomew had failed to qtiell the troubles, and even 
the cre'.vs of the vessels sent on from Madeira M'ere won over by the: 
malcontents. 

Columbus himself arrived sick, exhausted, and, from the condition of 
his eyes, unfit for active duties. 

He endeavored to conciliate, and pardoning the offenders, allowed all. 
who chose to return to Spain in some vessels then ready to set sailJ 
But they did not go till they had wrung from him humiliating condi- 
tions. 

He then endeavored to restore peace on the island ; but Roldan and 
his party had driven the Indians to a spirit of retaliation and revenge.. 
While endeavoring to appease these, fresh troubles arose among the 
settlers, and an attempt was made to assassinate Columbus, and he was- 
on the point of flying with his brothers in a ship from the island. 

Well would it have been for him had he done so. His enemies had 
reached Spain, aiid given their own version of affairs. The Chamber at 
Seville, intrusted with the management of affairs beyond the Atlantic, 
was already strongly prejudiced against Columbus. King Ferdinand,, 
who had never been a warm friend to the great explorer, now declared 
against him openly. Even Isabella was staggered by the charges against 
him. 

A sudden and terrible blow was prepared for Columbus. 

The sovereigns resolved to send over a Commissary to restore order 
in the colony. For this post, requiring the highest qualities, they se- 
lected a mere tool of his enemies — a soldier unacquainted with the laws, 
a headstrong, violent man, brutal and unforgiving. This was the Com- 
mander Francis de Bobadilla. 



13-t THE STORY (IF A GHEAT NATION ; 

While Columlnis was absent from the city of San Domingo, engaged 
in establishing a strong fort at Conception, Bobadilla arrived Avith two 
caravels. * He announced himself as Commissary sent to judge the 
rebels, but on landing, read his patents and an ordinance conferring on 
him the government and Judicature of the islands and mainland of the 
Indies ; and an order requiring Columbus to deliver up all the fortresses 
and public property into his hands. He at once seized not only these 
■ but the private property and j^apers of Columbus, many of which have 
never since been found. 

But he was a little afraid that Columbus might resist, so he sent a 
Franciscan to induce the Admiral to meet him. Bartholomew was then 
at Xaragua, and Diego Columbus alone in San Domingo. 

Columbus came in good faith, with no foi'ce to protect him. Seeing 
liim ab(nit to fall into the trap, Bol)adilla seized Diego Columbus, put 
him in irons, aiul sent him on board a caravel. When Columbus him- 
self arrived, Bol^adilla not only refused to see him, but gave orders for 
his immediate arrest. Thus was the discoverer of the New World, 
without the charge of a single crime, without investigation while holding 
liis commission as Viceroy of the Indies, seized, hurried off to a prison, 
and manacled like a malefactor. Ko one was allowed to approach him, 
and no explanation given. Bartholomew was next seized and jnit in 
irons on a caravel apart from Diego. 

We have seen what the shattered health of Columbus was on reach- 
ing San Domingo. Labor and anxiety had worn him down since his 
arrival. And uoav he lay on the stone floor of his dungeon, with very 
scanty clothing, suffering from pain, and denied any but the coarsest 
prison fare. 

Then Bobadilla went to woric to secure depositions from all who had 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 135 

opposed Columbus ; aud wheu he had collected enough false charges to 
give color to his infamous acts, he sent an officer named Vallejo, with a 
body of soldiers, to bring Columlnis from his duu«'-eon. 

" Whither do you take me, Vallejo ? " asked the great man, who, feel- 
ing that no law, human or divine, was respected by his enemies, supposed 
he \vas to be led to the scatFoId. 

" On board the Gorda, your Excellency," replied the young officer, 
who was not destitute of resjject for the illustrious victim. 

" Is this true, Vallejo i " 

'' By the life of your Excellency," replied the young officer, " I swear 
that I am a1>uut to conduct you to the caravel to emliark." 

With little delay he was carried forth, emaciated, sick, and helpless., 
and thus in irons borne to tlie hold of the Gorda, to whicli his two 
brothers had been already removed. xVnd early in Octoljei' the vessel 
weighed anchor, and he wlio had just crowned his explorations ])y dis- 
covering the mainland of the NewAVorld, was hurried across the Atlantic 
like a criminal. 

When from the deck of the vessel the shores of Hispaniola could no 
longer be discerned, the officers came to the illustrious man to beg him 
to allow them to I'emove his fetters. Columljus refused. They were put 
upon him in the name of their Sovereigns and he would not violate their 
orders. 

A letter of his to a friend at Court reached there before any report 
of BoI>adilla's, and was at once shown to Queen Isabella. Horrorstruck 
at the injustice to the great Discoverer, she ordered him aud his brothei's 
to l^e at once set at lilierty, and supj)lied with money to proceed to 
court. She received him with tears. His conduct was justified, Boba- 
dilla removed, bui Ferdinand thwarted his return to the New WorkL 



136 THE STOKT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

It was not till May, 1502,that Columbus was able to sail once more 
out into that ocean which he has made the pathway of the nations. He 
reached San Domingo, but was not allowed to enter port. To his ex- 
perienced eye the aii- was Ml of portents of a coming tempest. A fleet 
rode at anchor in the harbor, ready to sail to Spain. It bore the brutal 
Bobadilla, his greatest enemy, Roldan, and many more who had bitterly 
persecuted him. They had accomplished their work, and having by 
every cruelty amassed riches, were now returning to Spain. Forgetting 
their hostility to him, Columbus warned them not to sail till the storm 
tad passed. To their inexperienced eyes, all was serene. They lauglied 
Columbus to scorn. Forth sailed the gay fleet, but in a moment all 
changed. The hurricane came on in all its fury, sweeping over sea and 
laud with resistless power. Columbus \\-as equal to the emergency 
which he had foreseen. Clear as a bell, amid the rattling of the spars 
and the whistling of the cordage, came his wise orders. His little fleet 
weathered the storm ; but when the wind died away and the sea grew 
calm, the gay fleet of his enemies had vanished. It had gone down with 
all their ill-got wealth. Pursuing his voyage of discovery, Columbus 
reached Honduras and coasted along to Panama. This was his last voy- 
age. Amid severe storms he finally reached Spain, on the seventh of 
November, 1503. Shattered in health by all that he had undergone, 
he lay sick at Seville when another blow came, the death of his true friend 
Queen Isabella. His health now rapidly declined. He reached Vallado- 
lid, but it was only to die neglected and forgotten in a room at an iun : 
the walls unadorned except by the chains which bound his limbs on the 
Gorda, and which he had never allowed out of his sight after that period 
•of suffering. Columbus breathed his last May 20, 1506, surrounded by 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEJIEXTS. 1o7 

liis sons and a few faithful friends, comforted with the rites of the 
religion to which he was so devoted in life. 

He was buried in the chapel of the Franciscan friars at Valladolid, 
but his remains were before Ions' transferred to the church of the 
■Carthusian monks in Seville. It had been his wish to be in the New 
World he had discovered, and about the year 1540 the boues of the 
great Columbus were borne across the Atlantic ; they were then de- 
posited in the Cathedral of St. Domingo, in a vault on the right of 
i:he high altar. Spain abandoned the Island of St. Domingo in 1795, 
but her officials, when they left the city, took up and conveyed to 
Havana what were regarded as the bones of Christopher Columbus. 
A tablet, of which we give an accurate picture, is still to be seen in 
ithe Cathedral at Havana, to mark the spot where they were placed. 
But in 1877 a case wa discovered in the Cathedral of St. Domingo 
(bearing the name of Christophei' Columbus, and the bones found 
within it are regarded by many as the genuine remains of the Dis- 
coverer of the New World. 




I'OlUi or COLUilliUS, IN THE CATHEDKAL, HAVAJMA. 



\ 



\ 




COLUMBUS EETtTRNING FROM HIS niSCOVEKY OF AMERICA, RECEIVED BY FERDINAND 

AND ISABELLA AT BARCELONA. (Page !■») 



CHAPTER IV. 

Attempts to conquer aud colouize — Tlie French — The Spaniards — Ponce de Leon and the 
Fountain of Youth — Vasquez de Ayllon and King Datha — Verrazano and the stories about 
him — Gomez — The Expedition of Pamphilo de Narvaez — Wonderful escape of Cabeza 
de Vaca — De Soto and the disastrous end of his splendid expedition — The French, 
under Cartier and Roberval, attempt to settle Canada — Story of Margaret Roberval. 

When Columbus passed away in bis neglected retirement at Vallado- 
lid, the world bad begun to see tbe result of bis great work. The dis- 
coveries and explorations of Columbus himself, of Vesputius, Cabot and 
Cortereal bad established tbe fact that tbe NewWorkl, now to be known 
by tbe name of America, was no part of Asia, but a vast continent ex- 
tendins: from tbe extreme north, where it was lost amousj; the Arctic ice, 
down past the equator, on almost to the southern pole. 

While the French were engaged in some voyages to the northern 
parts, a strange delusion led tbe Spaniards, in their spirit of adventure, 
to Florida. In 1518, John Ponce de Leon, one of tbe old com- 
rades of Columbus, sailed from Porto Rico in three vessels, and 
on Easter Sunday, March 27tb, discovered a land clad with i-icb- 
green trees, and l^almy with flowers. Tlie day is known in the 
Spanish calendar as Pasqua Florida, and tbe name seemed to him so ap- 
propriate that he gave the new land the name of Florida, which it has. 
continued to bear amid all tbe changes aud I'evolutions of more than 



142 THE STOBT OF A GiiEAT NATION; 

two hundred and fifty years. Finding a good port, he landed on the 
8th of April, and was the first who took possession in the name of any 
European monarch of any part of the United States. Spain thus 
planted her standard. As he sailed along the coast he found the Indi- 
ans so hostile that they killed several of his men. But he was delighted 
with the new land, and resolved to obtain a patent for it and for Bimini. 
According to some, this old warrior had heard that Florida contained a 
fountain of perpetual youth, bathing in which took away all marks ot 
age, and gave the veteran the freshness and vigor of his early years. 
To win and bathe in this fountain was, he thought, worth a man's most 
earnest efforts. 

A patent was easily secured, but John Ponce had to fight the Caribs 
of Porto Rico, and it was not till 1521 that he sailed with two vessels to 
take possession of Florida and settle there; but other Spaniards had 
meantime visited the shore, and had difficulties with the Indians, and he 
found them more fierce than before. His party was driven to the ships, 
and he was carried on board so badly wounded that he died soon after 
reaching Cuba, without having found the Fountain of Perpetual Youth. 

Of these Spanish voyagers to Florida, the most famous, or infamous, 
was Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon, of Toledo, who was driven, in 1520, on 
the coast of South Carolina, near the Coosa w River, where a gigantic 
cacique or king, named Datha, ruled over the province of Chicora. 
Near this realm there had formerly lived, so the Indians told him, men 
with tails and rough skins, who lived on raw fish. 

The natives at first regarded the Spaniai'ds with wonder and alarm, 
but as they acted kindly the natives grew friendly, and Datha sent fifty 
Indians loaded with fruits to the Spaniards, receiving them with great 
joy. Ayllon used this confidence to allure a hundred and thirty of the 



OK, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 143 

Indians on board his vessels, and then sailed off, disregarding the cries 
and tears of their unhappy relatives on the shore. One of his ships 
perished, the other reached San Domingo, where his wicked act was con- 
demned, and where almost all his captives died of grief. 

After the death of Ponce de Leon, this bad man obtained a patent 
for Florida, and in 1524 landed with a large force. He marched a day's 
journey inland to a large town, where the Spaniards were well received 
for four days. Then the Indians suddenly attacked them by night, and 
slaughtered them all. Before those on the shore and in the ships knew 
the fate of their companions, they too were attacked with such fury that 
many perished, and the survivors were barely able to sail off. 

A voyage very important in its results was that made in 1524, by 
John Verrazano, a Florentine navigator, in the French service, whose 
family numbered several known as cosmographers. 

The Spaniards tell queer stories about this navigator. They say he 
was a famous pirate, and that he it was who, in 1521, captured a rich 
treasure ship, in which Hernan Cortes sent over to the Emperor King 
Charles V., an immense quantity of gold. Jewels, and precious articles of 
various kinds, which he had secured in his capture of Mexico. 

A letter of VeiTazano published many years after, tells us that after 
cruising off the coast of Spain with four vessels, he started in one, the 
Delphine, on a voyage of discovery. Sailing from the Canary Islands 
January 17, 1524, he ran across the Atlantic, in the most stormy 
weather, and reached our shores in latitude 34 degrees north — that is, as 
you will see on a map, about Wilmington, on the uninviting coast of 
North Carolina. Seeing no harl^or he sailed south, but soon turned 
northward and ran along the coast, following the changes in the sea- 
boardline, occasionally sending parties ashore to examine the country till 



144 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

he came to New York 'harbor. This, he is supposed to have been the 
first white man to enter and to admire. Then he sailed again and en- 
tered Narraganset Bay. Here he traded with the friendly natives, then 
ploughed his way once more, along the coast of New England and Nova 
Scotia, to the fiftieth degree, near Cape Breton, already discovered by the 
Bretons, whence he sailed back to France, arriving in July. 

The country which he had thus visited seemed full of attractions, 
rich and fertile, with natives disposed to be friendly, except at the north. 
He did not land or take possession ; but one of his sailors, attempting to 
swim ashore, would have been drowned but for the humanity of the 
natives. 

Ramusio, who first published Verrazano's account, and knew many of 
his friends, calls him a gallant gentleman and says that he proposed to 
Kino- Francis I. to colonize and christianize the lands he had discovered ; 
but that sailing again to our shores he was killed, with several of his peo- 
ple who attempted to land, and that they were roasted and devoured by 
the natives before the eyes of those in the vessels, who were unable to 
save or avenge them. On the other hand the Spanish historians say 
that he was captured in 1524, and hung by their countrymen. 

Such is the strange mystery that hangs over John Verrazano, whose 
narrative seems to have first suggested the name of Rhode Island. 

Some tidings of a French exploration may have reached Spain, for 
after a grand con.sultation of Spanish and Portuguese pilots, at Badajoz, 
in Spain, as to the possibility of finding a passage to the Moluccas, be- 
tween Florida and Newfoundland, Stephen Gomez, an old companion of 
Magellan, was sent out in a single ship by the Emperor Charles V., in 
December, 1524. He, too, reached our Atlantic coast, and ran along, 
entering the harbors of New York and New Englau( I. Failing to find 



OK, ouK couxtkt's achikve.ments. 145 

a passage, lie filled his ship with Indians, to sell as slaves, and so sailed 
back to Spain. It was at first reported to the court that he had brought 
a cargo of cloves, (called in Spanish clavos,) And the court were greatly 
delighted, l)ut when it was found to be {esclavos) slaves, the Emperor 
was greatly displeased, and severely condemned Gomez. 

These various voyages established the fact that our coast contained no 
strait running to the Pacific. 

A very imposing attempt to settle the country was made by the 
disastrous expedition of Pamphilo de Narvaez, an old antagonist of 
Cortes in Mexico. The Emperor, Charles V., had given him a grant of 
all the territory of Florida from the Atlantic to the Rio de Palmas, a 
river which empties into the Gulf of Mexico, between Matamoros and 
Tampico. 

He set out with a considerable fieet in June, 1527, carrying sol- 
diers and a large body of actual settlers, intending to begin a col- 
ony on the Rio de Palmas. His pilot was incompetent, and in a storm 
they were driven on the coast of Florida, near Tampa Bay, and there, 
on the 15th of April, 1528, he landed and took possession. Then send- 
ing his ships on to meet him at a bay which the pilot pretended to know, 
Narvaez, with 300 men, forty of them mounted, set out to explore the 
territory along the Gulf. They found a miserable country, with few 
natives, and were soon reduced to great straits. At St. Mark's Bay, 
where they expected to find their vessels, no signs of them appeared. 
Thus abandoned they set to work and beat up their stirrups, spurs, and 
iron implements, to make saws, axes, and nails, and at last constructed 
five rude boats. Their shirts were made into sails, horsehair and pal- 
metto bark made them ropes, while the flesh of their horses and corn 
taken from the Indians enabled them to live. They had now been five 



140 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATIOJN' ; 

months on our southern shore. So in September the survivors, number- 
ino- 50 men, set out in these boats to make their way to Rio de Palmas. 
On the 30th of October they reached the mouth of the mighty river 
Mississippi, but the current was too strong for their wretched boats to 
enter. Here they parted, Narvaez kept close in shore, but his T)oat 
was at last driven out to sea and lost. Two , other boats, one com- 
manded by Cabeza de Vaca, reached an island on the coast of Texas, 
where they fell into the hands of the Indians, and for many years wer& 
held as prisoners. At last, in 1534, Cabeza de Vaca, with three others, 
one of them a negro, escaped, and striking inland, travelled on amid 
great perils and hardships, dressed like Indians, in skins, and differing 
little from them. They finally reached, after a time, the more civilized 
towns of New Mexico, and keeping on fi-oni town to town, and from 
tribe to tribe, they early in May, 1536, entered the Spanish settlement 
of San Miguel, in Sonora, having gone almost completely across the 
continent in that eight years' march. 

The appearance of these few men, as sole survivors of the great ex- 
pedition of Pamphilo de Narvaez, filled men with astonishment, and all 
listened with wonder to their stories of the interior of the continent. 
They had much to tell of wild tribes, of the bison plains, with their im- 
mense herds, of the strange towns of New Mexico. 

Cortez, who had conquered Mexico, himself set out with a fleet to ex- 
plore the Pacific coast, and discovered California in 1538. 

A force Avas also dispatched, in 1539, from Culiacan, a province of 
]N[exico, with a negro who had been witli Cabeza de Vaca as guide. 
They pushed on till they reached the Rio Grande, where the negro was 
killed and the expedition returned, a friar, named Mark of Nice, \vho 
saw the New Mexican towns only at a distance, giving his impressions, 



OR, OUU country's ACHIEVEJIENTS. 147 

which proved to be very far from the truth. Another expedition, under 
Vasquez Coronado, set out in 153S, and advanced to the town of Zuui, 
which they attacked and took, May 1 1th, 1 n-ll. This town was built on 
a rocky height, but instead of being a city with walls of stone, ])roved 
to be a small place, containing only two hundred warriors, with no gold 
or riches to tempt the Spaniards. These New Mexican towns, which 
still subsist as they did three hundred years ago, are built on high and 
almost inaccessible rocks, the houses all fronting on a square within. 
Outside there are no doors or openings. Each story sets back a little, 
leaving a platform which they reach by ladders, and so go on up till 
they come to the roof where they enter. They were more civilized than 
the wild Indians, and built these towns of adobes, or sunburnt bricks, as 
a defence against their enemies. They were a quiet, simple people, cul- 
tivating the soil, raising maize, beans, pumpkins, and cotton ; but they 
had no gold or precious stones. So Coronado, after visiting other towns, 
pushed on to find Quivira, a place about which great stories were told, 
but he found only the bison plains. So, after wintering in New Mexico, 
he returned ; vessels had meanwhile ascended the Colorado for a con- 
siderable distance. 

All this country seemed unpromising, and no Spanish settlement was 
attempted. 

But while these explorations were going on, produced by the reports 
of Cabeza de Vaca, another Spanish officer was bold enough to attempt to 
follow in the path of Pamphilo de Narvaez. This was Hernando de Soto, 
who had been with Pizarro in the conquest of Peru. " He desired to 
surpass Cortez in glory and Pizarro in wealth." He offered to conquer 
Florida at his own cost, and Charles V. readily granted him a patent. 
His fame gathered noldeinen from all parts. Never had there been an 



148 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

expedition so well aiipoiuted. Six hundred men in glittering armor 
and costly dresses gathered, on the fleet which sailed in 1538, from San 
Lucar in Spain, as gaily as if going on an excursion of pleasure. 

In May, 1539, this expedition landed on the coast of Florida at 
Tampa Bay, and began a march of exploration and conquest, after send- 
ing back the ships. Wandering for months along the shore of the gulf 
towards Pensacola he at last struck inland, and came to the Ogeechee, 
then along to the headwaters of the Coosa, and so on to the town of Ma- 
villa, on the A.labama. This was a town of well built cabins, better than 
any they had seen. The Spaniards, weary of their hard life and mar- 
ches, wished to occupy it. The natives flew to arms. A terrible bat- 
tle ensued, the first between white men and Indians on our soil that 
can really be called a battle. Soto gained part of the town and stored 
his baggage there, but with cavalry and armor and musketry his troops 
did not rout the Indians without great difiiculty. They seemed in- 
numerable and fought with desperation. At last, when they saw that 
their arrows and darts could not repel the invaders, and that the ground 
was strewn with the bodies of their bravest warriors, they set fii'e to 
the town and retreated. Soto had won the battle of Mavilla, and killed 
more than two thousand of his enemy : but eighteen of his mail-clad 
men had been killed and a hundred and fifty wounded ; nearly a hun- 
dred horses were killed or crippled and all his baggage had perished in 
the biirning town. 

His gallant array now stood destitute, weakened, and disappointed. 
Ships just then arrived at Pensacola, but he was too proud to return and 
acknowledge his failure. So he marched north, and wintered in Chicasa, 
a town in the Chickasaw country, in the north of what is now the State 
of Mississippi. In the spring he wished to force the natives to carry the 



OR, OTJR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 149 

burdens of his force, now reduced to five hundred men. But this fierce 
tribe set fire to the town, and attacked the invaders by night. Soto re- 
pulsed them with loss, but many of his horses and live stock perished, 
and arms and armor were ruined by fire, and they had so little clothing 
left that they were almost as naked as the Indians. But no thought of 
return entered Soto's mind ; he must find a new Mexico or Peru, or he 
would perish in the attempt. 

Then he came to the Mississippi, and could gaze in wonder at that 
mighty river, of ^vhich Narvaez had seen only the mouth. After long 
toil, he made barges and crossed with the remnant of his force. He 
struck northward till he nearly reached the Missouri, then finding only 
bison plains and a few scanty tribes, turned south again and passed the 
winter on the Washita. In the spring he was again on the Mississippi, 
at the mouth of the Red. 

Below, all seemed a weary waste of cane-brake, and the Indians re- 
presented it as almost uninhabited. Soto sank under his disappoint- 
ments and hardships. Struck down by'a malignant fever, he received 
little care and attention. But he felt death at hand, and calling all 
around him he named his successor, and giving them his last instructions, 
prepared to meet his end. On the 21st of May, 1542, he breathed his 
last, and anxious to conceal his death from the Indians, they performed 
his funeral rites at night, and then consigned his body, wrapped in a 
mantle, to the waters of the Mississippi. Such was the sad ending of 
the pomp and show that opened his march, such the result of his long 
search for realms of gold. Muscoso, his successor, attempted to reach 
Mexico by land, but finally returned to the Mississippi, and building 
boats, descended its turbid and rapid current to the Gulf. More fortu- 
nate than Narvaez, he reached Tarapico, in September, 1543. 



150 TlIK SXOBY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Such was the only result of Spanish attempts at conquest. They all 
failed, but Spain claimed all our country, and knew the whole coast and 
much of the interior. All were not fierce soldiers ; one missionary. 
Cancer, sought to win the natives by kindness, he landed alone, but he 
was killed almost instantly. 

While Spain was thus wasting men and means in the vain pursuit of 
rich kingdoms that had no more existence than the Fountain of Youth, 
France acted more wisely. She did not seek gold ; but her sturdy, 
honest fishermen were gathering real wealth ou the banks of Newfound- 
land. Chabot, the sagacious Admiral of France, under King Francis I., 
saw that it would be essential to explore, and, if possible, colonize the 
adjacent continent. To command the expedition, he selected an expe- 
rienced captain of St. Malo, named James Cartier, and presented liim 
to the King. He sailed from St. Malo, April 20th, 1584, with two ves- 
sels, carrying more than a hundred men. He soon came in sight of New- 
foundland, and after sailing nearly around it, discovered Chaleurs Bay, 
and took possession at Gaspe, rearing a cross, with a shield bearing the 
lilies of France. He entered the ')ort of Brest, on the Labrador coast, 
already a well-known station. 

After advancing as far as Anticosti Island, but without apparently re- 
cognizing the river St. Lawrence, he sailed back. His report was so 
ftivorable that he was sent out the next year. His little fleet, the Grande 
Hermine, the Little Hermine, and the Emerillon, after his crew had, 
like truly Cliristian men venturing on a long voyage, besought the aid 
of heaven in tlie house of God, sailed May 16, 1535. Many gentle- 
men went as volunteers, and two clergymen. The vessels were sepa- 
rated by storms, l^ut met again safely at Blanc Sablon, a place visited 
on liis first voyage. He then entered a large bay, which he named the 



OB, OUE COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 151 

Gulf of St. Lawrence, in commemoration of the day on which he dis- 
covered it, the 10th day of August. 

Two young Indians, whom he had taken to France with him, and who- 
had learned French, now proved useful as pilots. They told him that a 
great river, Hochelaga, ran up into the country, narrowing in as far as 
Canada, and that then it went on so far that nobody had ever been at 
the end of it. So Cavtier sailed on, discovered the deep river Sa- 
guenay, which runs down amid such wild mountain scenery; and 
■ keeping on, came to an island now called Orleans. Then he found at 
a narrow part of the river a rocky height, on which was perched the 
Indian town of Stadacone, ruled over by Donnacona, the Agouhanna or 
Chief of Canada, This was Quebec. 

He anchored his vessels in the St. Charles, and found the natives 
friendly and well-disposed, but they endeavored to dissuade him from 
ascending the river, telling him terrible stories about its dangers, and 
even getting up a kind of masquerade to frighten him. 

But Cartier went on in his boats, till he came to the present Montreal, 
where he found the well-built Indian town of Hochelaga, with a triple 
row of palisades, standing amid wide fields of Indian corn, beans, peas, 
and squashes. This town contained fifty large cabins, made neatly of 
bark sewed together, and divided into rooms, each of which contained a 
family. The people took the French for visitors from heaven, and 
brought them their sick and crip])led to be cured. 

Cartier then ascended the mountain of Montreal, whence he could 
descry the Green Mountains of Vermont. 

The Indians pointed out the upper waters of the St. LavA'rence, which 
they told him could be navigated for three moons, while another river on 
the north of the island led to other lands. Encouraged by the pi'os- 



152 



THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION*, 



pect before hira, Cartier returned to his ships, arounrl which a little fort 
tiad been thrown and planted with cannon. During the winter, scurvy 
broke ou^ among his men and many died till they learned a cure from 
the Indians. In the spring he sailed for France carrying off Donnacona 
and some of his chief men, an act which cannot be justified. 

He was not able to return at once to Canada. It was not hideed till 
1540 that Francis de la Roque, Sieur de Roberval, whom Cartier had 

interested in American 
affairs, obtained a pa- 
tent, making him Lord 
of Norembegua, as the 
State of Maine was 
then called, and Vice- 
roy of Canada. Car- 
tier was commissioned 
to command the fleet, 
and extensive prepa- 
rations were made. 
Spain took alarm, and 
spies were sent to all 
the ports of France to 
find out the object of the expedition. When tidings came that 
it was to attempt a settlement in the far north, the Spaniards 
breathed more freely, but it was decided that any attempt of the 
French to settle Florida must be crushed at once. On the 23rd of May, 
1541, Cartier sailed with a fleet of five ships, well equipped and supplied 
with provisions for two years. Their passage was stormy and it was only 
after three months buffetting with wind and wave that he anchored before 




JACQUES CARTIEK, DISCOVERER OF CANADil. 



on, OUR COUNTKYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 153 

Stadacon^. The natives eagerly asked for their chief and his com- 
panions, but they had all died in France, though it does not seem that 
they were treated with unkindness. 

Cartier selected as the spot for his settlement a point now called Cap 
Rouge, a little above Quebec, and here he laid up his vessel and erected 
a tort, which he called Charlesbourg Royal. This was the first white 
post planted on the continent north of Mexico. Leaving the Viscount 
de Reaupre in comjnand, Cartier ascended the river to explore and ex- 
amine. During the winter troubles arose with the Indians, in which 
two Frenchmen were killed. In the spring the colonists, discouraged 
by the hardships and uneasy at Roberval's delay in coming with sup- 
plies, forced Cartier to embark for France, and Charlesbourg Royal 
was abandoned. Near Newfoundland they fell in with Roberval, but 
Cartier's people were utterly discouraged, and kept on to France. 

Roberval entered the St. La\vrence, and anchoring at Charlesbourg 
Royal, which he named France Roi, restored Cartier's fort. He then 
examined the upper part of the river, sent expeditions to explore the 
Saguenay and the coast of Labrador. But the colony did not prosper. 
It was not formed of the right material — men of principle, willing to 
labor and wait patiently. Many died of scurvy and other diseases, or 
by accidents. At last, when all were heartily discouraged, their eyes 
were gladdened by the sight of a vessel sailing up under French colors. 
It was Cartier, come with orders from the King, summoning Roberval 
to return to France with all his people. The order was promptly 
obeyed, and France abandoned the St. Lawrence. 

Of Roberval's voyage a strange story is preserved by an old chroni- 
cler. Among those on board his vessels were his niece, Margaret Ro- 
berval, and a young gentleman, to whom she had been secretly married 



154 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATIOX ; 

against the wishes of her family. As they came Bear Newfoundland, 
Roberval discovered the fact, and, inexorable in his anger, put them 
ashore with his niece's nurse on an island said to be that still called Isle 
de la Demoiselle, though the old chronicler supposes it to be the Isle of 
Demons, which our readers will remember. The unfortunate people 
Ituilt a log house, and when their store of pilot-bread was exhausted, 
lived altogether on roots, berries and wild-fowl, of which numbers fre- 
quented the island. Occasionally larger game was found ; but the 
young man's health began to fail, and ere many months, in spite of all 
Margaret's care, he breathed his last, and she was left a widow. A 
child born amid these dreary scenes soon followed its father. The old 
nurse, her comfort and companion, was the next to be summoned by 
death, and poor Margaret remained utterly alone beside her three 
graves. She was however a woman of undaunted courage. She felt 
that activity alone could preserve her health and life. She had learned 
to use her husband's arms, and fearlessly encountered even the white 
bear in its visits to the island, using the fur and flesh for her clothing 
and food. She lived in hope of being found by some vessel approach- 
ing that shore, and to attract them she kept up almost constant fires on 
the highest point of her island. When she had spent two years and 
five months on the desolate strand, her fires were seen by a Breton cod- 
fishing vessel. They were somewhat afraid to approach, but humanity 
prevailed. Margaret, after kneeling to say a farewell prayer l)y the 
graves of her loved ones, went on board with the furs she had gathered 
in her hunting excursions. 

While France was thus attempting to settle in the north, Spain had 
now securely planted her colonies in Mexico and Peru, and her ships, 
richly laden, were constantly passing through the Gulf of Mexico on 



OR, OUR country's ACHIKVEMENTS. 155 

their way to Spain. Many of these iu the fierce tropical storms were 
unable to withstand the fury of the tempest, and were driven on the 
northern shore of the gulf. The natives here, who had not forgotten 
the visits of Narvaez and Soto, massacred the crews of the ship- 
wrecked vessels, or spared them only for a slavery as bad as death. 

It was therefore decided to plant a colony at some convenient spot on 
our southern coast, and iu 1559 Don Tristan de Luna was sent from 
Vera Cruz with thirteen vessels, carrying no less than 1,500 men with 
several clergymen, friars of the Dominican order, to attend to the spir- 
itual affairs of the colony and convert the natives. 

Tristan landed in Pensacola Bay on the 14th of August and was 
just preparing to send back a ship with intelligence when a terrible 
storm came on, which destroyed every one of his ships. Many were 
lost, including all on board the ship ready to sail. While looking 
around for what could be saved, they found a sloop standing with all 
its cargo, more than a cannon-shot from the shore, as if set there by 
human hands. 

Instead of building a vessel to send for re]ief or to carry off part of 
his large force, he set to work to explore, endeavoring to live on the 
Indians ; but he was soon reduced to great straits, with nothing but 
acorns, nuts and roots for food. However he formed an alliance with 
the Coosas, and part of his army with them made war upon a tribe on 
the banks of the Mississippi who seem to have been the Natchez. 

At last, however, he fitted out a boat and sent word to Havana of his 
distress. Angel de Villafane soon appeared to take command, l>ut he 
abandonedthecountry in 1561, leaving Don Tristan, whogallantly hoped 
to succeed in establishing a post. But the viceroy of Mexico soon 
ordered him to return and Pensacola was deserted. 



CHAPTER V. 

FRANCE, SPAIN AND ENGLAND ATTEMPT TO SETTLE OUR SHORES. 

Coligny resolves to establish a Hugueoot colonj' iu Florida — Ribaut establishes Charlesfort 
on Port Royal — Captain Albert de la Pierria — Mutiny — The Survivors saved by the 
English — Laudonniere builds Fort Caroline on the St. John's, Florida — A Revolt — 
Some turn Pirates — Relieved in Distress by Hawkins — Ribaut arrives — The Spaniards 
resolve to crush the Colony — Melendez sent out — The Fleets meet at Caroline — Melen- 
dez retires and builds St. Augustine — Ribaut pursuing him wrecked — Melendez takes 
Caroline — His Cruelty — Inhuman Treatment of the Wrecked — The Massacre of the 
French avenged by Dominic de Gourgues — Subsequent History of Florida — Raleigh 
and his Efforts — Tobacco and Potatoes — A Settlement finally made at Jamestown. 

Soon after the discovery of America, Europe was convulsed by the 
Reformation and by the religious wars and troubles to which it gave 
rise. 

France was the scene of a terrible strife, in which Catholic and Pro- 
testant contended for the mastery. At the head of the Protestant or 
Huguenot party was the able Gaspar de Coligny, Admiral of France. 

In one of the moments of peace during this war, he resolved to plant 
a colony in America that might afford a refuge for those of his faith, if 
in the doubtful struggle before them, they should be worsted. 

Charles IX., who esteemed Coligny, favored his project ; and the 
Admiral selected for its execution John Ribaut, of Dieppe, an experi- 
enced navigator and brave man. Many gathered to join the expedition, 
but as usually happened, few fitted for such an undertaking. Ribaut 
sailed from Dici)pe on the ISth of February, 15G2, in two roberges, a 



OUR country's achievements. 157 

kind of small vessel. A low, well-wooded point, at Matanzas inlet on 
the Florida coast, was the first land made, but he ran along till he came 
to a beautiful bay, to which he gave the name it still bears, Port Royal. 
Here, on the 20th of May, amid the moss-draped oaks, which had 
grownforcenturieSjthetowering pines, the fragrant flowers, heplanted — 
probably on Parris Island — a stone carved with the arms of France, and 
took possession of the new land. 

He then threw up Charlesfort, so named in honor of Charles IX., pro- 
bably near what is now called Archer's creek, not far from Beaufort. 
Here Kibaut left twenty-six men, under Albert de la Pierria, and then 
sailed back to report how attractive a land they had found. These men 
for a time enjoyed their new life, but they were indisposed to work,, 
their commander was harsh and incompetent. They finally mutinied and 
killed him, then put to sea in a wretched boat which they built. On the 
ocean their provisions were soon exhausted, and they had devoured 
one of their number to save the rest, when an English ship picked them 
up. 

Coligny did not despair. In 1 564 he sent out Laudonniere with three 
ships, which in June, 1504, reached the mouth of the St. John's. Here 
Laudonniere erected a triangular fort of earth, called Fort Caroline, 
eighteen miles up the river. The country was beautiful and attractive, 
but the settlers were ill chosen. There was no oi'der, no industry, no 
religious worship, nothing to mark a well-regulated colony. They de- 
pended on the natives for food, and to obtain it they used entreaty, 
stratagem, and even force. Some mutinied, and compelled Laudonniere 
to sign an order permitting them to depart. Then they equipped two 
vessels, and set out to cruise as pirates against the Spaniards. This 
sealed the doom of tlie colonv. 



158 THE STORY OF A OREAT NATION ; 

Spain luid viewed with jealous fear all attempts to settle Florida. 
Her commerce already suffered terribly from cruisers which rau out 
from ports of England and France, sometimes recognized, by the Gov- 
ernments, sometimes mere pirates. If either of these nations got a foot- 
hold in Florida, so near the route of all the rich ships from Mexico, the 
Spaniards would be ruined. They took alarm at Cartier's colony, distant 
as it was ; the present attempt was one they resolved to put down, more 
especially as it already assumed, in their eyes a piratical character. 

There was then in Spain a brave man bowed down by heavy grief, a 
naval commander full of energy and resolution. He sought from King 
Philip II. permission to sail for Florida to seek his son whose vessel had 
been wrecked on that dangerous coast, but whom he hoped to find, still 
alive. 

It was proposed to him to conquer Florida, and when news came of 
E,ibaut's colony, to root out the French. He sailed in July, 1565, with a 
large fleet, but arrived almost alone at Poi-to Rico, his vessels having 
been scattered in a storm. With his usual promptness he resolved not 
to wait for the other vessels but kept on to Florida, making the coast 
on the 28th of August. A fine haven that he found he named St. Au- 
gustine, but he only reconnoitered it at this moment. Then he coasted 
alono; lookinsj for the French. 

Laudonniere's colony had gone on from bad to worse. Starvation 
stared them in the face, when one day Sir John Hawkins, the slave mer- 
■chant, entered their harbor and not only liberally relieved their distress, 
but sold, them a vessel in which to leave Florida. While all were pre- 
paring for the voyage, sails were again descried, and ere long the flag of 
France floating to the breeze cheered every heart. Ribaiit had. arrived 
on the 28th of August with seven ships bearing settlers and supplies 



OR, OFR COt'NTi:v's ACIIIEVKMENTS. 159 

His vessels rode at anchor before the fort, as Melendez bore down 
m the Sail Pelayo, with lour other ships of his squadron. His reply 
to the Ereuch hail was stern and plain, terrible and cruel. "I 
ain Pedro Melendez, of Spain, with strict orders that I cannot dis- 
obey : every Catholic I will spare, every Protestant shall die." The 
French ships, unprepared for action, cut their cables and stood out 
to sea. Melendez gave chase, but failing to overtake them, returned 
to St. Augustine. There two of his officers were already landing 
guns, stores, and troops, founding the first permanent settlement on 
our soil, our oldest city, St. Augustine. Aware that a decisive struggle 
must now take place, Melendez pushed on the works to put himself 
in a position of defense in case of attack. And he acted wisely. 

By the bedside of Laudonniere, then sick, the French had held 
their council Ribaut, against the Avill of Laudonniere, determined 
to take all the best of his force on the ships, and sail down to St. 
Augustine, so as by a bold attack to crush Melendez and his new 
colony. He sailed, leaving Laudonniere sick, with a half-ruined fort 
and a motley •collection to defend it. 

On the moruing of the 11th, Melendez saw that the French were 
upon him. Off the harbor were Ribaut's ships, black with men. He 
must fight now, not the unprepared fleet of the first day, but Ribaut, 
€ager and ready. While his men appealed to heaven to save them, 
the experienced S])anisli sea-captain scanned the heavens. There 
he read a coming tempest, and ere long he felt that St. Augustine 
was safe, as he saw the French ships wrestling with the hurricane. 
Hii! own action was prompt. Tlie French fort was clearly left un- 
guarded. In spite of remonstrance and almost a mutiny, he marched 
with a good force '^verland, wading breast-high through everglade 



IfiO THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

and morass, swarming with alligator and serpent, from St. Augustine 
to the St. John's, and on the morning of the 21st of September he 
burst into Fort Caroline during a driving rain. The Spaniards cut 
down all before them without mercy. Before Melendez gave the order 
to spare the women and children, at least a hundred of the French 
had fallen. Seventy were spared : Laudonniere, with a few others, 
reached the French vessels that had remained in the harbor. The 
sun rose on a scene of horror, and lit up the Spanish flag floating 
above the fort. Leaving a garrison, Melendez returned to St. 
Augustine. 

It was subsequently charged that he hung his prisoners to trees,- 
with an inscription: "I do this not as to Frenchmen, but as to here- 
tics," but the stor}^ is of a later date. 

Melendez had returned in triumph to St. Augustine, when one 
day Indians came to announce that a French ship had been wrecked 
to the southward, and that the men were unable to cross an arm 
of the .sea. Melendez hastened down. It was one of Ribaut's vessels. 
The cruel Spaniard gave dubious words : the starving French sur- 
rendered, and wore butchered in cold Ijlood. Again tidings came of 
another and larger party. This was Ribaut himself, and those who 
had been in his ship. The French commander in vain endeavored to 
make lerms. He and his whole force surrendered, and they too were 
butchered. A few, wrecked near Cape Canaveral, were spared, 
but the French colony in Florida was utterly extirpated, and Spain 
held tlie laud for centuries. 

France was filled with indignation at the cruel massacre, but the 
King sought no redress. One man, Dominic de Grourgues, resolved 
Jo avenge Ribaut. Obtaining a commission to proceed to the coast 



IGl 

of Africa, he sailed there, and after a fight with the Portuguese and 
some negro tribes, toolv in, it would seem, his cargo of slaves, and 
sailed to Cuba. There he announced to his men his purpose to attack 
the Spanish fort on the St. John's. His j)roposal was received with joy. 

He soon was olf the harbor, and running up the coast, landed. 
The Indians came flocking to the French flag. Saturiva, a chief, 
readily joined him to attack the Spaniards, whom he hated. 

The force of French and Indians was soon on the march. Through 
the fragrant woods of Florida, with the beautiful magnolia and the 
live-oak, where birds of strange hue and all the denizens of the 
swamps met the eyes of the French, they plodded steadily on, if the 
story is at all true. A small .Spanish outpost lay north of the St. 
John's. It was carried by storm. 

Then the Indians swam across the St. John's, and the French, open- 
ing a caauanade across it, passed over in a single boat. A second 
post was soon taken. 

All was now alarm at the Spanish fort San Matheo. The cry, 
"The French are coming," thrilled through every heart. But the 
commander resolved to hold his ground. A party was sent out. 
It was surrounded and cut to pieces. Then the Spaniards attempted 
to escape by flight. The woods swarmed with red men, and every 
Spaniard was killed or taken. 

The victorious French leader then hung his prisoners on trees, 
with this inscription : " I do this not as to Spaniards, but as to traitors, 
robbers, and murderers." 

Such is the story of De Gourgues' vengeance, about which there 
is some doubt. 

Amid all this bloodv work the citv of St. Augustine was founded, 



]fi2 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

and still stands, a venerable place indeed ; with an ancient iort, 
barracks that were once a convent, and everything to recall other 
times and another laud. 

The foundations of St. Augustine were laid amid the din of arms 
and warlike operations by sea and land. A fort was thrown up, 
hastily at first, in September, 1565, but when all danger from the 
French had jjussed, another was erected on the bar, and the city 
begun in more regular form, Bartholomew Menendez being the first 
alcalde. All the settlers were divided into squads, and required to 
work on the buildings three hours in the morning, and as long in the 
evening. Thus was St. Augustine built. 

Peter Melendez, the governor, had meanwhile sailed to Havana 
to collect his scattered fleet. As the ships arrived, he sent aid to 
his establishments in Florida, and setting out with several vessels, 
explored the coast, seeking in vain for any trace of his son. He 
entered into friendly relations with the cruel and powerful chiefs 
of Is and Carlos, and rescued a number of Spaniards, men and women, 
who had been wrecked on the coast, where the Indians sacrificed 
one every year to their gods. 

But troubles had arisen at St. Augustine and St. Matheo. Mutinies 
broke out, and for a time, while the alcalde was among the Indians, 
the insurgents held both places, but they were at last reduced. They 
had, however, roused the Indians to war by their cruelty, and St. 
Augustine was soon surrounded by hostile natives, who refused any 
longer to sell the settlers provisions, and cut off all who left the 
towns. Among those wdio fell was Captain Martin de Ochoa, the 
bravest man in the colony, who was taken in an ambuscade. Em- 
boldened by success, the Indians, gliding up by night, killed two 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 



163 



sentinels on the walls of the fort, and startled the astonished Spaniards 
by showers of fiery arrows, with which they succeeded in setting fire 
to the palmetto thatch ou the store-house, which was destroyed with 

all the munitions, pro- 
visions, and clothing it 
contained. The confla- 
gration spread to the 
dwellings, and all was 
dismay and alarm in the 
little town. In vain, 
even by day, did the 
Spaniards seek to drive 
them off. The Indians, 
lurking in the tall grass, 
watched them fire, and 
then, gliding along on 
the ground like snakes, 
sent their arrows with 
terrible aim. 

Melendez, hearing of 
all these troubles, re- 
turned to St. Augustine, 
restored order, cjuieted 
the Indians, and su])- 
pressed the mutinies. He 
then sailed up to St. Helena Sound, which you will see on the ma)) 
of South Carolina. There he built Fort St. Philip, leaving Stephen de 
Alas in command, with one hundred and ten men. He had thus 




SIR WALTER RALEIGH. 



1G4 THE STORT OF A GREAT NATION; 

explored the coast from the Florida capes to South Carolina ; but 
he did not rest even then. He ascended the St. John's River and 
.sent expeditions and missionaries up even into Chesapeake Bay, 
where, as early as 1570, a log-chapel was reared on the soil of 
Virginia. 

It .seemed as if the whole coast was to become a colony of Spain. 
But this man of energy was not to be long in Florida. Returning 
to Spain, he was appointed by the king to command the Invincible 
Armada for the invasion of England, and died in 1574, just as he 
was about to sail with it. 

With his death the interest in Florida declined ; the settlements 
were confined to the iiart now known as Florida. There the Spaniards 
soon, by means of zealous missionaries, gained the Timuquan and 
Apalache Indians, although many of those devoted men lost their 
lives in this good work. 

In 1586, Sir Francis Drake, who had planted the flag of Queen 
Elizabeth in California, identified his name with Florida. About 
the 1st of June he appeared before the harbor of St. Augustine. 
At the outer fort the garrison, after firing a few volleys at his ships, 
retreated to the town. Drake took possession of the Fort St. John, 
and advanced in his boats to St. Augustine. The garrison was only 
one hundred and fifty strong, and these, with the inhabitants, retreated, 
abandoning the town to Drake, who set it on fire ; and the first 
American city, with its neat town-hall, church, and other buildings, 
was entirely destroyed, and the fine gardens around it laid waste. 
Drake then sailed on to destroy Fort St. Philip, but ran into Carolina 
and relieved Raleigh's colony. The Spaniards returned to their 
ruined city, and with help from Havana soon rebuilt it. 



OR, OUR COUNTRY'S ACHIEVEMENTS. 165 

Of tlie subsequent histoiy of Florida we need say little until the 
{x^riud when it Vieeame part of the United States. 

In 1638 the xlpalaelies declared war, and advanced to the very 
gates of St. Augustine, but the Spaniards iiually reduced them, and com- 
pelled them to furnish a number of men to labor on the public works. 
Another Indian war broke out in 1687, in which the Apalachicolas 
and Creeks rose in rebellion because the Spaniards wished to remove 
them from theii" tow^ns to another district. 

Many Indians at this time retired to the English colony of South 
Carolina, and the Yamassees not only did so, but became a scourge 
to Florida, sacking and burning the settlements and missions. 

The Spanish government, to keep off other nations on the Gulf, 
founded Pensacola in 1693, but France and England hemmed hei-, in 
and by frequent invasions destroyed the Indian towns, or drew off 
the people, so that Florida became an insignificant colony. 

England was not indifferent to America. Elizabeth had made her 
kingdom powerful on the sea. She had defied Spain ; she too, like 
the Kings of France and Spain, could give away with her pen realms 
in America. One day her favorite, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, inflamed 
by Frobisher's discoveries at the North, and Sir Francis Drake's 
exploration of our Pacific shore up to Oregon, asked of the great 
queen a patent. It was freely granted, and extensive territories were 
assigned to him. But he did not live to establish a colony. His 
end was sad. 

He sailed to America in a fleet, but disasters overtook him. His 
largest ship was wrecked. The brave Sir Humphrey was returning 
in the Squirrel, a little bark of only ten tons burden, when terrible 
storms came on. No one who had been at sea had ever met with 



166 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

such mountain waves or lierce wind. Every moment seemed the 
last, but Sir Humphrey, seated calmly on his deck, called out to those 
on liis other vessel, the Hind : " We are as near to heaven by sea as 
liy land.'' Tliey were the last words of the brave old sailor. During 
the night the lights of the Squirrel suddenly disappeared. She had 
sunk with all on board. 

His half-brother, the brilliant and unfortunate Sir Walter Raleigh> 
obtained a patent as ample as Sir Humphrey's. 

One summer day in July, 1584, two English ships lay to off the 
coast of North Carolina. The land-breeze came off rich with the 
perfume of flowers and spicy odors. The sky and sea were calm. 
An entrance was easily found for the ships, and the natives on 
Wocoken Island sprang up in wonder to see the great canoes come 
bearing on towards their shore. From the anchored vessels carae^ 
boats of richly-clad men. The arms of England were set up, and 
they gazed in wonder on the rich vegetation, the clustering grape- 
vines, the forests, from which such flocks of birds arose as to deafen 
with their cries. The timid natives welcomed them. 

Returning, full of sanguine hopes, the explorers induced Raleigh 
to send out a colony. Sir Richard Grenville brought out settlers 
under Lane to occupy Roanoke Island. They did not understand- 
how to begin : they burned an Indian village, they treacherously 
killed Wingina, a native chieftain or king. The prospect now grew 
dark ; an ominous cloud was gathering. The colonists, who had not 
labored to cultivate the soil, saw nothing but destruction. 

To their delight they one day beheld ships entering, which by their 
build and by their flags were recognized as Engli.«h. Sir Francis 
Drake, cruising along, stopped in to visit his friends. He found. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 167 

them ui despair, and taking all on hoai-d, hoisted sail for Eng- 
land. 

Twice more did Raleigh attempt to colonize North Carolina. Each 
time the colonists, left unprovided, perished by the hands of the 
red men. The State commemorates his eflbrts by giving his name 
to her capital. 

By Raleigh's efforts England gained only a knowledge of three 
American plants, Indian corn, potatoes, and tobacco. 

Sir Walter Raleigh acquired a taste for tobacco, and often in his 
hours of relaxation solaced himself by smoking in the Indian fashion. 
The story is told that one day, having sent his servant for a pitcher 
of water, and lighted his pipe in the mean time, the poor faithful 
fellow, when he returned, seeing his master enveloped in smoke, 
supposed him on fire, and dashed the contents of his pitcher over him, 
rousing Sir Walter from his reverie in rather an astonished attitude. 

The potatoes he is said to have given to his gardener at Youghal, 
Ireland. The man looked at them, smelt them, and bit them, on 
the whole regarding them with great contempt, and, when he did 
plant them, put them in an out-of-the-way place, bestowing no care 
whatever on his master's American plants. The neglected potato 
put out its shoots, but even its purple blossom did not win it favor. 
At last, at the proper time, Sir Walter ordered the man to dig them; 
up. He obeyed joyfully, but was soon amazed at the multiplicity 
of the roots. His astonishment grew when his master ordered them 
to be boiled, and it was not till he had eaten one that he began to 
look on the potato wilh favor. 

It was soon cnltivntod extensively in Ireland, and thence intro- 
duced into Emrland and other parts. From the fact that it was cul- 



1 (58 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

tivated first in Ireland, it is sometimes called, even in this, its native 
country, the Irish potato. 

A number ol' men in England now took up the idea of a colony 
in America. Several of them were men of experience, who knew 
enough about America to carry out their plans successfully. King 
James gave them an ample Patent in 1606, and two companies were 
formed. The London Company, which obtained all the territory 
between the thirty-fourth and thirty-eighth degree, soon set to work. 

On the 26th of April a little fleet of three vessels, under the 
English flag, entered the capes and anchored in Chesapeake Bay, 
naming the capes, in honor of the King's sons, Charles and Henry. 
The whole land seemed wonderfully attractive. After some deliber- 
ation they ascended the James River, and landed fifty miles from 
its mouth to lay the foundations of Jamestown, named, like the 
river, in honor of the King. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Permanent Settlements of England and France — Virginia settled at Jamestown — Early Visit* 
of tlie Sp.'mianla to the Chesapeake — Poniuitan's Tribe — Captain John Smith — Argall — 
Pocaliontas, her ilarriage and Death — First Legislature in America — What Jamestown 
resembled — OpecUancanouglfs War and Massacre — The Company suppressed — Virginia a 
Royal Colony — The People — Spain settles New Mexico — The French in Acadia — Jesuits 
in Maine — Romance of La Tour — Madame La Tour — Wars with New England — Acadia 
tonquered, becomes Nova Scotia — Quebec founded by Champlain — His Adventurous Careei 
— Character of tlie Colony — Wars with the Iroquois — Pieskaret — Montreal — Lambert Closse, 
the Indian Figliter — The French at Onondaga. 

Newport's vessels, the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, 
driven by a fortunnte storm beyond the North Carolina coast, where 
Raleigli had attempted to plant a ooloiiy, had sailed into the mag- 



'. . .„.^,.^„„..^c, 169 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 

nificent bay which still retains its Indian name, Chesapeake. The 
English gazed around with thankfulness and wonder, and called the 
point where they first anchored. Point Comfort. There are few 
more beautiful bays : rivers, many of them navigable for miles, 
pour their volume of water into this sheet, which, with its picturesque 
banks, its charming islands teeming with wild fowl, its rich verdure, 
might justify the expression of one of the new colony, that heaven 
and earth seem never to have agreed better to frame a place for 
man's commodious and delightful habitation. 

They were not, however, the first to visit this delightful bay. 
As early as 1540 some Spanish navigator anchored within the capes, 
and gave the baj' which opened so gloriously on his view the name 
of St. Mary"s Bay, which it long l)ore in Spanish maps. Soon after 
Melendez settled Florida, Father Segura, with a band of Jesuit 
missionaries, led by a native Virginian, who, taken to Spain, had 
pretended to be a sincere convert to Christianity, penetrated far up 
the Potomac, but were lured into the wilderness only to be ruth- 
lessl}' murdered, and the whole party of zealous missionaries perished. 
Melendez then sent ships to punish the murderers, and Spanish 
vessels thus woke with the thunders of their artillery the shores of 
the Potomac. The cruel tribe fled from the river southward, and 
settled on the James. 

When the English colony advanced up the James River to a spot 
fifty miles from its mouth, this tribe was ruled by Powhatan, who 
flwolt in savage grandeur on the Pamunkey River Tlie settlers 
for the new colony were, as usual, badly selected. There were 
more men to play gentlemen than to fell trees, clear and dig the 
ground, and put up houses. The queer King of England, James I., 



170 THE STORY OF A GUExVT NATION; 

had given them pleuty of laws, and on arriving the Council chose 
Edward Maria Wiugiield president. The most prominent man in 
the colony, and the man best litted to aid, was Captain John 
Smith. They were so jealous of him that they expelled him from 
the Council. Smith was a man who had seen much of the world. 
He had been in Holland's war for freedom ; in the wars against the 
Turks, where he fought like a hero ; he had been a prisoner in their 
hands, and escaped in a romantic manner. He was full of energy 
and resource. 

Those in command at once commenced to erect a fort on a tree- 
clad peninsula, which at high tide was a perfect island. This fortifi- 
cation was triangular in form, with a half-moon at each angle, and 
from its log-walls four or five cannons frowned on the natives. 

While the men were busy felling trees and squaring timber for 
this work, Newport, with part of the company, ran up the river to 
the falls, where they found a white boy, supposed to be the child of 
members of Raleigh's unfortunate colony. 

But even in this brief space the Indians began hostilities. On the 
26th of May, 1607, the men working on the fort were startled by an 
unexpected spectacle. The river seemed alive with canoes ; the red 
men, in all their war-paint, with cries and yells that struck terror to 
the hearts of the new-comers, surrounded their island. Wingfield, 
foremost in danger, at last drove the assailants off by means of his 
cannon, but not till twelve of the colonists were killed or wounded. 

Then the fort was completed with all haste, and the settlers began 
to feel more secure ; but the neighboring marshes bred diseases (hat 
swept off many; until winter came wilh its wild-fowl and abundance 
of game. Tlieu Smith started out to explore. Wingfield was deposed. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 171 

One object of the Company in England was to find a stream leading 
tu tiie Tacilic. Gomez, wlio vii^ited tlie coast at au early day, con- 
vinced the Spaniards that there was no such passage. As we now 
know the geography of the continent, it seems very amusing to think 
that Smith ascended the Chickahominy River to see whether it was 
a short cut to China. 

Leaving his boat in charge of two men he struck inland. But 
his men disobeyed his instructions, and the crafty red men waylaid 
and slew them. 

Smith was soon a prisoner in the hands of hostile Indians. Full 
■of resources, he drew out his pocket-compass, and its wonders made 
them regard him with awe. He was allowed to send a note to the 
new fort, but was led in triumph from the villages on the Chickahominy 
to the Indian villages on the Rappahannock and Potomac, and soon 
through other towns. 

A very pretty story is told by Smith in his later books, that 
people now begin to doubt very much. Smith was at last brought 
before Powhatan at PamunkeJ^ Seated on his mat-bed, with a 
favorite wife on each side, surrounded by his gravest Sachems, this 
Indian monarch received Smith as a distinguished prisoner. Water 
was brought to him, and a feather fan to wipe his face and hands 
upon, but the council held, doomed to death the stranger who came 
sp,viug into their land. The warriors, ready to avenge on him their 
repulse at Jamestown, panted for his blood. He was led forth to 
a stone, and a stalwart brave swung aloft the heavy stone hatchet 
that was to ci'ush his head. At this moment, Pocahontas, the daughter 
of this Indian monarch, who had been watching breathlessly the pro- 
-ceedings, hoping that her father would relent, and spare one for 



1 73 TITE STOKT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

whom she felt all the childish attachment that a girl of twelve would 
eutertaiu for one who had always shown her a kindly interest, sprang 
forward and threw her arms around the neck of the doomed white pri- 
soner, shielding him by her own body. The executioner paused, the 
chieftain looked sternly at the group, but his daughter's words of appeal 
changed his decision. Smith was saved, and sent back in safety to 
Jamestown. 

Such is the tale that is told in all lands, and shown in picture 
and statue. 

Smith found the colony reduced to forty men : he attempted to 
introduce order, and then, in a voyage of three months, sailed all 
around Chesapeake Baj', thoroughly exploring it, ascending many 
of the rivers flowing into it, meeting Indians of various tribes, ana 
struck most of all by the gigantic Conestogas, who came down the 
Susquehanna. His map is one of the best monuments to his fame. 

On his return he became President of the Council, and as new 
emigrants came in, including two women, the first seen in the colonj% 
he enforced industry and established order. Like Melendez at Si. 
Augustine, he required six hours' labor from all. Virginia was not. 
however, long to enjoy his services. An explosion of gunpowder burnt 
his hand so seriously as to defy the skill of the colony ph3'sician : 
he sailed to Europe to secure better treatment for his wound, ana 
never returned, although he continued to take a deep interest in the 
welfare of the colony, and did more by his writings than any other 
to make it known. 

He had no influence at court, no noble friends. Eminently fitted 
as he was to explore a new country and to manage a new settlement. 
much as he had done for Virginia, he received no roval grant he 



OR, OUR COITNTKY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 173 

did not even obtain the deed of the lands he cleared or the house he 
built 

Before Smith sailed, great changes had been made in England in 
regard to Virginia affairs. The London Company solicited and 
obtained a new CharteLfrom the King. By this document, issued 
June 2, 1609, the monarch granted to them all the coast for two 
hundred miles north and south of James River, with power to appoint 
a governor. They induced a good and upright nobleman, Thomas, 
Lord De la Ware, to accept for life the office of Governor and 
Captain-General of Virginia. 

A fresh impulse was given. Nine ships, under Newport, carrymg 
more than five hundred emigrants, sailed from England, bearing Sir 
Thomas Gates as deputy of the Governor. But only seven ships 
ran through the hurricane, and reached the James River. Gates' 
vessel stranded on the rocks of Bermuda, so that the new-comers, 
with little respect for the authorities in Virginia, caused much 
trouble. 

With Smith's departure almost all semblance of government ceased. 
Labor was neglected, provisions were wastefully consumed, the Indians 
were provoked so that they refused all aid. Then came the famous 
"Starving Time" of Virginia annals. Famine, disease, and war 
ravaged the settlement. Some took to the sea as pirates. Of the 
five hundred left by Smith there remained in six months onlj^ sixty. 

When Gates anchored before Jamestown with two rude vessels 
built in Bermuda, these spectral men, worn by famine, sickness, and 
anxiety, came out to implore him to take them from the flited 
place, looking like the ruins of some ancient town — houses pulled down 
for firewood ; the blockhouse tlie sole refuge of the wretched reiiiuaiit 



174 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

■of the liiindreds who had settled there. All their stock, horses, swine, 
poultrv, had long since been devoured. 

Gates was apjialled. There was but one voice, and that was to 
leave the spot. But he would not burn it, as some desired. Firing 
a parting salute, they all sailed down the river on the 7th of June. 

Jamestown was abandoned. 

In Hampton Roads they saw in the horizon the gleam of sails. 
Lord De la Ware had come with another band of emigrants and 
supplies. He restored their hopes, and that night Jamestown was 
again a busy settlement. 

Lord De la Ware showed great ability, and the settlement began 
to prosper. Emigrants poured in with abundant supplies, cattle and 
live stock ; agriculture was encouraged. Jamestown was no longer a 
mere garrison. Each settler received an allowance of land in fee 
to improve for his own benelit, and a new settlement was begun at 
Henrico in IGll. 

Ill health soon compelled the good Governor to retire, but Vir- 
ginia prospered under the strict rule of Sir Thomas Gates and Sir 
Thomas Dale. 

Samuel Argall, an unprincipled man, who plays an important part 
in Virginia history, well-nigh involved the colony in an Indian war. 
Pocahontas had on many occasions shown her friendship for the 
English, but Ai'gall used a treacherous Indian woman to entice 
Powhatan's daughter into his vessel, and then detained her as a 
prisoner. This captivitv of Pocahontas had a romantic issue. She 
was received at Jamestown with respect, and while negotiations were 
in progress with her father, a j'oung gentleman, John Rolfe, already 
remarkable as the first planter of tobacco in Virginia, was greatly 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 175 

struck by the amiable qualities of tlie Indian girl. He soon after 
^)ro[H)S(_'d iiinrriagc, and she accepted. After instruction by the clergy- 
man of the colony, she was baptized and married with her father's 
consent, her uncle, Opechancanough, attending to give the bride away 
The colony gathered into the little church to witness the spectacle •, 
the planter, still young, full of '>nei"gy, high-minded and graceful, 
attired in the picturesque dress of gentlemen of that day ; the bride, 
beautiful as the wild deer of her forests, arrayed by the hands of the 
English women in their dress, full of wonder at the strange ceremonial, 
full of trust in her chosen husband. It was a day of joy to both 
white and red man throughout the land of Virginia, and is handed 
down as one of the great events of history in the paintings on the 
walls of the Capitol. 

It is sad to thiiiK tliat her life was so brief She sailed to England 
mth her husband, and was received with all honor ; but sickening 
there, died before she could return to America. 

There was now at last an Englisli settlement on the American coast 
ihat was destined to succeed. We can ]iicture to ourselves what 
Jamestown was. Not a city of marble palaces and well-paved and 
lighted streets. 

In the woods that covered the beautiful and fertile island, for island 
it was at times, a good space had been cleared by the vigorous arms 
of the settlers, and amid the fields, where corn and tobacco were 
growing beside wheat and other European grains, stood the little 
town. Two fair rows of houses lined its street, all of framed timbers, 
two stories high, with a good garret. The jmblic buildings were 
three large and substantial store-houses, and the neat wooden church. 
Around all was a good stout palisade, and at the west, on a platform. 



176 THE STOKY OB" A GKEAT NATION; 

cannon were planted to prevent any sudden invasion by hostile 
Indians. Outside of this palisade farm-houses and some finer dwell- 
ings were scattered in attractive spots, and I'or their protection there 
were two block-houses, where sentinels kept watch that no Indian 
war party swam over to the island, to steal unawares on the settlers 
while at work in the fields or straying in the woods. 

We cannot follow all the course of history : how Virginia flourished 
under good Governor Yeardley, and how it sufifered under such men 
as Argall, who, after his treachery to Pocahontas, destroyed and robbed 
French settlements in Maine and Nova Scotia, and then became Deputy 
Governor of Virginia, to crush the colony by his tyranny and vexation. 

The worst of such bad men in colonial times was thai they were 
unjust to the Indians, and provoked them to war, in which the 
innocent settlers suffered. 

Hitherto the colony had been governed in England, and the people 
had no voice in making the laws under which they lived. This 
could not last. A chance came. Friday, the 30th day of July, 
1619, was a memorable day for America. On that day, in the chancel 
of the church at Jamestown, gathered twenty-two burgesses, repre> 
senting the different settlements. The minister, Mr. Buck, opened 
the proceedings with prayer, and all retired to the body of the church. 
Then each advanced, was sworn in by Governor Yeardley, and took 
his seat. They elected John Pory Speaker, and he took his place 
in front of the Governor. The laws of this first Leo-islature were 
wise, seeking to restrain evil, to advance education, and to encourage 
industry and piety. 

Powhatan had remained constantly friendly to the English, but he 
died in 1618, and his influence over the Indian tribes fell to Ope- 



OR, OUR COUKTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 177 

ehancanough. This Sachem was a dark, resentful man ; he never 
forgot a wrong, and was insensible to kindness. The English, to 
honor him, had built him a house in the European style, with doors 
and windows, locks and keys. He was as delighted with it as a child 
with a toy, and kept locking and unlocking the doors for hours with 
evident delight. He professed the warmest friendship. A turbulent 
and troublesome Indian was killed in some affray, and the authorities 
at once sent to Opechancanough to explain the matter. He was 
satisfied that the Indian was in fault, and declared that he was glad 
to be rid of him. He said that the sky would fall sooner than he 
would break the peace with the white people. Yet he was plotting 
a general massacre. The Indians came and went into the houses 
of the settlers, without arms or anything to excite suspicion. They 
brought in game, deer, turkeys, fish, and furs to sell. On the night 
of the 21st of March there were Indians at many houses, and the 
planters urged them to stay, giving them food and lodging. 

A. man named Pace had an Indian living with him, and another 
Indian came in. He soon disclosed to the other the projected mas- 
sacre. Watching his opportunity, this true-hearted fellow crept 
silently away. Pace, roused from his sleep, saw the dusky form 
beside him. A whisper of caution, and the whole plot was revealed 
to him. He sprang to his feet, and dressing in haste, stole down to 
the river, and sped away in the darkness in his boat to Jamestown. 
The little town soon turned night into day. All was stir and excite- 
ment as messengers darted off" to give alarm. 

Day broke before the distant plantations could be warned. Men 
sat down to breakfast with their Indian guests, who were watching 
the moment. Then they sprang for the planters' arms and began 



178 THE STOliY OF A GREAT NATION; 

cutting down young and old. Some rushed from their houses to 
escape, but the savages were on their track with ferocious yells and 
blood-stained weapons, and in every direction they saw similar sights, 
till they at last sank down, tomahawked or shot. In a few hours- 
on that sad spring Friday, three hundred and forty-seven men, 
women, and children were slaiu by their firesides with their own 
weapons, and their mutilated bodies left on the ground. 

For a moment all was terror and alarm in Virginia. The enemy- 
had fled, but the settlers crowded to Jamestown and the other forts ;• 
some hastened to embark for England. But as soon as the panic- 
was over, they prepared for a war of extermination on the Indians. 

There was no chance of bringing them to battle, so the settlers^ 
adopted the Indian plan. The Indians of Virginia were all of the 
Algonquin race, cultivating little ground, living chiefly by fishing 
and hunting, and they were accordingly much scattered. They had 
no large palisaded towns, but occupied little hamlets in parties of 
fifty or more. On these the settlers would steal as silently as Indians. 
With a ringing hurrah they would dash in on them, cutting down some, 
and if the rest escaped, it was onl}^ to behold from their lurking-^ 
place their houses, nets, canoes, crops, given to the flames. Blood- 
hounds were imported to track the fugitives through the woods, and' 
it became a part of Virginia law that no peace should be made with- 
the Indians. The red man soon had reason to curse the treacherous 
course of Opechancanough. 

King James I. made 'this massacre d pretext for dissolving the- 
Company under which Virginia had been settled and governed down 
to this time. He laid all misfortunes at tlieir door. He deprived 
them of their Charter, and made Virginia a royal colony. Governors 



OK, OUR cultntrt'^1 a<iiikvemk>-ts. ' 17^ 

were now to be appointed by tlie CroAvn. The planters took alarm. 
At every .settlement meetings were held, and by general agreement 
agents were sent to England to claim that under the new arrange- 
ment the jK'ople should retain their Assemblies and make their own 
laws. The State that was to produce a Washington, a Jefferson, 
and a Patrick Henry, was thus early jealous of its rights. 

James yielded reluctantly ; but his Governors were carefully watched 
by the Virginians, and one of them, Governor Harvey, falling under 
suspicion, was forced to leave the country. 

In the reign of Charles I., Virginia was administered by Sir William 
Berkeley, an able Governor, who restored peace and harmony, and 
so won Virginia to the royal cause, that it was the last English 
possession that submitted to Parliament. When it did 3'ield, it did 
so almost as an independent power. The Virginians would not allow 
Cromwell to appoint a Governor ; they elected their own Governors 
during the whole period of the Protectorate, and enjoyed free trade 
with the world. 

Thus was Virginia settled and thus it grew — men attached to the 
Crown and Church of England, but still more attached to their 
liberty. 

We have thus seen Spain and England succeed in planting colonies 
on our coast. Spain had penetrated to New Mexico, and John de 
Oiiiate finally -succeeded in founding San Gabriel, and soon after 
Santa Fe, and missionaries began to convert to Christianity the half- 
pivilized natives who are known now as Pueblo Indians. 

But in 1644 a general revolt of the red men took place. They 
killed the Governor and missionaries, with many of the Spaniards, 
only one town escaping. The Spaniards, however, soon recovered 



180 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION , 

the countiy, and held it till Mexico became free. It formed part 
of that Republic till it was ceded to the United States by the Treaty 
of Gruadaliipe Hidalgo. 

But while Siwiu and England were thus gaining a foothold in our 
territory, another European power succeeded in planting a colony 
at the north, which was long to contend with the English colonies 
for the mastery in North America. This was France. We have 
seen how Cartier explored the St. Lawrence ; how Coligny, during 
the wars of religion, attempted to settle Florida. 

Though France failed in her first efforts to plant a settlement in 
North America, she did not abandon the project. Her sons were 
hardy, bold, adventurous, and at last they succeeded in laying the 
foundation of a colony which for many years disputed with those 
of England the control of our continent. 

Under the name of New France it extended from the Kennebec 
to the Grulf of St. Lawrence, and west to Lake Superior and the 
Valley of the Mississippi. 

Eoberval obtained a Patent of vast extent. This passed through 
several hands, and occasional attempts were made to settle, all of 
which proved unsuccessful. 

In 1603, a man of clear head and great energy, Peter du G-uast, Sieur 
de Monts, became Lieutenant-General and Vice- Admiral of all the 
country between the fortieth and forty-sixth degrees of latitude. This 
Huguenot gentleman is the real father of French colonization. During 
the stormy month of March he put to sea in two vessels, accompanied 
by Samuel de Champlain, an experienced naval man, who had just, 
following Cartier's route, ascended the St. Lawrence to the rapids. 
After coasting along Nova Scotia, they entered Passamaquoddy Bay, 



OK, OUR COUXTKYri ACHIEVEMENTS. 



181 



and began their settlement on a little island to which they gave the 
name ol' Sainte Croix. Here they threw np a little fort, and with 
willing industry Ix'gan to clear away the cedars and pines from the 
sandy soil, and erect dwellings. They planted grain, and made ready 










MADAME DE LA PELTEIE WASHING AND DRESSING INDIAN CHILDREN. 



to pass their winter, which jn-omised to be severe. AVitli no neighbors 
nearer than St. Augustine, they endured all the trials of the severe 
season, but disease thinned them sadly, and in the spring-, while 



182 THE STOr.Y OF A GR"EAT X ATIOIS- ; 

Champlain explored the coast as far as Cape Cod, de Monts soiighf 
a uew site for his colony. He at last decided upon Port Royal, and 
to it transferred his settlement, and Maine was abandoned. 

Port Royal did not thrive, however ; it was a mere trading-post in 
the hands of French nobles and gentlemen. But Champlain, in 1608^ 
carried on', a wiser plan, and began a settlement at Quebec. Below 
the clilF ho landed, July 3, 1G08, and laid ont a fort. Cape Diamond, 
tall and Ijare, and the green heights of Point Levi echo to the wood- 
men's axes as they level the trees which lined the shore. Champlain 
is there, directing and guiding, himself an example to the rest. In 
a few weeks a strong wooden wall enclosed three buildings and a 
garden spot, while cannon bristled from a ])latform looking out on. 
the river. Over this floated the flag of France, sometimes to droop, 
but soon to recover and hold its own here for more than a hundred 
and fifty j'cars. 

Thus were the two colonies of Acadia, or Nova Scotia, and Canada, 
begun 

Jesuit missionaries began to labor among the Indians near Port 
Royal, but a new proprietor of the ])lace Mas unfriendly to them. 
By the aid of a French lady of rank, Madame de Guercheville, they 
began in 1013 a missionary settlement at Mount Desert Island, on 
the coast of Maine. Thej^ had scarcely landed and eonnnenced 
building, when Argall, from Virtjinia, escortin2: some fishin"- vessels 
near ihcre, heai'd of it, and without any authority attacked and broke 
up the settlement, killing one of the missionaries, and plundering all. 
rioiii'inir of (lie establishment at Port Royal, he visited and plundered, 
thai ;i!sci. 

Port Ivoval was soon restored, and in time Acadia was i»osscssedt 



OR, orr. cot'ntky's achievements. 183 

by two proprietors, d'Auluay and La Tour. Of the latter we may 
here relate an interesting incident. His father joined the English, 
and receiving many honors, offered to go over and persuade his son- 
to yield his post or join the English. With a considerable force he 
approached his son's fort, but that gentleman, true to his Hag,, 
spurned his father's base offers in a truly noble letter, and prepared 
to defend himself. He held his own so manfully that the elder- 
La Tour, defeated and remorseful, became the suppliant. To return 
to England after his failure he durst not do, .so he threw himself on 
the mere}' of his son, who assigned him a house outside of his fort, 
and there maintained him. 

Subsequent to this La Tour became involved in difficulties with 
d'Aulnay. Both sought aid from New England to carry on the 
war against his own countrymen, whose little posts were dotted along 
the deeply indented shores of Maine and Nova Scotia. Had they 
worked in harinonj', they might have built np a flourishing colony. 

Once, during their struggle, in 1645, d'Aulnaj^ learning that La Tour 
had left his fort on the St. John's with a slight garrison, marched to 
attack it with all the force he could muster. But he did not find it an 
easj' task to reduce it. Madame La Tour, with only a handful of men, 
determined to defend the place to the last. To the summons of 
d'Aulnay she returned a bold, defiant answer. The fire of her cannon 
and musketry was such as to drive her assailants off: but on the 
fourth day one of her men deserted, and d'Aulnay learned how small 
a force opposed him. But she would not yield. As d'Auluay was 
scaling the wall she rushed forward at the head of her little garrison to 
repel his assault. D'Aulnay, amazed at such courage, proposed terms, 
and having obtained such as .she deemed honorable, the brave ladv 



3.84 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

'surrendered, but the treacherous d'Auluaj^ on entering seized and 
hanged all her men but one, compelling the brave lady to witness 
•their execution with a rope around her own neck. The shock was 
••such that three weeks after this gallant lady and devoted wife breathed 
isher last. 

With these few incidents in Acadian history we return to Champlain 
and his colony. 

"The Indians whom Cartier had found on the St. Lawrence had 
-disappeared. Its banks were lined by roving bands of the Montagnais, 
•called by the New Yorkers in olden time Adirondacks. These 
brought in furs to the French posts to trade. Other tribes heard 
of it, and the Algonquins on the Ottawa came down in fleets of birch 
canoes, loaded with skins of beaver, moose, and doer, to trade with 
the bearded men who came in mighty ships from over the sea. 
Other Indians, still of a totally different race, living in palisaded 
towns, and raising corn and tobacco, beans and squashes, in great 
plenty on the shores of Lake Huron, and called Hurons by the French, 
also made their way to Quebec. Champlain made all these wild 
rand savage tribes friends to his little colony. But to be their friend 
lie had to help them against their great enemy. This was a nation 
occupying what is now New York, from the Hudson almost to Niagara. 
The French called them Iroquois ; the English, when they came to 
Itnow them, termed them Five Nations, for they comprised the 
Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, and the Senecas. 

Against these the allies required Champlain to join them in war. 
So, in the early summer of 1609, he ascended the St. Lawrence with 
a few Frenchmen in a shallop and a large force of Indians. He 
entered the Sorel River and ascended till the rapids prevented his 



OR, OUR COrNTRTV; \CIIIEVEJrEXTS. ibO 

further progress. Then, sending back his boat, he went on with the 
Indians and entered the kke which bears his name. On the 30tli 
of July, as the sun was sinking behind the Adirondacks, they came in. 
siglit of a fleet of Iroquois canoes on the lake. The hills around 
echoed back the yells and cries of the foemeu. Both parties made 
for the shore and prepared for battle on the morn. With the dawn 
the Iroquois sallied forth from their hastily made fort, led by chiefa 
with tall plumes. As they came on, Champlain stepped forth from 
the midst of his allies, in his helmet and cuirass, his arquebuse in his 
hand. The Iroquois gazed in wonder at this new warrior, but his 
lire-arnis soon laid one chief low and another beside him. Then his 
allies poured on the astonished Iroquois a shower of arrows. They 
stood their ground, sending volley after volley at the allies, till' 
^ Champlain's two comrades, who had approached under cover of 
bushes, opened fire. Then the Irocjuois broke and fled in terror, 
pursued by Montagnais and Huvou and Algonquin along the bank? 
of the lake. 

Such was the first Indian battle in Canadian history, fought ou th« 
shore of Lake Champlain. 

Quebec was slowly growing, with its profitable trade, each year 
beholding the wide river before it swarm with canoes from the remote 
west, bearing to the French post skins of animals hunted even as 
far west as Lake Superior. Champlain was the soul of all. Yeaf 
after year he was on the Atlantic, hastening to France to engagf 
some high noble to obtain the title of Viceroy and give his infiuenc* 
to Canada ; or sailing back with well-chosen men and needed supplies. 
In 1615 he brought out several prieyts of the Franciscan Order U 
minister in his colony and convert the Indians. These simple-minded, 



180 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOX ; 

devoted men, with the Jesuits who soon joined them, gave a religious 
lone lo the colony. With one of them, the adventurous Father 
Caron, Chumplaiu set out for the country of the Huron Indians, and 
while the priest reared his altar in a rude cabin, amid the dusky 
denizens of the wild Canadian forest, Champlain prepared to march 
with a Haron force to attack some allies of the Iroquois in New York 
State. With a large Huron force they left the palisaded towns of 
that nation as the Indian summer deluded the French b}' its sudden 
warmth. Thej^ threaded in their canoes the long line of lakes and 
rivers leading to Lake Ontario. No human habitation met their eye. 
It was all wilderness, tenanted only by the wild beast and fowl. 
Hunting and fishing, the army leisurely made its way till it reached 
the In-oad expanse to which these tribes gave the name we still 
retain, Ontario, beautiful lake. Across its surface, now ploughed 
by steamers, these light bark canoes bore the host of warrioi-s, and 
were then hidden in the woods on the southern shore. A march 
into the interior of the beautiful western part of New York, brought 
them to the large palisaded town of their enemies. Champlain pre- 
pared huge machines to overtop the rude wall, but his allies were 
rash and ungovernable, and their attacks failed. 

Disregarding the protections he devised, they rushed up to the 
foot of the palisade to fire it ; but from the gallery above the defenders 
hurled stones and poured down water from their large bark reservoirs. 
Their arrows darkened the air, and Huron after Huron fell dead or 
wounded. Champlain, fighting gallantly, received two wounds, and 
at last found the Hurons bent on abandoning the siege. They re- 
treated to tlicii- canoes, galled all the way through the forest-paths 
by the arrows of their foe. At last thev reached their canoes, and 



OR, on; t'OUXTKY S ACHIEVKME3STTS. 187 

'Were once more on Luke Ontario. Sueli was ilie .second battle fought 
by the French to secure the territory of >»\'\v Yori;. 

Various tradiug-conipauies from time to time coutroUed Canada, 
but Cardinal Richelieu at last formed one known as The New France 
Company. Under this, Canada had already begun to increase, when 
.an English fleet in 1628 ascended the river and destroyed a French 
post. A summons came to Champlain to surrender Quebec : l)ut 
rthough Kirk, the English commander, had just intercejited Ids supplies 
from France, he answered boldly, " I will hold Quebec to the last.' 

Kirk looked up at the rocky height of Quebec, and at the little fort, 
rand feared to attack. The next year he returned. Channplain and 
his little colony had almost perished during that dreary winter. 
He surrendered, and the flag of England waved over Cape Diamond. 
Champlain was almost recaptured on the Pt. Lawrence by a French 
vessel, but was taken to England. 

In 1632, Canada was restored to France, and Champlain returned 
:as Governor. A new impulse was given to colonization, and Cham- 
plain directed the little colony with great wisdom, till this Father 
•of New France died peacefully on the 25th of I)eceml)er, 1635. 
He left a name unsullied and unimpeached. He was a skillful navi- 
;gator, a brave commander, a prudent Governor, and a sincere, 
■upright, practical Christian. 

xVt this time posts existed at Quebec, Tadoussac, Three Rivers, 
and near Montreal, while the Jesuit missions extended from the 
siioutli of the St. La#rence to the Huron country, and a college was 
«open<M:I by them at Quebec, the earliest seat of learning in Northern 
America. 

Soon after the death of Champlain the Iroquois renewed their war 



188 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

on the Hurons, and prevented the French from carrying out a 
projected settlement in that part. But the jnissiouaries stood their 
gruuiiil, and though exposed to all the horrors of Indian cruelty, 
did not falter. 

Meanwhile a religious fervor was excited in France, and pious 
people were eager to aid the growth of Canada. In 1639 a ship 
arrived at Quebec, and from it came Ursuline nuns to open schools 
for French and Indian girls, and Hospital nuns to tend the sick. As 
they landed they knelt to kiss the soil of the New World. With the 
Ursulines came a young widow, Magdalen de la Peltrie, who fled from 
the s;aveties of France to give her fortune and her assistance to the 
Ursulines. Without becoming a nun she founded their convent and 
shared their labors. A venerable ash-tree still stands within the 
enclosure of the Ursuline convent at Quebec, beneath whose leafj 
shade this devoted lady, two hundred years ago, washed with her 
own hands and dressed in civilized garments the first little red pupils 
sent to the Ursulines to instruct. Her zeal was not momentary ; she 
spent her whole life in Canada, aiding in every good work, and 
when she died, in 1671, was mourned by the whole colony. 

In the general movement, in favor of Canada, Sillery, a Knight 
of Malta, sent means to found a settlement for Christian Indians, and & 
pious association in 1642 founded the city of Montreal. This city 
became the bulwark of Canada, for almost immediately a new Iroquois, 
war broke out, and the Five Nations attacked alike the French and 
their allies. Father Jogues, a Jesuit missionary, was captured and 
carried off a prisoner to the Mohawk, where one of his companions was; 
put to death, and he himself, after undergoing fenrfnl tortures, was at last 
with difTicultv rescued bv the kind-hearted Dutch colonists at Albanv. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 189 

To defend Canada and check the inroads of the Mohawks, Mont- 
magny, the Governor of Canada, whom these Indians called Onontio, 
built a fort at the mouth of the Sorel. 

One day, while the Governor's bark lay in the rapid Sorel, and the 
soldiers were busy on the fortification, the yell of the Indian broke 
the stillness of the forest, and a volley from Dutch muskets in their 
dusky hands rattled among them. Corporal du Rocher rallied his 
men, and the Mohawks, losing several of their braves, tied in confusion. 
The annals of Canada abound in heroic achievements. 

Ahasistari, a Huron chief, when Father Jogues was taken, refused to 
abandon him. "I vowed to .share thy fortunes, whether death or life. 
Lo, brother, here I am to keep mj' vow ! " He had been the terror 
of the Mohawks. Once, on Lake Ontario, he was surprised by a 
large force of Iroquois war canoes. " We are dead ! " cried his 
braves, "let us fly ! " -'No! no!" he exclaimed, "let us meet them 
rather," and seizing his paddle, made his canoe skim over the water 
towards them. Then, with a bound, he sprang into the foremost 
canoe, tomahawked one man, dashed two others into the water on 
either side, and upset the canoe. Before they could realize their 
position, he was swimming around with one hand and dealing with 
the right deadly blows with his terrible hatchet at every Mohawk 
head struggling in the water. With loud cries the other Mohawk 
canoes took flight, pursued by the Hurous, who picked up their 
gallant chief. 

Montreal could boast of a great Indian fighter in the town major^ 
Lambert Closse, whose skill and bravei'y often saved that frontier 
town from the Indians. One day in .Tuly. 1651, when the broiling 
sun poured down on tlio litflo town beneath the mountain of Montreal. 



190 THE STOEY OF A GKEAT NATIOK ; 

and all seemed to languish under the influence, the Sisters of the 
Hospital were startled by an Indian yell. Mohawks had glided 
into the town and crept up a ditch to their very door. Closse, with 
sixteen men, had been stationed there, and though the enemy were 
two hundred, he fought them steadily, almost hand to hand, from 
sunrise till the sun sank again in the west. 'Every sally told, for 
where Closse charged the Indians gave way, knowing his deadly 
aim and the weight of his arm. At one time they swarmed over 
the wall in such force that he could not drive them back, when his 
only cannon, loaded to its utmost, suddenly burst, killing one French- 
man, l)ut hurling a number of the Indians into the air in fragments 
and fiUins; the rest with terror. 

On another occasion the watch-dogs warned the Grovernor of 
Montreal that Indians were prowling around. Closse was sent out 
to reconnoitre. His scouts discovered (he enemy ; but he was in- 
otantl}' surrounded by several hundred Indians, who came on with 
fierce yells from the forest around, whose reddening autumn leaves 
were a banner of war. Closse saw at a glance his danger, and 
knowing an abandoned house near, made a bold push and cut his 
way through the enemy. They reached it with little loss, and, once 
inside, barricaded it well and cut loop-holes. Taken aback by his 
bold dash, the Mohawks had paused ; now, convinced of their error, 
they dashed on, but his deadly rifles carried death through their 
ranks. He kept up the fight till all his powder was gone, then a 
gallant fel.ow named Baston, under cover of their last volley, dashed 
out and reached ISIontreal at a run. With panting words he told the 
situation. Ten men started out with him, carrying ammunition and a 
small cannon. While some reached the house, the rest attacked 



oi: 



or It cuuxtky's achievements. Ifl 



the enemy in tlie rear, and then Closse, sallying out, routed them 
with terrible slaughter. 

The war was not constant. There were occasional lulls. Peace 
was made with great ceremony at Three Rivers, in July, 1645, and 
the Mohawks promised to bury the hatchet forever. Yet, when 
Fatliei- Jogues went as a missionary to their towns, he was seized 
and cruelly butchered. 

Then the war was renewed. One of their first acts was to surjn-ise 
and kill by treachery Pieskaret, a great Montagnais chief, a friend 
of the French, who, unsuspicious of hostilities, welcomed a party as 
friends and was killed on the spot. 

This Pieskaret was one of the bravest and most crafty of Indians on 
record. Once, with four comrades, he set out from Three Rivers, 
resolved to make the Iroquois pay dearly in atonement for the slaughter 
of his countrymen. Each of his party had three muskets loaded with 
two bullets chained together. 

Grim and silent, they paddled steadily up the Sorel. An Iroquois 
war party of fifty braves, in ten canoes, at last emerges in their siglit, 
and loud yells arise at the prize so near their grasp. Pieskaret 
and his men raise their death chant, standing erect, ready for their 
inevitalile doom. But as the enemy are about to seize them, their 
chant dies awaj', each stoops to seize a weapon, and fifteen bullets 
are sent through the frail elm-bark canoes of the ]\Iohawk braves. 
In a moment the whole war party was floundering in the rapid rivei', 
while Pieskaret paddled on, shooting and tomahawking, sparing only a 
few to lead otf as [)risoners to grace his triumph. 

Another time, as the snows began to disappear beneath the geninl 
warmth of spring, and all travel was suspended, he set out alone. 



19il THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

With infinite toil he threaded the intricacies of the woods, with their 
deep ravines and swelling torrents, till he came near the Mohawk 
country. Then he reversed his snow-shoes, putting the point behind. 
At last the smoke curling from the bark lodges showed him that a 
lown was reached. Concealing himself till night, he stole under 
cover of darkness into a cabin, cut down all there, and bore off theij" 
scalps to his lurking-place. With tlie dawn came the wild yells, 
the death cry, and the Mohawks swarmed out to find the assailant.. 
They found tracks entering the village, none going out. Three nights. 
in succession he did the same. The Mohawks durst not sleep. StilL 
Pieskaret watched, and stole warily around till he caught a Mohawk 
nodding at his post. He struck him down ; but his victim gave his- 
death cry. The whole village rushed out. Pieskaret, the fleetest 
runner known, soon distanced them, and hid himself A party in. 
pursuit stopped near by to rest. Pieskaret, ever on the alert, returned,, 
tomahawked them, and then made his way to the St. Lawrence with- 
the bloody trophies of his campaign. 

The Iroquois cantons poured an immense force into the Huron 
countrj', taking town after town, slaying many, carrying off some 
as prisoners, and putting others to death with the most fearful 
tortures. The Jesuit missionaries stood fearlessly by their flocks. 
Fathers John Brebeuf and Gabriel Lalemant were tortured for liours, 
enclosed in resiny bark, which was set on fire, burned from liead 
to foot with heated stones and iron, scalped, their flesh cut away and 
devoured before their eyes, till death put an end to their sufferings 
and crowned their triumph. Nor were they the oulj' ones : in the 
Huron towns, on their pious journej^s among peaceful tribes, the- 
missionaries were slain amid their pious labors. 



OR, OUU COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 193 

In a short time Upper Canada was a desert, and the French posts 
on the St. Luwreuce were in a state of siege. 

At a moment when all seemed lost, the Iroquois of their own 
accord appeared, bearing, the white tlag. Men could scarce believe 
their senses when these fierce warriors offered peace and invited the 
French to begin a settlement at Onondaga, and establish missions 
there. 

On the northern shore of Lake Onondaga the French settlement 
•of St. Mary's, with its Christian mission, was begun in 1656, and the 
truths of the gospel were proclaimed from the Mohawk to the Niagara. 
Everything betokened success, when signs which there was no mis- 
taking, warned them that the treacherous savages were planning their 
massacre. The nearest post was Montreal, and to reach it seemed 
impossible. 

A plan was formed. Silently and cautiously they made several 
large boats within their houses, and collected there all canoes that 
could be obtained. When all was ready, a young man, who had been 
adopted by the Onondagas, met the chiefs. 

"I must give a feast to my red brothers, a bounteous feast, where 
all must be eaten." 

"It is well." 

The little bundles of sticks denoting the number of days to the feast 
were distributed. All the live-stock were killed, and the feast began. 
By the rules of the Indians each brave is compelled to eat all set 
before him, and the French heaped the bark platters. Music and 
dances varied the entertainment, and they ate away till it was far 
into the night. Then the gorged and weary savages crawled to their 
lodges, and were soon lost in a heavy slumber. When all had become 



194 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION. 

still in the Indian village, the French got down their last boate, and 
loading thcin, embarked. All night long they plied the paddle and 
the oar, and da}' saw them beyond pursuit. The wide, open lake, 
Ontario, is reached at last, and keeping well off shore, they threaded 
the Thousand Islands and darted down the St. Lawrence to Montreal. 
Meanwhile, their guests, after sleeping far into the day, roused up, 
and by degrees strolled to the French settlement. All was still. 
"They sleep heavy," said the Indians. But when the sun began to 
descend towards the west their curiosity became excited. There was 
no answer to their knock. At last, some bolder than the rest, climbed 
and reached a window and entered. From room to room they wan- 
dered. The Frenchmen had gone. Then they were perplexed. "The 
Frenchman had no boats," said they. " He has gone by magic, he has 
walked through the air, for he has left no trail on land." 

Again the French colony was scourged by a desolating Indian war, 
interrupted by occasional gleams of peace, due, especially, to Garakon- 
thie, an Onondaga chief, who became a Christian and sought to bring 
his tribe to the arts of Christianity and peace. 

In 1662 a change took place in the government, by which the 
Company ceased to contr^-.l Canada, and it ,became a royal pro- 
vince. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Xew Netherland — Hudson's Discovciy — Christiaensen — Valentine and Orson — Block builds 
the "Onrust," the first New York vessel — New York and Albany Settled — Treaty of Tawa- 
sentha — Dutch West India Company — Purchase of New York Island — The New Nether- 
land — Indian Troubles — Captain Underbill and the Battle of Strickland's Plain — Th« 
Swedes on the Delaware — They are reduced by Stuyvesant — Troubles with New England — 
New Netherland taken by the English. 

On the 3d of September, 1609, a little two-masted yacht of not 
more than eighty tons, such as gentlemen now use for pleasure, 
cautiously sailed in between Coney Island and Sandy Hook, and 
anchored in a bay that seemed alive with fish. From the masthead 
floated the orange- white-blue banner of Holland, but the commander 
was an English navigator of long experience, who had sailed to find 
here what Smith sought up the Chickahominy, a passage to India. 

All around was beautiful.* A white sandy beach, with its plum- 
bushes, then towering oaks, pine, and cedar, meadows of rich green 
grass, enamelled with the flowers of early autumn, the iron-weed with 
its purple masses, the thistle and deep, dark, sumach berries, with 
snowy masses of aster. Around him was a noble harbor, a capa- 
cious basin which received the waters of large rivers. Ere long the 
Half Moon was approached by canoes, dug-outs of wood, with natives 
wondering at his little craft, as though it were some Ark of the 
earliest, or Great Eastern of latest date. In mantles of feathers and 
robes of fur, with rude copper necklaces, they at first gazed in won- 
der : when at last they saw that tlie new-comers were men, they ap- 
proached with beans and clams to offer. Cautiously did Henry Hudson 
enter Newark Bay, and sailed up the river that still bears his name, 
till he anchored beneath the .shadow of tlie majestic Cat.skills. Further 



196 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

on he landed in an Indian canoe. A feast was spread for him 
by a chief: pigeons were shot for their guest, and a dog prei)ared; 
but Hudson did not stay to enjoy it, though the Indians, to dispel 
all fear, broke their bows and arrows and threw them into the fire. 

Near where Albany stands he traded for several days, and gave 
liquor to the Indians so freely, that the tribes long retained the memory 
of this first revel and use of drinks that were to prove their ruin. 

On his way down he had a collision with the natives, and killed 
several of them near Fort Washington. Then, hoisting sail, he glided 
into the bay and was soon once more on the open sea. Reaching 
England first, he sent a report to Holland, but was detained by the 
government, and not allowed to return in person to his Dutch em- 
ployers. 

But the way was opened to the energetic sons of Holland. Dutch 
ships at once began to run over and cari;y on trade with the natives 
for furs. Henry Christiaensen, of Cleves, the real father of the Dutch 
colonj' of New Netherland, led the way, and on his second voyage, in 
IGll, with Adrian Block, who has left his name to an island which 
Tou will find near Narragansett Buy, took back a good ship-load 
of furs and two young men, sons of Indian chiefs on the Hudson. 
In allusion to the old fairy tale, and probably from their different dispo- 
sitions, the Dutch called these two young men Valentine and Orson. 
They were educated in Holland, and subsequently returned to the 
Hudson, but were of little service to the Dutch. Orson was an Orson 
indeed : not long after he caused Christiaensen's death, and was shot 
down on the spot. 

In 1613 Block met with a misfortune. His little vessel, while in 
the waters near Manhattan Island, took fire and was destroyed. 



OR, OUR COUNTRY'S ACHIEVEMENTS. 197 

So he wintered on the island, dreaming, perhaps, of the great city one 
day to cover it. Block's log-cabius were the first white dwellings 
in the State. With ftoiit heart he and his men set to work to repair 
their loss, and the yacht Onrnst, which they built, was the first vessel 
ever launched in New York waters. So began the settlement and 
industry of New York. 

The next 3'ear Christiaensen threw up a little block-house on 
Castle Island, just below Albany. It was called Fort Nassau, and 
our readers can readily picture it to their own minds. As you 
approached the island you saw a stockade of stout timbers, fifty-eight 
feet square. If you landed and made your way up the low island, 
you found that the fort was surrounded by a ditch eighteen feet wide. 
Crossing this, 3'ou entered the ])alisade to find a substantial Dutch 
trading-house, twenty-six feet wide by thirty-six long. To this came 
in canoes, Mohegans from the east, Mohawks and River Indians from 
the west, to sell the furs taken in their winter hunts. 

It was soon after this that Christiaensen, who had made ten voyages 
from Holland to the Hudson, met his death as we have mentioned, 
a sad end to his active career. 

The States-Greneral, as the Grovernment of Holland was called, 
now began to notice the new acquisition. They named the country 
New Netherland, authorized a trading company, and in 1614 issued 
a charter. Thus the Dutch colony took its place. IVIanhattan, which 
is the Indian word for island, became a well-known place. 

The little Dutch colony now sought the alliance of the most powerful 
Indian tribe in the land, the Iroquois, or Five Nations, and in 1617 
concluded a treaty with them at Tawasentha, or Norman's Kill. 
This treaty, held with delegates from various tribes, and especially 



1 98 THE STORY OF A fiREAT NATION ; 

with the powerful Mohawks, became the great bulwark of the colony. 
From that day the Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas, and 
Senecas looked upon the colonists as friends, and by the influence 
'le}^ exercised over the other tribes, prevented many hostilities. In 
fact, they never wavered, even when the English took the colony, 
but continued friendly down to the time of our Revolution, when the 
British Government used them to desolate our frontier settlements. 

The Dutch, centering at Manhattan, explored the coast as. far as 
Narragansett Bay and the Delaware ; but the Connecticut and Dela- 
ware were claimed as the limits of the colony. 

In 1621 a great company of merchants was formed, called the 
Dutch West India Company, and to it New Netherland was conveyed. 
The colony remained in the control of this Company till the time of 
the English conquest. It set to work witli activity to increase the 
settlement and extend trade. Colonists came over and settled where 
Albany now stands, and in 1622 Fort Orange was erected there. 
Another fort grew up near Gloucester, New Jersey, on the banks of 
the Delaware, while the rocky island of Manhattan began to be dotted 
with houses. Around these posts ground was cleared, grain planted, 
and an industrious, simple, thriving population was formed. 

Under Cornelis Jacobsen May, the first Director or Governor of New 
Netherland, live-stock in considerable quantities was sent over in 
1624, and the Indians saw for the first time horses, cattle, sheep, 
and swine, domestic animals of which they had no idea. 

The next Director, Peter Minuit, is famous for a purchase which 
he made. He bought Manhattan Island of the natives for sixty 
guilders, equal to about twenty-four dollars, and this paid in trinkets, 
and what was worse, in liquor. 



on, oru country's achievements. 19!) 

We have seen what Jamestown, ihe first English town, was. What 
New York was in those days we can also tell pretty well. Below 
what is now the Bowling Green, negro slaves who had been brought 
in, were building Fort Amsterdam ; near its rising walls were the 
bark houses of the Dutch settlers, made at first much like those of 
the natives ; each man lived on his own little farm, and all were busy, 
some building more substantial houses, some trading with the Indians, 
the mechanics plying their different trades, while cattle browsed in the 
rich meadows. There was no church or minister ; the settlers met for 
worship in a large room in a horse mill, to which a bell, captured 
from a Spanish vessel, called them to the services, which were directed 
by two men, called Consolers of the Sick. 

They were good-hearted, cheerful, industrious, practical people, 
without the reckless misgovernment of the early settlers at James- 
town. 

In 1626, Van Krieckebeeck, Commandant at Fort Orange, foolishly 
intermeddled in an Indian war, and with six men joined a Mohegan 
war party against the Mohawks ; but they had not gone many miles 
before they Avere suddenly attacked. A shower of flint-headed arrows 
swept through their ranks. The Dutch commander and three of his 
men were killed, the rest fled ; two of them, Portuguese soldiers, barely 
escaped, one of them being severely wounded in the back while 
swimming a river. Fortunately for the Dutch the Mohawks did not 
follow up this victory, but became friendly again, and the Dutch, 
Jtaught by this lesson, never again attacked them. 

A great event took place in 1631. The Dutch West India Com- 
pany, to show the importance of the colony, built at New Amsterdam, 
as New York was then called, a ship called the New Netherland, of 



200 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

six hundred tons. It was the largest vessel yet built in America, 
»nd probably one of the greatest merchant vessels of its time in the 
«?orld. The little town must have watched its progress, and grown 
wild with enthusiasm, when it at last glided down into the water, 
and was duly named, with a bottle of wine broken over the bow. 
And when, fully rigged, she took in her cargo of furs and other New 
Netherland commodities, how all followed her with their eyes as she 
moved grandly down to the Narrows, beyond Sandy Hook, to the 
open sea! Every man felt a personal pride in the noble ship, every 
timber of which grew in the colony, and which bore out a cargo of 
purely colonial productions. 

But while all were thus prospering, a terrible massacre occurred on 
the Delaware, caused bj' a trifling thing. At Swanendael, near where 
Lewiston is now, the Dutch had planted a post with the arms of 
Holland painted on a tin plate. An Indian chief took this down to 
make pipes of it. Hossett, the Dutch commander, made great com- 
plaints at this insult to his country. The Indians, not understanding 
this, but supposing it to be what they call some big medicine, killed 
the chief and brought his scalp to the Dutch. His family, to avenge 
his death, planned a general massacre of the Dutch, and while they 
were all scattered in the fields at work, three of the boldest entered 
Hossett's house, pretending they had come to buy some articles, and 
as he came down the ladder, killed him. A large dog kept at the 
little fort caused them some alarm, but they killed it Avith twenty-five 
arrows, and then stole out and cut down all the settlers one by one. 
Then the silence of the grave hung over the desolate valley. 

The Dutch were more successful on the Connecticut, where, in 1633, 
Arendt Van Curler bought of the Pequods and Mohegans land for a 



OK, ouii country's achievements. 201 

meadow south of Little River, near the present city of Hartford 
Here the little fort Good Hope was erected, and with its caniioa 
tried to hold the river. But the people of New England had also 
Jearned to trade in furs, and they, in spite of the Dutch, ran past 
Fort Good Hope and settled at Windsor. In a few years they took 
possession of the mouth of the river, and the Dutch were driven back 
towards the Hudson. 

New Dutch settlements grew up on the Delaware, but in 1638 a 
Swedish colouy came over under Peter Minuits, and established 
Fort Christina, near Wilmington. The Dutch protested, but the 
Swedes held on ; emigrants came over, and a little Swedish settlement 
was formed, with its Lutheran church. They cultivated friendship witl 
the Indian tribes, and showed more zeal than the Dutch or Virginiam 
did to convert them to Christianity. 

The Dutch colony advanced steadily. The fruits of Europe were 
planted and throve, and all was prosperous, when Indian troubles 
arose in 1640, and Governor Kieft sent an expedition against the Rari- 
tans which ravaged their fields and killed many. The Raritans, who 
had really done the Dutch no wrong, retaliated by attacking the Dutch 
settlements on Staten Island. 

Then a Westchester Indian murdered a man on Manhattan Island, and 
as his tribe refused to give him up, on the ground that he did it to retal- 
iate the murder of his uncle by the Dutch, Kieft sent an expedition 
against them, and they made peace, promising to give up the murderer 

Other hostilities followed ; the whole colony was alarmed, aHC 
from the Mohawk came tidings that that fiei'ce tribe were at war with 
the French, and actually had a French missionary in their hands, oo 
whom thev h;td inflicted terrible cruelties. 



202 THE STORY OP A GGF.AT NATION ; 

Kieft massacred Indian parties at Jersey City, Corlaer's Hook, and 
on Long Island. Then the war became general ; the Dutch were 
attacked in the fields and on rivers, and at last found it necessary 
to raise an army. They gave command to Captain John Underhill, an 
old Indian fighter from New England. Anne Hutchinson's settlement 
was, however, destroyed by the Westchester Indians, and Lady 
Moody's plantation at Gravesend was saved only by the bravery 
of the colonists, who were attacked by a host of Indians ; but a settle- 
ment at Maspeth was broken up. 

Fort Amsterdam was a scene of confusion : from all parts the 
settlers came crowding in with all thev could save from their burning 
houses and fields, and while famine threatened the land, Kieft, the 
luthor of all the mischief, coolly sent off to the West Indies two 
shiploads of grain. 

It was while the little town on Manhattan Island was in such a 
state of distress, that the missionary Isaac Jogues, whom the Diitck 
at Albany had rescued, visited it, and gives us a description which is 
very interesting. It was then, as it has always since been, a place 
for men of all languages and religions. 

As the war went on, LTnderhill destroyed two Indian villages near 
Hempstead, Long Island, killing more than a hundred. 

In another expedition, marching over rocks and snow from Green- 
wich, he came up to an Indian village, standing out in the strong 
moonlight from the mountain behind. It was full of Indians, who 
yelled defiance. On charged the Dutch ; but the Indians sallied 
bravely out, fighting till a hundred and eighty lay dead on the snow, 
and many Dutch fell under the Indian arrows. Then Underhill 
managed to fire the village, and of the seven hundred Indians only 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 203 

eight escaped ; all the rest were slain or perished in the flames. Such 
was the battle of Strickland's Plain, the most terrible Indian battle in 
early New York annals. 

At last, in 1645, a great council of the Indian tribes convened al 
Fort Amsterdam. And in lYont of it, under the open skv, in view 
of the noble harbor, Sachems of all the tribes seated themselves in 
grave silence in presence of the Governor and Council, and solemnly 
smoking the pipe of peace, bound themselves to eternal friendship 
with the Dutch. 

Under Peter Stuyvesant, who became Governor in 1647 a more 
vigorous government was established, and order introduced. But 
the English kept encroaching from the Connecticut, and the Swedes 
were troublesome on the Delaware. At last the Swedes, under 
Rising, seized Fort Casimir. 

Then, one Sunday in September, 1655, the largest armament that 
had ever j'et sailed out of New York Bay, started for the Delaware. 
There were seven vessels, led by the flag-ship the Balance, Captain 
Frederick De Koninck, and carrying in all nearly seven hundred 
men. 

Stuyvesant himself was in command. Fort Casimir was soon re- 
taken, and the Dutch fleet anchored in the mouth of the Brandywine, 
and invested Fort Christina on all sides. Finding it useless to attempi 
a defence. Rising, the Swedish Governor, capitulated, Sept. 25, 1655. 
and the Swedish colony in America ceased to exist. 

But meanwhile New Amsterdam was in danger. Provoked hy 
the murder of a squaw, Indians from Stamford to Esopus, and from 
the banks of the Hudson, gathered, nenrly two tho\isand in number. 
Before daybreak their fleet of canoes reached the lower end of the 



204 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

island, and scattered through the streets of the sleeping town. They 
did not at once commence hostilities, though they robbed several 
houses. When day cami% the authorities in the fort called the Sachems 
to a conference, and nuide them promise to leave the town before 
sunset ; but towards evening they killed two men ; then the people 
rallied and drove the Indians -to the canoes. Why they hesitated to 
destroy the town in the morning is not known ; but now roused, they 
ravaged Hoboken, Pavonia, now Jerse}^ City, and Staten Island, 
killing a hundred settlers, and carrying off a hundred and fifty more, 
leaving naught but ruins and ashes where all had been thriving 
farms. 

Stuyvesant's return restored confidence : many of the captives were 
recovered, but he was not strong enough to punish them for the 
massacre. 

When, however, the Esopus Indians attacked the settlement there, 
killing many and burning several of their prisoners at the stake, 
Stuyvesant led an expedition against them in September, 1659, but 
was unable to follow them in their forest retreats. The next year he 
took some prisonei-s and sent them to the West Indies as slaves. 
This and the cajituro and death of their chief Preummaker forced the 
Esopus Indians to ask peace, and a treaty was solemnly concluded 
by Stuyvesant in the presence of delegates of tribes from the Mohawk 
to the Susquehainia. 

But they did not forget their comrades sold into slavery, and in 
1663 again attacked the Dutch, killing twenty-one and carrying off 
nearly fifty prisoners. An expedition under Kregier started in pur- 
suit over rocks and mountains, and at last, in September, overtook 
them at Shawangunk Kill. Here a. desperate fight took place, but 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 205 

Papequanaehen, the Esopus chief, and Ibiirteen warriors fell ; the rest 
fled, and Kregier took many prisoners, recovered most of the Dntch 
captives, and returned in triumph. 

But the colony was doomed. The English Government had de- 
termined to seize it. Charles II. granted New Netherland to hi& 
brother James, Duke of York, and in August, 1664, an English fleet 
anchored within the bay and summoned Stuyvesant to surrender. 
The Dutch Governor hesitated. Nicolls, the English commander, 
occupied Brooklyn, and anchored two ships before the wretched fort. 
Even then Stuyvesant would have resisted, but he yielded to the voice 
of the people, and on the 6th of September, 1664, a capitulation was 
agreed to, and New Netherland became New York. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The Settlement of New England— The Pilgrim Fathers— Landing at Plymouth Rock— Milea 
Standish— Massachusetts Bay— New Hampshire — Roger Williams and Mrs. Hutchinson — 
Providence Plantations and Rhode Island Founded— Settlement of Hartford and New 
Haven — The United Colonies — The Pequod War — John Eliot, the Apostle of the Indians — 
Persecution of the Quakers — Settlement of Maryland — Toleration — Indian Relations—Civil 
War. 

The colonies thus far settled on the coast, were formed by the 
spirit of adventure or commerce. Religious affairs were attended 
to in Virginia, New Sweden, New Netherland, but other colonie.g 
were now to be formed in which religion was the motive and the 
absorbing idea. 

England had, at the Reformation, separated from the Church of 
Rome. During the reign of Edward VT. a new church organizntion. 



206 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

was established, which, under Elizabeth, consolidated into the Church 
of England. Many of the people, however, and especially those who 
ill Queen Mary's reign had been in Geneva, wished many things 
altered which were retained by the Church of England. These were 
known as Separatists, Independents, and Puritans. 
• Elizabeth and her successor, James I., wished to compel all to join 
■the Church of England, and severe laws were passed against Catholics 
who clung to Rome, and the Puritans, who deemed the Church of 
England not sufficiently reformed. They could worship God according 
to the dictates of their conscience only in concealment and by stealth. 

Among the Puritan congregations thus formed, was one guided by 
John Robinson, at Scrooby, in Yorkshire. After suffering for more 
than a year, they resolved to seek refuge in Holland, where the 
Church of the land was in harmony with their views, and where some 
of their fellow-believers were already settled. 

A Dutch captain was approached, and passage secured in his ship 
for a large party. But he was a traitor. The Pilgrims, long used to 
caution, stole down by night, and reached the ship with such of their 
household goods as they could carry without exciting suspicion. They 
trod the deck, and rejoiced in their escape from pursuivants. 

But the anchors were not hoisted, no preparation made to sail, and 
•ere long the vessel was boarded by the minions of the law, and the 
whole party hurried to the shore and confined in prison. Yet they 
■did not lose heart. 

The next spring an unfrequented heath in Lincolnshire, where the 
wide Humbcr seeks the ocean, silent, serious men gathered with their 
families, modest, shrinking women, fearful children. All felt the im- 
portance of the moment, and its danger. The boats from the ship at 



OK, OUR country's achikvkjients. 207 

last came througli the ciiriing waves, and some embarked. All was 
yet sate, but, us a boat sped onward to the ship, the cries of women 
and children, still left behind, thrilled them to tlie heart. The soldiery 
were upon ihem ; .shots came rattling' towards the boat ; the helpless 
ones on the shore were surrounded and dragged oil". Agony filled 
the hearts of those on the ship and those on shore ; but the magistrates, 
unable to send to their homes those who no longer had a home, soon 
allowed them to follow their husbands and fathers. 

In Holland they found welcome from their countrj-men and from the 
Dutch at Amsterdam, but as some dissensions grew up, Robinson 
removed to Leyden, and he and his flock, by severe industry, man- 
aged to live. But there was much around that was new and strange. 
They thought of America. Their first idea was to settle in New 
Netherland, but the Dutch authorities declined. Then they applied 
to the Virginia Company, and after great difficulty obtained a Patent 
-which was in reality never used. But it decided their action. 

Then all was activity in the little colony of exiles at Leyden. Every 
•preparation that their povei'ty jjermitted was made for the long and 
venturesome voyage to an unknown land. 

All did not go : Rol)inson and many more were to remain at 
Leyden. These accompanied the Pilgrims to Delft Haven, where 
they were to embark on the Speedwell. There they feasted together. 
Robinson, their pastor, performed ])rayer, and with floods of tears the 
Pilgrims were escorted to the ship in silence, each heart being too full 
for words. 

At Southampton they met the Mayflower, and the emigrants were 
divided between the two vessels. There they bore away for the 
A.merican coast. The Speedwell did not do justice to her name. In 



208 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

a few days she proved unseaworthj'. They put back to Plymouth 
Some remained in England : all who could lind room embarked in th(» 
Mayflower, one of the famous ships in American histor}', that many 
fiarailies look back to as the noble ark that bore their ancestors to ouj 
shores. 

Sailing on the Gth of September, the little vessel bore one hundred 
and two souls, men, women, and children. The equinoctial stormy 
swept the ocean, and their voyage was long and dangerous. At last 
the first glimpse of land cheered their sinking hearts. They were neai 
Cape Cod, and ran South, but soon turned back and anchored withip 
the cape. 

Within the cabin they now drew up a covenant, or agreement, foi 
their future government, as they had no Charter, not being in the limit? 
of the Virginia Company. It was the first self-governing community 
in America. 

Bleak as was the coast, and appalling as was the idea of wintering^ 
there, all were eager to land. Boats set out to explore the coast and 
seek a suitable harbor. These parties sufi"ered greatly in their ex- 
amination of the sandy, snow-clad shore. At last they decided upon 
Plymouth Harbor, as it has henceforth been called. Here, on the 21st 
of December, 1620, they landed on a rock that is as famous a.s the 
Mayflower that anchored before it. 

There was no time for rest. At once the axe rung in the sharp' 
winter air. On a bold hill overlooking the bay a rude fort was thrown 
up and their few cannon planted on it. At its foot two rows of huts 
were laid out and staked, to accommodate nineteen families. Leyden 
Street still marks the path on which these first white houses stood. 
This was not done in a day. For weeks they toiled incessantly in 



OR, ouPw country's achievements. 209 

snow, and sleet, and rain. But there was cessation. No necessity 
seemed to dispense with the sacred day of rest. The first Sundaj' 
of the Pilgrims, when they met for solcnni worship, not in grand 
cathedral or plainest room, but under the winter sk}', with no i)ro- 
tection but the rude tent beside them, is a picture of their earnest faith 
and sincerity. 

But the severities of the winter on the bleak coast, with such shelter 
as they could form, i)rostrated many. Death entered the little com- 
munity, and before the sjiriug came to cheer them with hope, one-half 
the little colony lay buried on the bank. 

But none were disheartened. They had found some Indian corn 
buried by the natives, and had used it, intending, when required, to 
make compensation. With the spring the}' would plant and l)e able to 
do for themselves. 

Then Providence sent them Squando. He was an Indian who had 
been taken to London, where he had learned English and lieen well 
treated. He joined the Pilgrims, and was useful in a thousand ways. 
He showed them how and when to catch fish ; to use the bony fish that 
came in shoals, as a manure for the sandy sail, planting the corn, so to 
say, in fish ; he was their interpreter with his countrymen. He was 
their faithful friend till they closed his eyes in death. 

Early in the spring an Indian of commanding presence stalked into 
the little village, and said in English, well enough to be understood : 
" Welcome, Englishmen ! " It was Samoset, a neighboring chief, and 
never did friendly words come sweeter to human ears. 

They had seen few Indians, and now learned that sickness had 
nearly left the land a desert. Plymouth Colony had begun. In 
England, meanwhile. King James had, in 1G20, incorporated a new 



i^[0 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Corapaay, called the Council of Plymouth, consisting of forty members 
and had bestowed upon them all the territorj'' of North America 
between the fortieth and forty-eighth degrees, with the fisheries, and a 
heavy duty on the tonnage. 

The little colony, falling within the Jurisdiction of this Company, 
solicited a Charter, and obtained one in 1621. John Carver, chosen 
the iirst Governor, on board the Mayflower, died from the hardships 
of the Iirst winter, and William Bradford was chosen. Their military 
leader, should occasion require his services, was Miles Standish. 

Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, who dwelt north of Narragan- 
sett Bay, came soon to visit the Pilgrims, and was received with all the 
ceremonies their poverty permitted. A treaty of friendship was soon 
formed, and Massasoit was alwaj^s true to his pledge. Canonicus, the 
chief of the Narragansetts, was not so amicable. One day an Indian 
stalked in, bearing a bundle of arrows tied in a rattlesnake's skin, from 
Ihis chieftain, his challenge and defiance. Governor Bradford replied 
in the same language of signs. He stuffed the serpent's skin with 
powder and ball, and sent it back. This awed the chieftain and 
prevented a war. 

The first Indian troiables arose from no fault of the Plymouth 
settlers. They had come to America by the help of a kind of stock 
Company, in which some English merchants had advanced money. 
One of these, a man named Weston, thinking that his money would 
not repay him soon enough, sent over a set of settlers on his own 
account. Like most of those who came to other settlements, these 
were idle, thriftless men. They intri\ded themselves on the people 
of Plymouth for some months, consuming their scanty provisions, but 
doing nothing to help the colony. At last they began their own settle- 



OK, OURi,£IOUNTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 211 

ment at Wissagusse^, now Weymouth, on the south skore of Massa- 
chusetts Bay. As such men always did, they soon began to feel a 
want of provisions, and attempted to obtain a supply from the Indians 
I)y violence. The natives formed a i)lot to destroy all the English on 
the coast. A terrible fate thus menaced the little band at Plymouth. 
Their friend Massasoit la_y dying, but hearing, as he lay stretched on 
the mat in his wigwam, the danger of his allies, he sent to warn ihem. 
Standish was authorized by the colony to act. With a promptness 
that has made his name famous among Indian fighters, this brave man 
marched at once upon Wetawamot, the head of the conspiracy, sur- 
prised and killed him with several of his men. The reckless band who 
had brought about these troubles, broke up their settlement, and 
Plymouth remained the only white post in what is now Massachusetts. 

Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who had befriended the Pilgrims, and was 
gratified by their success, obtained for himself and John Mason a grant 
for a tract which he styled Laconia, extending from Salem to the 
Kennebec. They began the work of colonization lavishly, and sent 
out men who on the whole proved worthy settlers, though few in 
number. Portsmouth and Dover in New Hampshire, settled by these 
pioneers, rank next to Plymouth as the oldest New England towns. 

Other settlements were started at various points along the shore, 
most of which failed. Among these was one begun by WoUaston and 
conducted for a time by Morton, a rollicking fellow, who called the place 
Merry Mount, set free the indentured servants, erected a maypole, 
and kept up a wild career, till the people of Plymouth, shocked at his 
wndu it, sent an armed party which arrested Morton and sent him out 
of the country. 

The founders of Plymouth were Separatists. The Puritans did not; 



•i]2 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

wish to separate from the Church of England, but to remain in it and 
reform it. These, now still more stern and severe, founded Massa- 
chusetts Bay. Tlie originator of the project was Mr. White, a Puritan 
clergyman of Dorchester, England, who, after rousing the interest of 
his fellow-believers, obtained from the Plymouth Company the grant 
of a large tract from the Charles to the Merrimac, and three miles 
beyond each of those rivers. To carry out the new settlement, John 
Endicott, a stern, courageous man, was chosen as Governor. 

I-n June, 1628, he was sent out with a small party, including his 
•own family. More fortunate than the Pilgrims, they arrived in Sep- 
tember, and gathering the scattered settlers on the coast founded 
Salem. Charles I. incorporated the adventurers under whom the 
colony was founded as " The Grovernor and Company of Massachusetts 
Bay in New England." Colonists soon poured in, chiefly from Boston 
in Lincolnshire, and clerg3'meu of Puritan views were sent as guides 
for the new settlers ; some, who came full of attachment to the Church 
of England, were promptly sent back. At first the government of the 
• colony was managed in England, but as soon as it was transferred to 
America, there was a great increase in the number and rank of the 
emigrants, many being persons of high character, wealth, and learning. 

In 1G30 fifteen ships sailed from England for Massachusetts Bay, 
bearing about a thousand emigrants, carrying all that was needed for 
a permanent and successful settlement. It was the most important 
expedition that had yet sailed from England for the New World. 

John Winthrop, the new Governor, with Dudley and others, em- 
V)arked on the Arbella, so called in compliment to Lady Arbella 
Johnson, one of the emigrants. They arrived in June, and settled 
Boston. From the time they said their last "Farewell, England! " to 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 213 

the receding sliores of their native land, till the}' reached that of their 
hopes, religious services were maintained daily on the ships. The 
same spirit prevailed when they landed, and in all the little settlements 
formed as at Plymouth, a religious tone prevailed. They disregai'ded 
King and Bishop, they formed their own church discipline, elected their 
pastors, and made their Geneva Bible their sole guide and law. 

Thus were Boston, Dorcliester, and Watertown added to the list of 
settlements. 

Although the new colonists were not subjected to the terrible priva- 
tions and hardships which the Pilgrims at Plymouth experienced, still 
thej' had much to suffer. Those sent out under Endicott to prepare the 
way had done little, and had no provisions laid up. The sea voyage 
had brought sickness and debility ; delays in forming suitable shelter, 
and a severe winter told sadly on the community, so that before 
December two hundred died. Some lost heart in the spring, and 
returned to England, but the great majority remained. 

In a General Court held in 1631, they carried their religious views 
so far as to allow no man to become a freeman, or vote, who was imt a 
church member ; and as the number of these was small, not one-fourth 
the men were ever allowed to vote. 

Driven from England by harsh measures, they had little idea them- 
selves of religious freedom. In their zeal they wished to force all to 
embrace their views or depart. Genuine religious freedom, the right 
of every one to hold his own religious views without dictation from the 
State, or loss of his civil rights, is one of the happy doctrines of our 
times. 

Massachusetts grew. Settlers came over year by year ; ferries were 
established ; water-mills and wind-mills brought the elements to roll the 



i>14 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

wheels for man's use, and the coasting vessels of the thriving colonists 
ran along the coast, to the Dutch at New Amsterdam, and their fellow- 
Englishmen in Virginia. 

The Indian tribes respected their energy and activity. The Sachem 
of the Mohegans came from the Connecticut with glowing accounts of 
that valley, to invite the Puritans to settle there as a protection 
against the Pequods ; the Nipraucks sought their protection against the 
Mohawks ; Miantonomoh, the Narragansett warrior, became the guest 
of Winthrop. 

So strong did the settlers feel, that when the English Government 
appointed a Royal Colonial Commission, to revise the laws, regulate the 
Church, and revoke Charters, Massachusetts prepared to resist, and 
appointed men to manage the threatened war. 

Troubles were, however, to begin at home. Among the emigrants 
•who came over to Boston in the Lion, in 1G31, was Roger Williams, a 
young and enthusiastic clergyman. lie claimed a larger freedom of 
opinion than the Puritans relished, and yet had himself many strangely 
fanatical ideas. He did not join the Church at Boston, but was re- 
ceived at Plymouth, and after a time v/elcomed by Endicott at Salem. 
There, by declaiming against the cross in the English flag, he induced 
Endicott to cut it out. The General Court of Massachusetts condemned 
Salem for receiving him, and when Williams remonstrated, they passed 
sentence of banishment against him, though, as winter was nigh, they 
allowed him to remain at Salem till spring. His friends increased day 
by day. The Boston clergy sent to seize him in mid-winter, and ship 
him off to England. Three days before the officers reached Salem, 
Williams, bidding adieu to his family, left that settlement during a 
storm, plunging into the wintry woods. Fourteen weeks he wandered 



OR, OITR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 215 

on, often with no house but a liullow tree, suffering Iroiu hunger, cold, 
aud hardship. The lodges of xMassassoil at Muuiit Hope aud ol Cauou- 
icus at last offered him a shelter. The country on the Narragansett 
Bay was now the object of his future plans. Here, beyond the limits 
of previous Patents, the high-minded Williams already prepared to found 
a new colony, which should be a home of religious and civil freedom. 

A beautiful bend on the Seekonk River, now known as Manton's 
€ove, invited him. Massassoit granted him lands, and here in the 
spring Williams began to build aud j)lant. But his friend Wiuthrop 
warned him that he was within the limits of Plymouth, so he left his 
cleared helds and his half-built house. In June, 1636, a frail Indian 
canoe bore him with five companions (o the spot now called Slate Rock. 
As they glided to the shore some Indians fi'om tlie heights welcomed 
them with the friendly salutation, "What cheer, Xetop, what cheer?'' 
Keeping on to the mouth of the Mooshausic River, he landed, and 
upon the beautiful hillside rising from the river's edge, he descried a 
spring, and around it commenced the settlement which in a s|Mrit ot 
thankfulness he named Providence. A beautiful city now covers the 
spot, but Roger Williams' spring is not forgotten or neglected. One 
doctrine of his had given offence in Massachusetts. He maintained 
that even under a Patent from the King, men should buy the lands 
of the Indians. True to this, he purchased of Canonicus and Mianto- 
noraoh the lands he required, jealous as those chiefs were of English 
intrusion. He paid for the lands out of his own scanty means, but 
gave lands to settlers who came in as a free gift. 

The little community throve uudor this kindly spirit, binding them- 
selves to obey all orders made lor the public good by the majority of 
the settlers. 



21 G THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

The severity shown towards Roger Williams did not crush all free- 
dom of thought at Massachusetts Bay. A gifted and brilliant woman, 
Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, began to express religious views that did nut 
harmonize with what was already firmly established. The meetings at 
her house were attended by many persons of superior intelligence and 
worth. Among those who embraced her opinions was a clergyman of 
the name of Wheelwright, who became her firm supporter. There had 
come over, about these times, a brilliant public man of high rank and' 
influence in England, Sir Henry Yane. The people of Massachusetts 
were so taken with him, that in spite of his youth and his ignorance of 
their systems, the)" chose him Governor. His ideas could not be 
cramped by the narrow system of Massachusetts, and he lost his 
popularity by advocating the cause of Mrs. Hutchinson. At last he 
resolved to leave a place so uncongenial, and sailed back to England. 
There he took an active part in the Puritan movement that overthrew 
Charles I., and finally died on the scaffold. 

Mrs. Hutchinson, Wheelwright, and Aspinwall, who had threatened 
to appeal to the King, were then put on trial as heretics, and all their 
adherents were deprived of arms. 

A large number of the people thus proscribed by the G-eneral Court 
determined to seek another home. A party under John Clarke and 
William Coddington set out for the Delaware. But Williams, who 
entertained them kindly, advised them to settle on Narragansett Ba3\ 
They visited the spot he suggested, a charming island in the bay, and 
decided to abandon their journey southward. By the influence of 
Williams they obtained from the chiefs of the Narragansetts a grant of 
Rhode islnnd. paying forty fnfhoins of white wampum for it ; and each 
settler also paid the Indians ibr his lands. 



5^ 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 



217 



As the last signs of winter were wearing away, and spring flower*^ 
were liere and there strnggling to be seen, at the close of March, 1638, 
John Clarke, William Coddington, and their sixteen asiiociates begac 




SIR HEXRY VAXE, GOVERNOR OP MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 

at Pocasset, or Portsmouth, the settlement of Rhode Island, to be 
governed by the laws of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. 
These two little communities prospered in the kindly simple govern- 



218 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIONS'; 

ment, aud, though Massachusetts coutinued to show hostility by 
carrying off Baptist settlers, and punishing them for not obeying 
Massachusetts laws, Williams more than once, by his influence with the 
Indians, saved Massachusetts from bloodshed. These two little colonies 
continued separate for some years, till, in 1663, Clarke obtained from 
Charles II. a Patent uniting them under one government. 

We have seen how some English settled on the Connecticut in spite 
of the Dutch and their Fort Good Hope. Others followed : Windsor, 
Hartford, and Wethersfield were founded ; but the settlement war 
unimportant, till June, 1036, when the Rev. Mr. Hooker set out 
with an emigrant party of one hundred men, women, and children, and 
after a two weeks' slow journey through the almost pathless woods, 
driving their cattle over mountain and stream, warned of danger b}' the- 
howling of the wolf and other wild beasts, cautious and prudent, Ihey 
at last reached Hartford. The new Colony of Connecticut took foi-ra. 

Quinnipiack, on Long Island Sound, invited another band of emi- 
grants, led by the pious merchant Theoi»hilus Eaton and the Rev. John 
Davenport, who, in April, 1638, founded the colonj- of New Haven, 
which rivalled Massachusetts in the strictness of its religious views,, 
allowing none but church-members to become freemen, and admitting 
members very sparingly. On the first Sunday after their arrival. 
April 18th, INIr. Davenport preached to his flock T)eneath a spreading 
oak, and for nearly thirty years continued to minister to them. For 
nearly as many j-ears Eaton was elected Governor at every annual 
election. 

There were thus scattered along the New England .shore a series of 
little colonies, Plymouth, ^lassachusetts, Rliode Island and Providence 
Plantations, New Haven, and Hartford, each independent of the others,. 



OK, OUll COUNTKY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 21U 

aiKl Ibllowiug out its own ideas : all formed by industrious, steady ruen^ 
aud thriving, growing, from day to day. 

The New England settlements on the Atlantic coast occupied a part 
where the natives were too few and scattered to cause alarm. Those 
in Connecticut were, however, near the large aud unfriendly tribe of 
Pequods. Lawless men provoked trouble. The crew of a small 
trading vessel were killed on the Connecticut in 1633, and soon after a 
settler was murdered on Block Island. The Pequods then prepared 
for a general war, and urged the Narragansetts and Mohegans to join 
them and exterminate the English. Roger Williams .set out in a 
wretched canoe. Through storms, wind, and high seas, he made his way 
to the house of the Sachem of Narragansett. The Pequod was there 
already with his fresh scalps, and unawed by their fierce looks,. 
Williams, at the risk of life, staj'ed till he had won the Narragansetts, 
aud saw the Pequods depart smothering their disappointment. 

Connecticut prepared to meet the coming war. A force under John 
Mason, aided by Uncas, and sixty Mohegan braves, sailed down the 
Connecticut, and met at its mouth a reinforcement from Massachusetts 
Bay under Underhill. Their allies, the Narragansetts, looked at the- 
little force of white men doubtfully. 

" Your design is good," said Miantouomoh ; " but your numbers are 
too weak to brave the Pequods, who have mighty chieftains and are 
skillful in battle." They little knew the power of the white men in 
war, and were now to see it. 

The Pequods lay east of the river Thames, and Mason marched 
westward. Two hours before dawn the New England army advanced 
to assault a Pequod fort that crowned a liill by the Mistic. Each felt 
that be must conquer now or there was no safety for their new homes. 



220 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

The barking of their dogs roused the Indians, and with loud cries of 
" Owannux, Owannux ! " they prepared to resist. Their weapons 
were no match for tlie muskets and swords, but they were brave and 
numerous: as one fell, another took his place. "We must burn 
them ! " shouted Mason, as he applied a blazing brand to a cabin. 
The English drew off from the burning town. The palisades now pre- 
yented all escape of the doomed tribe. As they attempted to climb, 
they were shot down ; if they attempted a sally the}- were cut down. 
Six hundred Indians, men, women, and children, perished. The sun 
rose on the ruins of the town and the half-consumed bodies of its 
population. 

The Pequods rallied and attacked the New England troops as they 
retired, but were again defeated. The rest of the tribe then fled, 
and were hunted down without mercy ; ever}' wigwam was burnt, 
every cornfield laid waste. Sassacus, the last chief of the Pequods, 
fled to the Mohawks, who slew him and sent his bloody scalp to 
Boston. 

Emigration to the New England colonies increased under the severe 
measures of Charles I. against all who did not conform to the Estab- 
lished Church. When the Long Parliament met in England, two 
hundred and ninetj^-eight ships had borne to the shores of New England 
twenty-one thousand two hundred souls. The wigwams and sheds that 
first sheltered the settlers, had been succeeded b}' well-built houses ; 
fifty towns and villages had been formed, there were nearl}' as many 
churches, and these orderly communities drew abundant crops from 
their generally poor soil ; their flocks and herds multiplied, while 
trade in fish, and lumber, and grain, and furs, increased. A public 
school was established at Cambridge in 1636, which soon took the name 



OR, OUR country's ACIIIEVEJIE>fTS. 221 

•of Harvaz-d College, from a generous clergyman who gave it his library 
and hall' his fortune. In 1G39 the first printing-press north of the Gulf 
of Mexico was set up, and Stephen Daye, the pioneer American 
printer, struck off " The Freeman's Oath," and the next year printed 
the Bay Psalm-Book. 

In 1642, New Hampshire, by the will of its people, who were 
harassed by disputes of proprietors, was annexed to Massachusetts 
Bay, under separate laws, church-membership not being required for 
the privilege of freeman. Massachusetts then attempted to annex the 
colonies on Narragansett Bay. 

There was soon felt a necessity for a union among the scattered 
colonies : Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, 
formed the United Colonies of New England. The object of the con- 
federacy was mutual protection against Dutch, French, and Indians. 
The general affairs, especially the making of peace or war, and all 
negotiations with the Indians, were confided to two Commissioners from 
each colony. This union lasted for fifty years, and did much to 
strengthen New England, and paved the way for a more general 
union of all the Colonies, and eventually for the United States of 
America. 

The short war between Miantonomoh, the Narragansett chief, and 
the Mohegans, did not disturb the white settlements. Uncas and his 
Mohegans defeated Miantonomoh, who had attacked them with a thou- 
sand braves. They took the haughty chief prisoner, and left his fate to 
the Commissioners of New England. These would not interfere, and 
Uncas put him to death. 

During the war between England and Holland, in 1654, New 
England for the first time was drawn into European quarrels, and the 



222 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

wars of the Old World then began to be fought in the New. Canada 
had, a few years before, proposed that neutrality should always exist 
in America, whatever wars might take place in Europe, but the Com- 
missioners declined the offer. Had it been accepted, some of the 
bloodiest pages in American History would have been unwritten. 

A New England expedition under Sedgwick, in 1654, prepared to 
attack New Netherland, but as peace was made in Europe, the expedi- 
tion turned northward and conquered Acadia, as the French called 
Nova Scotia, although there was no war between England and France. 

There was not, at first, much zeal among the New England settlers 
for the moral improvement of the Indians. They did not make any 
attempt to raise them from their savage, heathenish ways ; but some- 
of their friends in England wrote, reminding them of what the French^ 
and Spaniards were doing. Among those who then devoted them- 
selves to this good work, the most renowned was the Rev. John Eliot, 
minister of Roxbury, usually called the Apostle of the Indians. There 
were at the time nearly twenty tribes of Indians in New England, but 
they were all of the same great Algonquin nation, and their languages 
were much alike. Mr. Eliot set to work to study the language of the 
tribe nearest to him. There was no grammar or dictionary ; he had to 
make these for himself. But at last he mastered it so far that he could 
preach in it, and on the 28th of October, 1646, he preached to the 
Indians at Nonantum, now Newton, the first sermon in their own^ 
tongue. And it is a curious fact that just about the same time a 
French missionary from Canada began to preach to the Indians on the 
Kennebec. 

These two good men met a few years later in friendly intercourse, 
each able to appreciate the labors of the other. 



OR, OUR COTTNTEy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 223 



Eliot's sermon led to much inquiry, and the medicine men took 
alarm and tried in every way to .stop his labors, but Eliot was un- 
daunted ; he visited all the Indians in Massachusetts and Plymouth 
Colonies as they then extended. Fife years' labors bore their fruit. 
On a pleasant spot on Charles River a little town of Christian Indians 
had gi'own up, with its neat church amid the clustering wigwams. It 
was a wild village, for it was hard to civilize them, and thev never 
took readily to the white man's way of working. Still Eliot labored 
on, the church was regularlj^ organized, he printed the New Testament, 
and then the Bible, in tlieir language, and trained up several Indian 
ministers. His Bible was the first copy of the Scriptures printed in 
America, and was a work of immense difficulty, as the Indian languages 
are very different from those of Europe, and some of the words in it are 
so fearfully long that the very sight of them raises a laugh 

Firm, zealous, benevolent, he was the father of the Indians, exercis- 
ing an influence over them that ho other missionary or other white man 
obtained ; and he was their constant protector. His delight was to be 
among his red children, instructing them, telling of Christ and a better 
world. 

While this picture of Massachusetts history cannot but please us, 
there is another that is sad. Among the sects that arose in England 
was one founded by George Fox, the Society of Friends, commonly 
called Quakers. In England they met great opposition from the 
Established Church and ^',ie Puritans. When two of them arrived at 
Boston in 1656, the whole. colony took fire. The trunks of the two 
Quakeresses were searched, their l)of>ks were burned, they were 
examined as witches, imprisoned, and liiially sent hack (o England, 
as several others were who came afterwards. A severe law was then 



224 THE STORT OF A GREAT NATION : 

passed against them, and Quakers coming in were iiued and flogged ; 
the law even directed an ear to be cut oti' and the tongue to be bored 
if they were convicted a second and tliird time. Growing more in- 
tolerant, they next made the penalty .banishment, and if a banished 
Quaker set foot on the soil of the United Colonies, he was to die. 

Late in October, 1659, while the woods were a picture of beauty, in 
all the rich tints of autumn, a crowd gathered around a gallows erected 
at Boston, and Mary Dyar, an old adherent of Mrs. Hutchinson, with 
three other Quakers, was led out to die. The ropes were fastened 
around their necks, and they had prepared to die, when Mary was 
reprieved. "Let me suffer as my brethren," she cried, "unless you 
will annul your wicked law." But as her companions swung in the 
sight of heaven, they carried her bej^ond the limits of the colony. 
The resolute woman returned, and this time they hung her. 

Two others were condemned to die ; but the bold Wenlock Christison 
awed his very judges : " I demand to be tried by the laws of England, 
and there is no law there to hang Quakers ! " They sentenced him, 
but shrunk from hanging him. They expelled the staunch Christison 
and his companions. 

The Puritans were not the only sufferers in England : the penal laws 
passed against the Catholics, or adherents of the old Church, w^cre 
of fearful severity and they were enforced with rigor. At last Sir 
George Calvert, Lord Baltimore, a member of the Virginia Company, 
and highly esteemed by James L, having become a Catholic, resolved 
to found a colony where those who shared his opinions might freely 
worship God. An attempted settlement in Newfoundland failed. He 
then wished to colonize part of Virginia, but they would not admit him. 
Returning to England, he solicited from Charles I. a Patent for ter- 



OR, OUR country's achievements. 225 

ritoiy in America. He died while tlie afl'air was iu progress, but on 
the 20th of June, 1632, a Charter of Terra ^laria, or ^larylaud, was 
issued to his sou, the uew Lord Baltimore. This uobleiuau litted out 
two vessels, The Ark and The Dove, iu which two hundred eniigrauts, 
nearly all gentlemen of respectability, embarked with two clergymeu, to 
found in the New World a colony, where they might freely worship God. 

They sailed in November. After a long and stormy winter passage, 
in which the Ark was for a time at the mercy of the winds and waves, 
they, late in February, came in sight of Point Comfort in Virginia. 

On the banks of the Potomac they found mighty ibrests, stretching 
as far as the eye could reach, a rich and fertile soil, a sw^et and balmy 
air. The natives came down with every mark of hostility, but con- 
fidence was soon established. 

On Blackstone Island they landed and threw up a little fort, ]\Iarch 
2oth, 1G34, divine service being devoutly offered up l)y Father 
Andrew White, to consecrate their new colony to the Lord. The 
Governor, Leonard Calvert, then planted a cross, as the emblem of 
Christianity and civilization. 

The priests at once opened intercourse with the native chiefs, and 
Maryland so gained their good will, that the colonists never had any 
trouble with the Indian tribes within its borders, to whom these good 
men could announce the gospel. 

As their permanent settlement, Governor Calvert finally selected 
the village of the Yaocoinico Indians, and, like Roger Williams, 
believing it necessar}' to purchase lands of the natives, he bought froui 
them their village and the country around. The Governor then took 
possession of the place, and named the town St. Mary's. The settlers 
at first occupied the Indian wigwams till they had erected houses. 



226 THE 8T0ET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

iioou all was bustle and activity, building the guard-house and stores, 
into which all their goods were carried. While this work was pushed 
rapidly on, a small cralt bore into their river the Governor of Vir- 
j.iuia. Calvert received him on his ship, and invited all the neigh- 
boring Indian chiel's to dine with them, seating the Iricndly King 
of Patuxent between himself and Governor Harvey. When the 
buildings were read}', the colonists landed with much pomp, with 
cannon tiring and banners waving. A large Indian wigwam was the 
first church, and Maryland was from the tirst a religious colony, but 
one that offered to all who came, freedom to worship God according aa 
their conscience directed. 

The Charter of Maryland gave the power to make laws to the free- 
men and the Lord Proprietor. The first Assembly met early in 1635, 
and another in 1638. In these some contention arose as to the right 
to propose the laws, but it was finally conceded to the colonists. 

The new settlement grew steadily, being formed of earnest, indus- 
trious men ; the Indians continued friendly. Tayac, King of the 
Piscatoways, having been won to civilization and Christianity, was 
solemnly baptized in a bark t^iapel at his town, in 1640 ; and Ana- 
coston, a neighboring Sachem, came to live among the whites as one 
of them. 

The Susquehannas and the Indians on the eastern shore were 
enemies of the Christian Indians, whom the Marylanders had occasion- 
ally to protect ; but the great trouble in the early annals of Mary- 
land was given by a man named Clayborne, who claimed as a prior 
settler under the Virginia Charter. Daring the civil war in England, 
Clayborne sided with the Parliament, and for a time got the upper 
hand in Marvland. 



OK. OUR ror?rTKT's achievf.ments. 227 

tjrovernor Calvert was obliged to fij ; the clergy were seized and 
gent to England ; many of the settlers were robbed and banished ; but 
the Governor having raised a force in Virginia, crossed the Potomac, 
surprised the enemy, and re-entered St. Mary's in triumph. He died a 
few 3'ears after, and was buried at St. Mary's, regarded as a great and 
good man by the colony which he had founded. 

Under Governor Stone, in 1649, was held a famous Assembly, which 
established liberty of conscience " for all professing to believe in Jesus 
Christ." This is one of the greatest glories of Maryland, that men of 
all denominations of Christians there joined hands together, worship- 
ing God each according to the dictates of his own heart, none seeking 
to force another to change his views. 

Clayborne, for a time, overthrew Governor Stone, and in an Assembly 
passed severe and cruel laws, totally unlike the mild and gentle sjiirit 
that had actuated the early settlers. Stone took up arms, but ui a 
hard-fought battle, March 25th. 1655, was defeated, wounded, and 
taken prisoner by the Puritans, who Dut several of the prisoners to 
■death in cold blood. 

Cromwell, to whom Lord Baltimore appealed, condemned the whole 
proceedings against Stone, and Fendall wrs appointed Governor. 

For a time progress was made towards restoring peace and harmony, 
but then Fendall began to plot against Lord Baltimore, and had 
obtained an appointment ns Governor from the Assembly, when Crom- 
well died, and the authority of the Commonwealth came to an end. 



CHx\.PTER IX. 

The Indian Tribes — Their Divisions — Tht-ir Complexion — Habits — Dress — Houses and Mode 
of Life Their Wars — Religion — No Domestic Animals — Their Care of the Dead — Hiero- 
glyphics — The Mound-Builders. 

We have seen how different the various colonies were in their origin. 
The Atlantic coast was settled by men of various nations, of various 
religious views, so that each colony had a peculiar character of its own. 
In the designs of Providence these were steps preparing for the blend- 
ing of all into one nation, in another century to take its place among 
the proudest of the world. 

In tracing the rise of each little oommunity, Indian tribes have been 
mentioned. A few words as to these people, whom our ancestors found 
possessing the land, are here required ; for every one should know 
something of those who went before us. 

The Indians on the coast, from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to 
North Carolina, were all of one family, which is now called the Algon- 
quin. The tribes belonging to this family extended inland iar beyond 
the utmost limits to which the English colonies then reached. The 
French, who were more daring, had by their missionaries and traders 
pushed by way of the St. Lawrence and the Lakes westward to Lake 
Superior. All along the way to the Lakes and the Mississippi they 
found tribes speaking dialects of the Algonquin, and none who did not, 
except one set of nations, who were completely surrounded by these 
A-lgonqnins. The Algonquins and Adirondacks in Canada, the Chip- 
pewas, Ottawas, Pottowatomies, Illinois, and Miamis, at the West, 
the Narragansetts, Mohegans, and Pequods, of New England, the 



OUR country's ACIIIEVEJIKjSrTS. 229 

Mohegans of New York, the Delawares of Pennsylvania, the Pow- 
hataus, and most of the Virginia and Maryland tribes were Algonquini^ 
and resembled each other in their mode of life and the language they 
spoke. Surrounded by them were the Hurons, near the lake that 
bears that name, the Five Nations in New York, the powerful Susque- 
hannas, the Nottoways in Virginia, with some smaller tribes, and the 
Tuscaroras in Carolina. Near them lay the Cherokees, and south 
again were the Creeks, or Muscogees, and the Choctaw tribes, with 
whom the Spaniards had most to do. 

These Indians were all much alike in color and habits, with differ- 
ences, of course ; some being a little more industrious, others more 
debased. Their color was nearly that of copper. Their only clothing 
at tirst was skins, and this was very scanty : men in some parts wore 
only a breech-cloth, and women a short petticoat, somi times only of 
moss. The men looked with disdain on all work except war, hunting, 
or fishing; everything else was left to the women. The Algonquins 
depended almost entirely on hunting, and had no permanent villages ; 
moving about, pitching their tent-like wigwams of feark, or skins, or 
mats, as they chose, often suffering greatly in the severe winters. 
The Five Nations, Hurons, and other tribes of that family, were more 
industrious ; they built pretty substantial bark houses, each to hold 
several families, and surrounded them all by a strong palisade, some- 
times two or three, one within the other. Around the top of the 
f»alisade, inside, they had stones to throw down on any enemy, and 
large bark vessels of water to prevent their setting fire to the palisade. 
Outside were their fields, where they raised Indian corn, tobacco, 
squashes, and beans. 

They made their canoes, like their houses, of the bark of trees, and 



230 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

in some parts of the trunk of a tree, hollowed out. The Algon- 
quins made the best canoes, using birch bark, while the Iroquois used 
elm bark. The Algonquins also made ver}' useful and curious snow- 
shoes, an oval frame of wood, held together by a network of sinews. 
With these they traveled easily on the surface of the snow, without 
sinking, and in this way hunted in winter, overtaking the deer, whose 
sharp hoof cut through the frozen surface of the snow. 

The Indians knew nothing of the use of metals ; native copper found 
at the West was rudely fashioned into ornaments, but never into a 
cutting instrument. Their arrow and spear heads were made of stone, 
and these are still often dug up in some parts of the countrj'. Their 
hatchets, or tomahawks, were made also of stone, with a groove on 
each side, by which they were tied fast to the handle. Of course their 
houses were nearly destitute of what we would call furniture ; they 
had no chairs, no tables, no bedsteads, and the young Indian girl had 
no looking-glass but the water of the nearest stream. They made bark 
vessels to hold water, or hollowed them out of a piece of wood ; in 
many parts they made rude pottery, but they had nothing that they 
could put over the fire. They boiled water by heating stones i-ed- 
hot, and dropping them into the vessel of water. The flesh of the 
animals they killed was broiled or roasted over the fire, or baked 
in a sort of oven made in the ground, a hole lined with stones. In 
this they built a fire, and when the stones were hot, they took out the 
fire, put the meat in, and covered it up close till it was cooked. In 
dressing the skins of animals they were quite expert, rendering them 
very soft and durable. 

Although so poorly off. both men and women were fond of finery, 
tattooing and painting their faces and bodies with the most glaring 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 231 

colors, made from plants or earths. Porcupine quills, feathers, the 
claws of birds and animals, all served to adorn their persons ; but 
what was the most precious thing to them, and served as decoi'ation, 
and almost as money, was wampum, a kind of beads made of the clam, 
shell. Belts of this constituted wealth ; they were given at all treaties 
to confirm the different articles, and were the only thing that passed as 
money. After the whites came and began to buy furs, beaver skins 
were also in many colonies a kind of money, in transactions with the 
Indians and among the whites. 

In war the natives were very cruel ; they did not fight pitched 
battles, but tried generally in small bands to surprise their enemy, or 
take them unawares. They killed men, women, and children, without 
distinction : if they took any prisoners they either adopted them into 
the tribe to take the place of some whom they had lost, or they tor- 
tured them, tying them to a stake, burning them from head to foot, 
cutting off" and devouring their flesh before their eyes, and continuing 
these tortures till the poor victim expired. The prisoner never asked 
mercy ; he sang his death-song, taunted his enemies, boasted how 
many he had killed and tortured, called them squaws or women — in a 
word, did all he could to provoke them. 

Their great trophy was the scalp of their enemies. As soon as an 
enemy fell they ran u\>, and cutting the skin around just below the 
hair, tore off the skin and hair together, with loud yells. In their 
warlike expeditions they carried very little provisions, generally only 
parched Indian corn, and they endured hunger and hardship with 
great courage. 

Their ideas of religion were very strange. The Algonquin nations 
believed in spirits called Manitoo, so that they easily got the idea of 



232 THK STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Grod as the Kitchemanitoo, or Great Spirit. The Five Nations believed 
in a god called Agreskoy. They worshiped him by sacrifices of 
animals and of prisoners taken in war. They all believed in evil spirits, 
and were mote anxious to appease them than to worship the good. 
They had no temples or priesthood, at least among these Northern 
tribes. The only class that approached that ot priests, were those 
whom white people called Medicine Men. 

They were the great propagators of all the superstitions ; they pre- 
tended to be in league with the evil spirits, and to be able to tell the 
future and cure diseases. They pretended that diseases were caused 
by evil spirits, and went through a series of horrible ceremonies and 
noises to drive them out. They attached great importance to dreams, 
and believed that if a person did not obtain what he dreamed of, it 
would cause sickness, and perhaps his death. 

An Indian chief once came to Sir William Johnson and told him that 
he had dreamed that Sir William had given him his fine red coat 
with gold-lace trimmings. Sir William found that he had to give it to 
him or the man's death might be laid to his charge. But he determined 
to be even with him. So, some time after, he met the old chief and 
told him that he had dreamed that their tribe had given him a large 
tract of fine land that he had set his eye on. This made the Indian 
groan, but dreams were dreams; the tribe gave the land, but asked 
that they snould all now stop dreaming. 

The Indians had no domestic animals, no horses or cows, goats, 
sheep, or swine ; tlie only animal around their houses was the dogj 
They had, therefore, no carriages or wagons of any kind ; they had 
no roads but footpaths, or trails, leading from village to village, or to 
&eir fishing stations. Along these all had to be carried on the backs 



OR, OUK COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 233 

of their women and prisoners. They were very expert with their 
canoes, and would run them down very dangerous rapids ; when they 
ascended the rivers, and came to falls and rapids, they took their light 
canoes out of the water and carried them on their shoulders above the 
difficult part. These places the French called Portages, and the word 
has come into common use, although our ancestors always called them 
Carrying Places. 

The Indians took great care of their dead. Some tribes buried 
mfants under the trail leading out of the village ; some bent down a 
young tree and bound the child, wrapped up in skins, to the highest 
branch, and let it Q.y back again, so that the little one was far up from 
the wild beasts, among the birds and blossoms. Generally each body, 
wrapped uj), was buried in the ground or placed on a scaffolding near 
the village. When this was done, after some years, there was a Feast 
of the Dead. The bones of their dead were taken down by each 
family, wrapped up in furs, and these, with some of their most valuable 
articles, were all buried together in a long trench. Games and 
curious ceremonies continued for several days at these Feasts of the 
Dead. Occasional!}', farmers and others, in digging, come on these 
Bone Pits, or Indian graves. 

What we have said of these tribes is true for all those who occupied 
any part of what is now embraced in our happy Republic, except a 
small |»ortion on the Rio Grande, that is now called New Mexico. 

Our readers will remember their strange houses of several stories, 
and their more extensive cultivation, as well as the advance they had 
made in civilization, weaving the wool of the Rocky Mountain sheep. 

None of the Indian tribes in our Northern parts had any system of 
writing ; nothing but the rudest hieroglyphics on bark or skin, or 



234 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

occasionally on stoue, were ever attempted, and these told only of 
some hunting exploits or success in war. They had no monuments of 
any kind to preserve the memory of past events, no literature, and few 
tales or legends even of great warriors and their deeds. 

Some strange traditions intermingled with wild dreams, as to the 
origin of men, and the life to come, or of the way in which the tribe 
reached the place where the whites found it — this was all. 

The Micmac Indians, near the Gulf of St. Lawrence, were the only 
tribe who had anything like a general system of hieroglyphics ; and 
theirs has been preserved, and is still in use, missionaries finding it 
such a help, that books have been printed in it. 

In Mexico the system of hieroglyphics was very full, and much of 
their history is preserved in monuments that can still be read. The 
Peruvians preserved a knowledge of events by knotted cords, called 
quipos, but this plan was far inferior to the Mexican. 

The languages of the Indian tribes were very different from any 
known to Europeans, and the construction of their sentences was so 
different, that it was found almost impossible to give anything like a 
close translation. The missionaries who, for the love of Grod, set to 
work to learn these languages, in order to preach Christ to these poor 
benighted people, had terrible work at first. They had to go to the 
cabins and learn the names of things, and so keep on, day by day, till 
they had a good stock of words, and could try to talk some, writing 
down all they could to help others. Of these missionaries, Pareja, in 
Florida ; Sagard, Brebeuf, Chaumonot, Bruyas, Rale, in Canada ; Eliot, 
Roger Williams, Edwards, in New England ; Campanius, in New 
Sweden, and White, in Maryland, were in the earliest times those who 
succeeded best in mastering these languages. 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 235 

This will give some idea of those tribes as they were first found. 
The whites supplied them with iron articles, aud cloth, which they 
used instead of furs ; they also, unfortunately, sold them liquor, and 
this the Indians never could use in moderation. It led them into great 
crimes, drunkenness and murder, often causing the death of white 
settlers and so bringing on wars. 

If one Indian killed another, they always made it up by presents of 
wampum. When they killed a white man they wished to do the same, 
'' cover the body," as they said, with presents. But the whites would 
insist on punishing the man. The Indians did not understand this, 
and would refuse to give him up. Thej' thought it hard that if liquor 
given by white men set an Indian so crazy that he killed a white man, 
they must have their w^arrior killed ; they thought their plan of pres- 
enis best. The French generally adapted themselves better to the 
Indian style, and in such cases took presents and maintained peace, 
while the Dutch and English drew on themselves disastrous wars. 

All the Indian tribes had traditions that they had come from a 
■distance, generally from the West or Northwest, towards the Atlantic 
coast. As the country became more settled, white people discovered 
mounds in various parts, some of them very curious in shape, like 
birds, animals, or men, in Wisconsin ; in rings and lines in other parts ; 
in the Soutli like pyramids of steps. These seem to be the work of 
tribes who were in the country before the Indians. Some of them con- 
tained remains of the dead, with articles curiously carved, showing 
much more skill than any Indians w^e know, and sometimes very good 
figures of birds and animals of the tropics. As we do not know any- 
thing more about these people than what the mounds tell us, they are 
generally called the Mound-Builders. 



PART I I 



THE COLONIES FROM THE EEIGN OF CHAELES H. TO THE 
REIGN OF GEORGE IH. 



CHAPTER I. 



The English Kings and Parliament begin to take part in American Affairs — General View of 
the Country — Reign of Charles 11. — Connecticut and Rhode Island receive Charters — Philip's 
Indian War — New York — Penn founds Pennsylvania— Carolina founded — Virginia and 
Maryland. 

All the colonies established on the Atlantic shore had been settled 
under Patents granted by European Governments, but the English 
monarchs, from the days of Queen Elizabeth to those of Charles, had 
not concerned themselves much about America after signing the 
Patents and affixing their great seal. People whom nobody missed 
had gone over thei'e to settle in a wild country among savage men, and 
that was all about it. Cromwell tried to get the Puritans to leave 
New England, and settle in the West Indies and in Ireland. Under 
him, too, the Puritans attempted to obtain the mastery in Maryland, 
and he shipped many thousands from England, and especially from 
Ireland, who were sold as slaves in the colonies. 

When Charles II. came to the throne, the colonies of New England, 
Maryland, and Virginia had so increased, that their importance could 
not be overlooked. Maryland and Virginia hailed with joy the Res- 
toration of the royal power, but Massachusetts lamented the fall of the 




A yorrwQ u&nx's dower heb weight tw pinb tkee sHiL.LJNQa 

(Page 341) 





THE PtNB TREE SHELLTNG. 



THE LORD BALTIMORE SHILLINO 




iKDIANS ATTACKING THE EARLY SETTLEES 



(Page 251) 




' ''>ti>/^*'it//^&ii. 




THE FAMOUS CHASTER OAK AT HAKTFOED, CONNECTICUT. ifage M7) 



OUR country's achievements. 237 

Puritan Commonwealth, and looked forward with anxiety to the course 
of the new King. It was known that the Quakers and others had 
made great complaints in England of their severity and strictness. 

They sought to avert the storm by an address to the King, but they 
did nut comply with the recommendations contained in his letter of reply. 

Winthrop, Governor of Hartford, a man of learning, polished and 
adroit, went to England, and was so favorably received by Charles II., 
that he obtained a very favorable Charter, establishing the new colony 
of Connecticut, embracing not only Hartford but New Haven also. 

The colonists of New Haven were highly indignant at this step, but, 
though supported by Massachusetts, were at last forced to submit to 
^he new arrangement. 

Less obstinate in his views, Winthrop had seen the wisdom of 
making their system agree more with that of England, by giving the 
right to vote more freely, and not contining it to their own church- 
members. 

The famous Charter issued May 10th, 1662, established "The Gov- 
ernor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut in New 
England in America." The Governor and House of Deputies were to 
be elected every year. 

Clarke had been no less prompt to secure favorable terms lor the 
colony of Roger Williams, and on the 8tli of .Tuly, in the same year, 
Charles II. issued another Charter, creating the " English Colony of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." 

These Charters gave the lirst tokens of a new era of liberality. 
They provided that no person within the said colonies should be 
molested or called in question ibr any difference in matters of religion 
wh»",h did not actually disturb the civil peace. 



■»38 THE STORY OF A GREA.T NATION; 

While these colonies were organized under their new Charters, 
Hassaehusetts and Plymouth remained firm. They gave fair words, 
but did not comply with the King's wishes, or adapt their forms to the 
English laws. 

Charles did not act precipitately. He was a man of pleasure, but 
'his brother James, Duke of York, was a man of system, as well as 
great industry, and had displayed bravery on sea and land. He took 
a lively interest in American affairs, and the commerce of England. 
He seems to have been the first who had any enlarged views of the 
English interests in America. 

New England and Maryland were separated by the Dutch colony, 
and the French in Canada were very active and energetic. Their 
missionaries and traders were already busy south of Lake Ontario, and 
they had made one attempt to settle there. If these pushing French- 
men got possession of the Dutch colony, it would give the English no 
end of trouble. So James hunted up English claims for New Nether- 
land, and obtained from Charles H., on the 12th of March, 1664, a 
^Charter granting him all the territory between the Connecticut and the 
Delaware, and also of the tract between the Rivers Pemaquid and 
St. Croix, in what is now the State of Maine. The Dutch had settled 
the larger tract, and had occupied it for many years ; England and 
Holland were at peace, but this did not weigh much. 

Commissioners were appointed and sent over, with several ships of 
war and a body of soldiers. They were to land first at Boston and 
present a letter from the King, asking, among other things, the aid of 
the colonies to reduce the Dutch. 

At the close of a long summer day, as the Sabbath stillness in 
Boston was beginning, two ships of war, the Guinea and Elias, came to 



OR, OVU COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 



239 



anchor off the Long Wharf at Boston. They were the first vessels of 
the English navy that had ever seen that harbor. 

A General Court was called. After some delay an order was issued 
for two hundred volunteers against the Dutch. They also modified 
somewhat their laws, allowing men not church-members to vote under 
certain conditions, but these were such that few could benefit by 
them. 

The expedition sailed for New Netherland, and, as we have already 
tseen, reduced that colony, which became New York. The flag of 
England soon floated from the Kennebec to the Chesapeake, and the 
English King could look with pride on the new country rising beyond 
the Atlantic, where the laws, the language, and the spirit of England 
were to be perpetuated. 

There was even for a moment the jn-oject of conquering Canada, and 
ihus making England supreme in the northern portion of America. 

Life in these colonies differed greatly. New England was strict 
and sombre. Amusements were almost unknown. Christmas and 
other holidays, kept up in England, and on this side in Virginia and 
Maryland, with great merriment, were forbidden. Dancing, and all 
games of cards or dice, even bowling and other games of exercise, 
were prohibited as well, while in Virginia the richer planters lived the 
life of the English gentry, and sports were freely indulged in. Vir- 
ginia raised tobacco and smoked it freely, but in New England it was 
a serious matter, especially on Sunday. The strict observance of that 
day was the great point of New England life. It began on Saturday 
at sunset, and lasted till the sunset again. During that time no child 
could play in the streets, no travelling was permitted. All had to attend 
the meedng-house in the jilace. But though religion was thus ob- 



240 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

served, there were some points in which their customs seem Strang© 
now. They had, at tirst, notliing like Sabbath-schools for catechising 
the young ; and tiie children of church-members only were baptized. 
The marriage and the funeral took place without the presence of a 
clergyman, which is now so general. 

We have seen how they broke up Morton's settlement at Merry 
Mount, and one of his great offences in their eyes was his planting a. 
Maypole and keeping up Mayday. 

In Virginia the Church of England prevailed, and its services were 
performed regularly, without question or dispute. Maryland had 
Episcopalians, Puritans, and Catholics. In New York, with its Dutch 
population, into which some English had already crept, the people were 
strict Calvinists, adhering to the Church in Holland, and under the 
Dutch rule no other worship was allowed by law ; but the people were 
good-natured, and seldom troubled their neighbors about religious 
matters. They loved enjoyment in a quiet way, and dancing and 
merry-making never came amiss. They kept up the holidays of the old 
country, with some sports that occasionally brought laws to check them, 
such as goose-pulling and pail-tipping. Paas, or Easter, Christmas, 
and New Years, were the great holidays. The last was devoted to 
visits to each other, and in every house a table was spread with good 
things for the guests. Christmas was the holiday of little ones, who 
expected from St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, a visit with presents if they 
had been good, or, if they had been naughty, a rod from Ruprecht. 

The colonists had always found a difBculty in the want of money, 
and tobacco, beaver-skins, wampum, or peague, were at times used as 
substitutes. Lord Baltimore struck in England coins for Maryland, 
which are now very rare, and prized by collectors. Massachusetts 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 241 



struck the first coins issued in America. These are known as Pine 
Tree money, as they bear on one side a rude figure of a pine-tree. 

The first pieces struck were plain pieces of silver, with NE and XII 
or VI stamped on them, but in October, 1652, the General Court of 
Massachusetts directed the establishment of a mint, and authorized the 
striking of shilling, six-penny, and three-penny pieces. They bore a 
double ring, enclosing a tree with the word Masathvsets around, and 
t)n the other side. New England, 1 652. 

The striking of these coins gave ofi"ence in England, as only sover- 
eigns are considered as entitled to coin money, and in this country now 
only the United States Government, by the Constitution, has this 
right. 

Mr. Hull was the mint-master of Massachusetts, and received a 
certain percentage for all the money he struck. This gave rise to a 
curious storj^ that is told about him and the Pine Tree shillings. 
When his daughter was married to Mr. Sewell, the father said nothing 
about any portion for her. But the marriage went on, and while all 
the guests were congratulating the married couple, in the way that 
Puritan fashions permitted, in came two serving-men lugging huge 
scales, such as are used in warehouses. Old Mr. Hull made his 
daughter get into one scale, which she did with open eyes and mouth, 
wondering whether she was to be sold l)y the pound ; but the servants 
came back, lugging an iron-bound chest, which, at his direction, they 
emptied on the floor, and out came 'the fresh, flashing Pine Tree 
shillings. Tlien the chest was put in the scale, and the shillings filled 
in till the young lad}' rose gradually' from the floor, and swung easily, 
just balancing her weight in silver. "There, son Sewell," cried the 
good mint-master, " take these shillings as my daughter's portion, 



242 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOT^ , 

Use her kindly, and thank Heaven for her, for it is not every wife that 
is worth her weight iu silver." 

Another story relating to these pieces is also told. After the Res- 
toration, the coining of this Pine Tree money was made one of the 
charges against Massachusetts. The agent of the colony took one of 
the later issues, in which the rude tree was rather bushy, and pre- 
sented it to the King, telling him that his faithful subjects in Massa- 
chusetts had put the oak-tree on their coin to commemorate his escape 
from his enemy by hiding in an oak-tree. "Jolly dogs," said the 
Merry King, "joll}^ dogs! " and he made no further trouble about the 
matter. You ma}' recognize these coins by the illustrations we give. 

When Stuyvesant, on the 29th of August, 1664, at the head of hia 
Dutch garrison, marched out of the little earthen Fort Amsterdam with 
colors flying, drums beating, and matches lighted, he led his sullen 
troops down Beaver Street, to the North Eiver, to embark on the 
West India Company's ship Gideon. Then, while the people, whose 
houses clustered around the fort, looked on, the red flag of England, 
with the cross of St. George, was run up the flagstaff of Fort James 
and saluted by the guns of the English fleet, and the Lord High 
Admiral was the Proprietor of New York. 

Colonel Richard Nicolls, as Governor, established the Duke's laws for 
the government of the colony. When Sunday came, after the Dutch 
had ended their service in the church within the fort, the chaplain of the 
English forces performed the services of the Church of England, and 
for many years this one edifice served for both ; nor has the kindly 
feeling then established ever been disturbed. 

Fort Orange surrendered to Colonel Cartwright, who immediately 
formed a treaty with the Mohawks and Senecas, and the change of pos- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 243' 

session throughout was effected so promptly that a French expedition 
against the Mohawks were thunderstruck, as tliey approached Fort 
Orange, to tind floating over it the red flag of England. It had become 
Albany, a name given in honor of the Duke's Scotch title. 

One of the first things that marked the change of ideas was the 
establishment of a race-course on Hempstead Plains, Long Island. It 
continued for many j^ears to be the favorite annual resort of the 
Governors of New York and of the Long Island farmers. 

The Duke of York wished to extend colonization, and readily 
granted, June 23d, 1664, to John, Lord Berkeley, and Sir George Caiw 
teret a part of his newly-acquired territory, giving it the name of New 
Jersey, in compliment to Carteret, who had gallantly defended the- 
Island of Jersey against Cromwell. 

Under this grant. Captain Philip Carteret came out with a small 
body of settlers in the Philip, in 1665, and in August landed at the 
head of his colonists on the soil of New Jersey, with a hoe on his- 
shoulder, to show that he was to become a planter himself. The spot 
chosen as the capital of the new colony was a spot on the Kills, where 
four families had already planted themselves under authority from- 
Nicolls. Carteret named the spot Elizabethtown, in honor of the wife- 
of Sir George. 

But the Dutch were not going to let the English have their American- 
colony without a struggle. They prepared to meet England on the sea,, 
but the Duke of York, with a fleet which included some of the shi])s 
and officers who reduced New York, defeated the Dutch Admiral 
Opdam at Lowestoff. Then France joined Holland, and' the war 
became general. 

The Duke of York at once sent over to Nicolls to try, with- the aid\ 



244 THE STOivY oy A GREAT NATION; 

of New Englaud, to reduce Canada, with which the Mohawks were 
already at war. 

This was the first English project against Canada. But Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut declined to act in the matter. Canada was so far 
away, beyond rocky mountains and howling deserts, that it would be 
impossible to march there. Some mounted men were sent out from 
Hartford, who went -a hundred and twenty miles to find the way to 
Canada, but came back disheartened. 

The French made an alliance with the Onondagas, and built forts on 
the Richelieu, and Fort St. Anne on La Motte Island, in Lake Cham- 
plain. This last jjost, begun in July, 1666, was the first white settle- 
ment in what was one day to be the State of Vermont. 

Soon after, the French, to reduce the Mohawks to peace, invaded 
their canton and burned their towns. There was little chance of the 
English reducing Canada. 

Nicolls even began to feel uneasy for New York. The Dutch, after 
defeating an English fleet in the Thames, were scouring the Atlantic. 
A Dutch fleet under Krynssen captured an English man-of-war and 
twenty-five other vessels on James River, and filled Virginia with con- 
sternation. 

But the war came to an end, and, at the treaty of Breda, Holland 
gave up all claim to New York. 

Still the peace did not last long. Again the English and Dutch fleets 
meet in battle at Solebay, off the English coast, and the Duke of 
York fought with courage. Colonel Nicolls, his first New York G-ov- 
ernor, being killed by his side in the action. 

In 1673, two Dutch admirals, Evertsen and Binckes, entered the 
Chesapeake, and captured a tobacco fleet in spite of the frigates that 



OB, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 245 

protected it. Then they sailed for New York, aud in August anchored 
near Staten Island. 

Lovelace, the new English Grovernor, was in Connecticut, and Man- 
ning, the commander of Fort James, was too weak to cope with such a 
force ; but though the fleet was within musket-shot of the fort, he refused 
to surrender. The fleet then opened fire, and Fort James replied ; but 
six hundred Dutch soldiers landed, back of where Trinity Church now 
stands, and, encouraged by the Dutch settlers, advanced to storm the 
fort, which, seeing no hope of resistance, surrendered, and the Dutch 
flag floated again over the place. 

New Jersey became again part of New Netherland. The eastern 
•end of Long Island alone resisted the Dutch, with aid from Connec- 
ticut, but the Dutch captured many New England coasting vessels, and 
excited alarm all along the coast. The Treaty of Westminster came at 
last, in 1674, bj' which England recovered a province of such immense 
importance to her. 

But during this time France had not been idle. She not only by 
her missionaries had won the Onondagas and other western cantons, 
but had built Fort Frontenac on Lake Ontario, and extended her 
missions and explorations to the countrj^ around the great Lakes. All 
the tribes learned to look with respect to the Governor of Canada, 
Ononthio, and the King of France, the Great Ononthio, as the Iroquois 
called him. 

In 1673, Joliet, a young French Canadian, accompanied by Father 
Marquette, a pious missionarj', descended the Wisconsin to the Mis- 
sissippi, and glided down that river in their bark canoe, till they came 
to the towns of the friendly Arkansas. Then, seeing that this gre^it 
river must empty into the Gulf of Mexico, and afraid that they might 



24Q THE STORY OF A GRKAT NATION ; 

fall into the hands of the Spaniards, they slowly paddled their way up 
a"-aiust the strona; current, and ascending the Illinois Eiver, reached 
Lake Michigan. 

The illustrious Marquette set out later to winter among the Illinois, 
iiid plant a mission ; but his health failed. He planted his rude cabin 
at Chicago, the first white habitation at the place, but though he 
recovered sufficiently to go on to the town of the Kaskaskias, he died 
by the shore of Lake Michigan, as he was striving to reach Mackinaw. 

Robert Cavelier, better known as the Sieur de la Salle, followed up 
Marquette and Joliet. He was commandant of Fort Frontenac at 
Toronto ; he threw up a fort at Niagara, and there built the Grriffin, 
the first vessel that ever navigated the waters of Lake Erie, intending 
to carry on a great trade in furs, of which he had the monopoly. 

He reached Illinois, and there built Fort Crevecoeur, or Broken 
Heart, for his troubles began. The Griffin, sent back from Mackinaw, 
was never seen again — lost in a storm or destroyed by Indians. He 
made his way back to Fort Frontenac almost alone, and led out a new 
party, only to find his fort abandoned and his men scattered. He 
finally, however, descended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico m 
1682. Hennepin, a Franciscan friar connected with his expedition,, 
had already, in 1680, ascended the Mississippi to the Falls of St. 
Anthony, which owes its name to him. 

La Salle then returned to France and fitted out an expedition to 
found a settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi, but he missed it, 
and was landed on the coast of Texas. While trying to reach the 
Mississippi overland, he was killed by his own men. 

By these discoveries France claimed all the north and interior of 
North America, and was hemming England close in to the Atlantic 



OR, OUR COU^yTRx's ACHIEVEMENTS. 24:T 

coast. Long after this, French maps showed the English colonies as a. 
little strip on the shore, while half of North America was New France. 

New England, on religious grounds, did not like the French as 
neighbors in what is now Maine and Nova Scotia, but did not see her 
great danger. Virginia was too far from the frontier, but the Duke of 
York saw the necessity of action. On recovering New York, his- 
instructions to his Governors, Andros and Dongan, were to keep the- 
French north of the lakes, to win the Five Nations to the English side, 
and to occup3' Maine. 

This began the great struggle between France and England for the 
control of North America. 

While New York was again rapidly becoming more like the neigh- 
boring English colonies, New .Terse}' began to grow. Berkeley, one 
of the owners, sold his share to two Quakers, one of whom, Fenwick, in 
July, 1675, founded Salem, on the Delaware, and, as this part was set 
off as a separate colony, called West Jersey, many of their fellow- 
believers settled there. Carteret then grew tired of his American! 
interests, and sold out to a number of Quakers, of whom William Penn- 
was the chief one. The}' obtained a new grant from the Duke of York, 
and founded Perth Amboy. All these things brought out settlers. 
Baptists from New England settled at Middletown Point ; Presby- 
terians at Newark and Elizabethtown ; so that New Jersey presented 
a greater variety in its settlers than any other colony, and what is best 
of all, they lived in peace. 

But while New York and New Jersey were thus gaining. New 
England was suddenly plunged into a terrible war. The labors of the 
missionaries to convert the Indians had not met with an}' success 
among the great Southern tribes, the Pokanokets, or Wampanoag, the 



248 THE STOKY OF A GREAT IS^ATION ; 

Niantics, the Narragansetts, and Mohegaus. Massasoit, chief of the 
Pokanokets, left two sons, Wamsutta and Motacom, who, wishing 
English names, received from the Court at Plymouth the names of 
Alexander and Philip. The latter was soon sole chief, and for some 
years maintained a friendly attitude : but he was gloomy, and looked 
with no favor on the rapid increase of the English. Gradually sus- 
picions and rumors of Indian plots came. 

One day John Sausman, an Indian preacher at Natick, who had 
long lived with Philip, came hastening in to Plymouth. He had just 
paid a visit to his old friend the chief, and what he saw told him that 
Philip meant mischief. The chief of the Pokanokets was summoned. 
He obeyed, but in a few days Sausman was found murdered. Three 
Indians were arrested for the crime, tried, and executed, to the great 
indignation of the red men. In their eyes Sausman was a traitor, 
deserving death. The three men had obeyed the orders of their chief, 
and the Indians demanded vengeance. 

•On the 20th of June, 1675, while the little village of Swanzey lay in 
all the stillness and quiet of a New England Sabbath, the wild yell of 
the native braves proclaimed that a deadly war had begun. Two 
houses in flames showed the alarmed people that all was in danger. 
Men gathered together in the strongest houses ; watches were set ; but 
the Indians clustered around the town, house after house was pillaged, 
and every incautious man cut down and scalped. 

Tiie Indians were armed with good muskets, and were as expert in 
handling them as any white. They were, then, no mean foe. As the 
news came in, a force was raised and marched under Captain Moseley, 
an old West Indian buccaneer, to punish the Indians. Philip attacked 
them on the march and even advanced on them in force, but was 



OR, OTJR COTJNTEt's ACHIEVEMENTS. 249 

driven off. Then that chief left Mount Hope, and with his flying army 
began ravaging the Plymouth territory. Fires blazed from Dartmouth,. 
Taunton, and Middleborough. The roadsides were dotted with the 
bodies of settlers slain in their fields or tomahawked by the Indians as 
they hurried them along. Savage, entering Mount Hope, found eight 
heads of settlers set up on poles. 

Meanwhile the settlers were endeavoring to win over the Narragan- 
setts, hoping to keep that important tribe from joining the hostile 
Indians ; but, though they gave fair words, other tribes unexpectedly 
flew to arms. Captain Hutchinson, sent to Brookfield to induce the 
Nipmuck Indians to be peaceful, fell into an ambush. The Nipmucks 
had already taken up the hatchet, and Philip was soon in their midst, 
fierce for slaughtei-, and desperate in his plans. 

Brookfield was besieged. A large house had been fortified, and the 
survivors of Hutchinson's party and the settlers were all huddled 
together there. The messengers for aid who were sent out perished, 
and all around the house seemed alive with the furious foe. All 
night long the blazing arrows came down on the devoted house, 
and it required every eye and every hand to prevent a conflagra- 
tion. 

The Indians pushed up combustibles to the house, and sought to fire 
it, Ijut by brave sallies the garrison drove them off and extinguished 
the flames. Then, to the joy of all their thankful hearts, the rain came 
pouring down, and they could rest and hope. 

Just after sunset, on that fifth August day, their hearts bounded : 
they heard afar the clatter of many hoofs, and amid a rattling fire from 
the Indians, in rode old Major Willard, a gray-haired veteran, with 
forty-seven heavy-armed men. Brookfield was saved, and the Indians, 



'250 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

who had lost nearl}' eightj' iii killed and wounded, retired to their 
swamps and fastnesses. 

Every town in New England was now in alarm, and prepared to 
meet a sudden attack. 

The wily enemy stole cautiouslj' about, never attacking where they 
saw preparations. Thus the summer wore away. On the 1st of Sep- 
tember the people of Hadley were gathered in their meeting-house for 
a solemn fast, and their good fire-locks were stacked along the aisle, 
when a yell showed that they were surrounded. Out they rushed to 
meet the enemy, but the affair was so sudden that all was confusion, 
and they would have been shot down like sheep, had not a white-haired 
man of old-fashioned dress suddenly appeared. Like some veteran 
commander he gave the word in a clear, ringing voice. Order .was 
restoi-ed ; one good volley into the Indian foe, and a headlong charge 
with pike and sword sent them Hying from the town. The men oU 
Hadley looked around for their champion and deliverer, but he hatJ 
vanished as mysteriously as he had come. 

Long after, the mystery was solved. Colonel G-otfe, one of the three 
judges of Charles I., who fled to New England, was then concealed in 
Mr. Russel's house in Hadlev. As all were in the meeting-house, he did 
not fear observation, and went to a window to enjoy a look at the beauties 
of creation, which he so seldom gazed upon. He had seen the savages 
come stealing in Indian file over the hill and down upon them. Full of 
his old military ardor he rushed to the spot in time to form the startled 
colonists, and lead them to victory. Then he fled to his concealment. 

There was another desperate fight at Bloody Brook. So little of the 
crops planted in New England could lie gathered, that after Hadley 
was abandoned, a party was sent to finish threshing the grain already 



OR, OVll COUNTRyIs ACIIIKVEMENTS. 251 

in the barns. As the well-loaded wagous were slowly fording Bloody 
Brook on their return, the men stopped to gather wild grapes that 
hung from the vines festooning the dense trees. From every side 
poured out a stream of fire. The forest was alive with Indians. 

Down, down, went the brave fellows ! Scarce a man escaped. Old 
Moseley at Hadley heard the firing, hastened up, and attacked the 
Indians in their work of scalping and plundering ; but though, as usual 
in battle, his wig was hung on a bush and got many a bullet intended 
for his head, Moseley could not drive them off. They seemed countless. 
Towards night, when his men were ready to drop with weariness, they 
heard the roll of the drum. Major Treat had come down the river 
with a hundred sturdy men and fifty faithful Mohegans. Then, at last, 
they drove the enemy from Bloody Brook. 

Scarcely a Massachusetts settlement was left on the Connecticut. 
Springfield was saved with difficulty, after seeing many fine dwellings 
in flames. 

Tlie Narragansetts had, at first, promised peace, but they protected 
Philip's men, and the danger was that at an unguarded moment they 
might dash down on the settlements. The colonies resolved to take 
the first step. The Narragansetts were called upon to renew the peace. 
They held aloof in sullen silence. All through New England troops 
gathered for the attack on this powerful tribe, and the Narragansetts 
concentrated the warriors of their tribe and allies from far and near, 
at the swamp-fort in South Kingston. Here, on an island reached only 
by a frail bridge, stood their wigwams, enclosed in well-planted rows 
of palisades. 

Through the dreary snow-covered land and leafless forests, the army 
of the colonists marched, with no shelter at night, wading through the 



252 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION" 

drifts by day. At noon, on the 19th of December, they came in sight 
of the fort, and without delay formed to attack it. On in the van went 
the men of Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut supporting. 
A general yell burst from the enclosed Narragansetts ; it was answered 
by the hearty cheers of the New England men. The marksmen, 
picking their antagonists, opened fire on both sides. Down in the 
storm of flame and bullet went many a brave leader, but the colonists 
dashed into the fo'-t ; the Narragansetts, nerved to despair, crowded 
down upon them. Foot by foot, with gallant men falling, the New 
Englanders were forced back out of the fort that had cost so much. 
Thej' gathered in set determination. Another rush, and they are in 
again, never to be dislodged. The wigwams were fired, and ere long 
they held the ruined fort, strewn with the dead bodies of hundreds of 
the Ibe, and of seventy of their own brave men, while a hundred and 
fifty more lay writhing in pain. 

With the snow falling fast around them, the army took up its home- 
ward march, bearing on rude litters their wounded. 

The power of the Narragansetts was forever broken. 

The war continued all along the frontier. Lancaster was taken while 
the minister, Rowlandson, was seeking relief, and his wife's sufferings 
form a jiathetic story. Captain Pierce, of Plymouth, lured into 
ambush by Canonchet, perished with most of his force. Town after 
town had to be abandoned. But the Indians began to suffer for food, 
and had to scatter more widel3^ In the spring they received a ter- 
rible blow from Denison of Connecticut, who defeated several Narra- 
gansett parties, and captured the great Canonchet and two other 
sachems. The haughty chief refused to submit, and was put to death 
by the Mohegans. ' 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 25? 

In May, Captain Turner, forgetting all he had suffered as t 15aptist, 
gallantly led a force from Boston. A long night-march brought them 
at daybreak to an Indian camp at the falls that have ever since borne 
his name. Dismounting, they secured their horses, and, as stealthily 
as Indians themselves, glided up to the camp of their savage enemy, 
who became aware of their presence only by the volley that poured in 
among them. The scene that followed is one not easily described. It 
was one in which wild confusion, despair, and frenzied efforts were 
blended. The surprise was complete. The resistance was short and 
irregular. The Indians taken at a disadvantage, the rapid stream 
before them made escape hopeless ; the white men almost encircled 
them. Man, woman, and child eagerly sought the covers ; most 
were cut down, while some, seeking to escape by swimming the 
river, were hurried over the falls or shot in the water. Three 
hundred Indians fell, and the largest supply of provisions and am- 
munition that the hostile tribes possessed was destroyed. But while 
the New Englanders were exulting over this victory, the woods again 
re-echoed the fierce yell of the red man, and a fresh body of Indians 
dashed upon them, surprising them as completely as they had sur- 
prised. Fortunately, Turner was able to keep his men in good order ; 
they steadily fought their way through, and, recovering their horses, 
began their retreat. The whole country swarmed with Indians. Their 
march was under constant fire, and -brave Captain Holyoke, covering 
the retreat, suffered terribly, though he fought like a hero, and charged 
the Indians repeatedly, driving them to their coverts. Turner was 
killed while crossing Green River, and Holyoke led the survivors 
of his gallant band to Hatfield, which the Indians soon after at- 
tacked. 



^254 THK STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Major Talcot, of Comiecticut, also showed himself a good Indian 
fightoi', ill his defense of Hadlev, and in liis glorious battle-week in 
June, when he defeated the Indians in four different engagements, 
leaving two hundred and fifty of their braves stark on the soil. So 
heavj' were his blows that for the first time Indians came in and sub- 
mitted to the mercy of the whites. 

In all these l)attles and fights, Philip, the prime mover of all, was 
never seen by the New Englanders, and it was not certainly known 
where he was ; but in the second year, when the spirit of the Indians 
was broken, he appeared and was nearly captured in a fight in which 
several of his family were killed or taken, and he himself escaped only 
b}' flinging away even his ammunition. Captain Church, a famous 
Indian fighter, was close on his track, and Philip's band, almost all 
relatives of his own, was daily thinned. The Sachem seems to have 
come back to die at his ancient home. His wife and son were soon 
captured, to be sold into West Indian slavery. His comrades began 
to despair. One talked of submission. Philip slew him. The brother 
of his victim fled to Church, and guided his troops to Mount Hope- 
They reached the spot at midnight, and lay down in the bushes. 
When day broke the Indians jierceived that they were surrounded, 
and attempted to cut their way through. At one point an Englishman, 
and Alderman, a friendly Indian, were posted. Philip, half dressed, 
dashed past them ; both fired the Englishman's gun missed, but Alder- 
man's sent a bullet through the heart of the chief. He fell upon his 
face in the mud and water, with his gun under him. 

The great Phili]i, last of the Pokanokets, or Wampanoags, was no 
more. With a cruelty learned from the Indians, they mangled the 
remains of the once haughty sachem. His hands were carried as 



OR, OUR country's acitievemknt?, 255 

trophies to Boston, and his head to Plymouth, where it was exposed 
upon a pole on Thanksgiving Day. Many Indians, especially Pra} iug 
Indians, who had joined the enemy, were then hanged, and for months 
the gibbet was never without a victim. Others were shipped off to the 
West Indies and sold as slaves, to toil away their lives beneath the 
sun of the tropics. 

This ended the war in that part of New England ; but along the 
coast of Maine, where the Indians had many private wrongs to complain 
of, the war still raged furiously, till not an English settlement remained 
from Casco Bay to the Penobscot. A little fort on Arrowsick Island 
was taken by a bold stratagem. The Indians stole up to the sentinel, 
and as he turned to enter the fort before his successor came out, they 
rushed into the fort with him, and cut down nearly all the garrison in 
a few moments. 

During one of the lulls of the war in this section, a party of four 
hundred Indians came to York and proposed peace to Major Waldron, 
the commander there. He got up a sham fight the next da}', near the 
fort. When the Indians had fired their muskets, he surrounded them 
with his men and took the whole party prisoners. Half of them he 
allowed to go, the rest were sent to Boston, thence to the West Indies, 
to be sold as slaves. This cruel act of treachery the Indians nevel 
forgave ; it rendered them more furious. York, Wells, Black Point, 
were destroyed, and the midnight sky was lighted up with blazing 
houses and barns. They even ventured out in boats and captured 
twenty fishing vessels, killing all on board. 

At last, peace was made at Casco, in April, 1678, with Madocka- 
wando and other Eastern chiefs, and New England could breathe freely. 

Sad was the change in the happy smiling landscape, where industry 



258 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

and thrift had built up so fair a colony. Ten or twelve towns had! 
been utterly destroyed ; forty others, more or less burned down ; hve or 
six hundred stalwart men had fallen in battle or been cut down un- 
awares, or, worst of all, had perished amid all the refinements of 
Indian torture. As you rode along, you met everywhere scenes of 
desolation, ruin, and distress. Every family was in mourning, thou- 
sands were destitute, the public debts of the colonies were more than all 
the personal property. 

While Massachusetts was in this distress, she began to reap the 
reward of her refusal to modify her institutions and laws so as to con- 
form to those of England. Charles II. began to follow the matter up. 
Maine, west of the Kennebec, was now, by a decision of the Courts, 
adjudged to the heir of Gorges, and though Massachusetts purchased 
his rights, this did not help them. In 1678, Charles established New 
Hampshire as a royal province, and restored Mason, the old patentee, 
to his rights ; but the people there were of the same mind as those of 
Massachusetts, and royal Governors, collectors, and other officers, 
for some time had a sorry time of it. 

Massachusetts did not take warning ; the King's letters were met by 
long, evasive responses, and the agents of the colony were instructed 
to make all possible delay. But the King acted promptly ; proceedings 
were begun in the Court of King's Bench, to set aside the Charter of 
Massachusetts, on the ground that they had violated it ; and, as tech- 
nical objections arose, new proceedings were begun in the Court of 
Chancery, under which the Charter was declared void in 1684, ana 
Massachusetts became a royal province. 

New York was gradually assuming the form of an English colony, 
and the people becoming accustomed to English rule. Under Thomas 



OK, OUR couktkt's achieve.mexts. 257 

Dongau, who came out as Governor in 1683, an Assembly was called, 
and New York began to make laws for self-government. Dongan was 
one of the ablest colonial Governors ever intrusted with power in 
America, and labored earnestly to build up the colony, and to extend 
its limits to the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario. Of the French power 
he was the steady antagonist. 

The Assembly, convened under this able man, passed a Charter of 
Liberties, establishing freedom of conscience, and guaranteeing all the 
liberties held dear by Englishmen. 

The Five Nations formally submitted as subjects to the King of Eng- 
land, and Dongan restrained them from annoying other colonies, allow- 
ing none to treat with them except through the Governor of New York. 

To the southward another colony was now begun. William Penn 
had become interested in New Jersey, and thus learned the fitness of 
the New World as a home for emigrants. The English Government 
■owed him a large sura, which had been due to his father, Admiral 
Penn. The Duke of York had esteemed the father and liked the son. 
Charles had no money to pay old debts, but Penn offered to take as 
compensation a grant of land in America, and James recommended his 
brother to grant him all the land north of Newcastle, and between the 
fortieth and forty-third degrees. 

On the 6th of March. 1681, the charter was issued under the Great 
Seal. Penn proposed to call the land New Wales ; but as this was not 
liked, he suggested Sylvania, from its abounding in forests, but Charles 
insisted on putting Penn before this, to honor the Admiral, and so it 
became Pennsylvania. 

Peini was niado absolute proprietor, with power to ordaiu laws, 
appoint officers, and enjoy general authority ; but the laws were to be 



258 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

assented to by the freemen of the province, and be approved hj the 
King, and no taxes were to be raised except by the Provincial 
Assembly. To jirovide for any such case as had arisen in New 
England, it was provided that Episcopal clergymen, approved by the 
Bishop of London, were to reside in the province without molesta- 
tion. 

Thus the old colony of New Netherland had grown into New York, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the counties on the Delaware, which 
now form the little State of Delaware. These were claimed by the 
Duke of York as part of New York, and by Lord Baltimore as part of 
Maryland. Penn bought from the Duke all his rights to them. He 
sent out William Markham as Deputy Governor in 1681, with three 
ship-loads of emigrants, and full instructions. In September of the 
following year, Penn prepared to go himself to take possession of his 
new province. In a beautiful letter he took leave of his wife and 
family, then, with six hundred of his fellow-believers, he set sail in 
September, 1682, for the new abode of peace, where they were to 
begin what they called the Holy Experiment. 

The passage was long, and the frequent deaths among the passengers - 
cast a gloom over them all. At last, on the 27th day of October, 
"William Penn landed at Newcastle. Swedes, Dutch, and English 
were already settled in the new province, and they numbered between 
two and three thousand, plain, strong, and industrious people, living 
in peace with each other and the native tribes. The disposal of the 
territory to Ponn was regarded favorably. The news of his landing 
was soon spread far and wide, and on the next da_y, in the presence of 
a crowd of the settlers of the various tongues, his deeds were produced ; 
the agent of the Duke surrendered the territory by solemnly delivering ; 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS 259 

earth aud water, ana Penn, as proprietor, pledged himself to grant 
liberty of conscience and civil freedom. 

He visited the various settlements, finding the laud good, the air 
clear and sweet, the springs plentiful, and pi-ovisioiis good and easy to 
come at, an innumerable quantity of wild fowl and fish ; in fine, he 
says, " What an Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be well contented 
with." 

Before leaving England he had addressed a letter to the Indians, 
and as soon as he had seen the position of his province, he held his 
first grand treaty with them. Beneath the great elm-tree at Shacka- 
maxon, on the northern edge of his future city of Philadelphia, William 
Penn, surrounded by a few friends in the peaceful garb of his sect, 
with no military parade or arms, met the assembled delegates of the 
Indian tribes. From the tribes on the waters of the Delaware came 
tlie elans of that name ; Shawnees from the interior, and the stately 
Conestogas from the Susquehanna, all met beneath the wintry sky and 
the leafless branches of the elm. Distinguished simply by his blue 
silk sash, Penn addressed them, not to purchase lands, but to form the 
covenant of friendship which he had offered. 

"We meet," he said, "on the broad pathway of good works and 
good will ; no advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be 
openness and love. I will not call you children, for parents sometimes 
chide their children too severely ; nor brothers only, for brothers 
diifer. The friendship between me and you I will not compare to a 
chain ; for that the rains might rust, or the falling tree might break. 
We are the same as if one man's body were to be divided in two parts ; 
we are all one flesh and blood." 

The children of the forest were touched by these words of peace 



•260 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

aud ivom that day to this, the Indian has recognized in the Quaker a 
friend indeed. They received the presents of Penn with sincerity, and 
with hearty friendship they gave the highest aud most solemn guar- 
antee known to the eastern tribes, the belt of wampum 

Thus was the foundation of Pennsylvania laid : peace with the 
Indians, liberty and toleration for all. A G-eneral Convention met at 
Chester in December, and framed the laws for the province. All were 
free, all were equal ; no taxes were to be laid but by law ; every man 
could vote, and, without regard to religion, could be elected to office. 
Sunday was to be a day of rest, and stage-plays, bull-baits, and cock- 
fights were prohibited. 

Having selected a site for his city, Penn bought the land of the 
Swedish settlers who occupied it, and on a neck of land between the 
Schuylkill and Delaware, well suited for a town by the convenience of 
the rivers, the firmness of the land, the pure springs and healthy air, he 
in January, 1683, laid out his city, to which he gave the name of 
Pliiladelphia, meaning Brotherly Love. 

Vast were the hopes of Penn, but he little dreamed of its future 
greatness ; that in less than a century it was to be the cradle of a great 
Republic, soon to bear its starry flag from ocean to ocean. 

In two years Philadelphia had grown from four little cottages to six 
hundred houses, and the schoolmaster and the printing-press had 
begun their work. 

Having given his colony the form and impulse his amiable heart 
desired, and erected a modest brick house for himself, Penn returned 
to England in 1684, bidding a touching farewell to the colonists and to 
the virgin city Philadelphia. 

In Virginia, after the restoration of the royal power under Charles 



OR, OUR country's ACniEVEMENTS. 2til 

II., Ihe aristocratic feelings recovered, and the Church of England 
was established, and maintained bj' laws almost as severe as those 
whi( h upheld Congregatiuiialism in New England. The Governor, 
Sir William Berkeley, bore himself \Qvy haughtily, and much discon- 
tent prevailed. At last Indian troubles gave it an occasion to show 
itself. 

The Conestogas, or Susquehannas, as they are sometimes called, 
from the river on which they dwelt, had, after a long war, been 
disastrously defeated by the Senecas and other Iroquois tribes, and 
driven down into Maryland and Virginia. In the confusion of their 
hasty entrance into these colonies, several outrages were committed, 
which were charged upon them, but were more probably the work of 
the Senecas. 

Some of the Conestoga chiefs met a party of settlers to justify them- 
selves and make terms of peace, but the settlers, in the heat of passion, 
murdered them. Old Berkeley rebuked this sternly. " If they had 
killed my father and my mother, and all my friends, yet if they had 
eome to treat of peace, they ought to have gone in peace." 

The crime brought terrible consequences. The wretched Conesto- 
gas, finding those among whom they sought a refuge to be as great 
enemies as the Senecas, commenced a war in earnest, and from Mount 
Vernon to the falls of the James they roamed, slaying and devastating, 
till they deemed their dead chiefs avenged. Then they offered peace, 
but the colonists rejected it. Other Indian tribes who had wrongs to 
complain of now followed the example of the Conestogas, and Virginia 
was plunged into the horrors of Indian war. 

The Governor and his aristocratic associates did nothing to allay the 
storm ; but the people rose. Choosing as a leader Nathaniel Bacon a 



262 THE STORY OF A GEEAT NATION; 

brave and eloquent young planter, they demanded leave to rise and 
protect themselves. Berkeley haughtily refused. 

Where the James River leaps into the low-lands, lay the plantation 
of the enthusiastic popular leader. The savage enemy made a dash 
here, and killed several of his men. He had declared that if another 
white man fell he would raise troops without authority. Five hundred 
men soon rallied to his standard, and he marched against the Indian 
foe. Berkelej^ proclaimed them rebels, and raised troops to pursue 
them, but the people, tired of the tyranny of the Grovernor and 
Assembly, rose and compelled the Governor to dissolve the Assembly. 
Bacon, having driven off the Indians, returned in triumph, was elected 
to the Assembly, and made Commander-in-Chief. This legislature 
passed many acts to secure the liberties of the people, but Berkeley 
refused to sign Bacon's commission. That young leader, fearing 
treachery, withdrew, and returned at the head of an armed force. 
The old Cavalier met them undaunted. Baring his breast, he cried, 
" A fair mark, shoot ! " "I will not," replied Bacon, " hurt a hair of 
jour head, or of any man's ; we are coming for the commission to save 
our lives from the Indians." 

Berkeley finally yielded, and Bacon, after rebuking the Council for 
the exorbitant taxes, abuses of Government, and the misery of the 
country, obtained a regular commission. At the head of his eager 
soldiers he drove the Indians from their lurking-places in forests and 
swamps, and was about to bring the war to a close by a vigorous cam- 
paign, when Berkeley proclaimed him a traitor. Bacon appealed to 
the people, and a general rising answered his call. Berkeley fled, but, 
raising some troops and Indians, by aid of the English ships then in 
Virginia waters, he returned to Jamestown and again proclaimed 



OR, OCR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 268 

Bacon a traitor. That popular leader was soon before the place with 
his Ibrces. Under the mild light of a September moon, a rude in- 
trenchment was thrown up. Berkeley's motley horde lost heart, many 
fled to the ships, the rest deserted the town, and Bacon entered. Fear- 
ful that he could not hold it against the reinforcements that Berkeley 
might receive from England, Bacon set fire to the village, two of his 
chief adherents applying the torch to their own houses. The little 
church, the new State House, soon caught, and the cradle of Virginia, 
with all its recollections, was soon a mass of flames. To Berkeley's fleet, 
anchored twenty miles below the town, it proclaimed the determination 
of Virginians to be free, even at the sacrifice of all they possessed. 

The ruins of the church-tower that survived, still stand as a monu- 
ment to mark the spot connected with the names of Gosnold, Smith, . 
Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Bacon. 

When Bacon came up to the opposing army, there was no battle. 
The Governor's troops joined him. In the midst of his triumph, 
Bacon fell sick and died. The people were left without a leader. 
Berkeley, securing some capable men, defeated parties of the popular 
troops, and hanged Hansford, a gallant young planter, who fell into his 
hands. Others followed to the gallows, till twenty-two of the best and 
purest men in Virginia had perished. Others died in prison. Every- 
where estates were confiscated and people driven from their homes. 
Virginia was filled with wretchedness, misery, and tears. When 
tidings of this vindictive cruelty reached England, the kind-hearted 
Charles H. exclaimed: "The old fool has taken away more lives in 
that naked country, than I for the murder of my father." 

A squadron took out English troops to Virginia, the first who ever 
entered an American province. Sir William Berkeley returned to 



204 THE STORT OF A GREAT NATION; 

England, but Bacon's movement left Virginia with less freedom than it 
bill! before. 

Maryland enjoyed comparative quiet during the reign of Charles II., 
and though one of its officers was concerned in the killing of the Sus- 
quehanna chiefs, the colony condemned him, and avoided war. 

Pennsylvania was not the only new colony which dates from this 
reign. A number of English noblemen, anxious to be lord proprietors 
in America, obtained, on the 24th of March, 1663, a grant for the 
Province of Carolina, extending from the thirty-sixth degree of north 
latitude to the river San Matheo, since called the St. John. Lord 
Clarendon, the Duke of Albemarle, Lord Ashley Cooper, Sir William 
Berkeley, and Sir George Carteret, whose names we have met already 
with Lord Berkeley, and Sir John Colleton formed this body of pro- 
prietors. 

The land was not wholly unoccupied. Settlers from New England 
had planted themselves there, and from time to time Virginians had 
explored it and attempted settlements. These new colonists purchased 
lands from the Indians, and were framing a simple government for 
themselves. Berkeley, acting as Governor of Virginia, and one of the 
proprietors of Carolina, appointed as Governor of the Virginia })ioneers 
William Drummond, who convened the first Assembly of northern 
Carolina, and organized the Government in 1666. 

The year before, Sir John Yeamans was appointed by the proprietors 
Govenior of a party of settlers from Barbadoes, who purchased a tract 
on Cape Fear Eiver, near the New England settlers. 

Elated by the progress of colonization, the proprietors obtained a 
new Charter, giving them a vast territory extending to the Pacific 
Ocean. Then the philosopher Locke drew up a Constitution and laws 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 265 

for this great territory, in which there were to be nobles of different 
ranks, proprietaries, landgraves, and caciques. William Sayle was 
appointed the first Governor, but it was found impossible to put in 
.V:)rce the laws that seemed so wise to philosophers and statesmen in 
England. At last the proprietaries wrote to the colonists, "Settle 
order among yourselves." 

Sayle's party of emigrants touched at Port Royal, and then settled, 
in 1670, on the Ashley River, at the first high land. This was the 
commencement of South Carolina. But the spot was not favoral)le for 
commerce, and on the neck of land between the Ashley and Cooper 
Rivers soon grew up a town, called, in honor of the King, Charleston. 
Embowered in evergreen trees, with flowers of rich perfume, it was 
long a spot that attracted settlers in sjiite of its unhealthy air. 

If the proprietaries did not establish their elaborate laws, they did 
encourage emigration, and settlers poured in from New England and 
New York, from Barbadoes, and from England, Ireland, Scotland, and 
Holland. Then came the Huguenots, expelled from France by Louis 
XIV. 

To mould all these different classes into one community was not 
easy, but it was finally accomplished, and perhaps the pretensions of 
the proprietaries hastened it, for in a little while all the settlers agreed 
to oppose them and their authority. 



CHAPTER II. 

Reiga of James 11. — James projects a Union of tlie Colonies — New York invaded — Conni 
ticut and the Cliarter Oak — Indian Troubles in Maine — Fall of James — Reign of William i.i. 
— Andros seized — Old Governments resumed in New England — William neglects America 
— Sad Condition of New York — Leisler — Indian Wars — Waldron — Lacliine — Schenectady — 
Salmon Falls — Casco — Phips fails to take Quebec — William sends a Governor to New York 
— Leisler refuses to submit — Taken — Hanged — New Charter for Massachusetts — The Witch 
Trials — Captain Kidd. 

James II., Duke of York, came to the throne of England on the 
death of his brother, Charles II., in 1684. As a Catholic he was 
distasteful to the people of England, and it was evident that his reign 
would be short. Under other auspices he might have been one of the 
best English rulers. He was a brave and capable commander, well 
acquainted with the commerce of England, and one of the few Kings 
who took a real interest in American affairs. 

One of his projects was to unite the colonies together. When he 
became King he was proprietor of New York ; Massachusetts was a 
royal province ; Connecticut and Rhode Island had just been organized 
under charters. He united Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and 
the Narragansett country under Joseph Dudley as (xovernor ; and he 
prepared to annex other colonies to this new government. Then, for 
the first time, the service of the church established by law in England, 
was performed in Boston. 

Dongan, the Governor of New York, was busy checking the French, 
who, provoked by the raids of the Five Nations, iHvaded the Sen ecu 
country with a considerable force, led by the Marquis de Denonville. 
Governor of Canada. 

The Senecasmet him on his way inland, and for a time a fierce battle 
raged. Soldiers from the battlefields of Europe, Canada militia, fron- 



-'- — 267 



OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 

tiersmen, Indian allies of the French, representing tribes from the 
shores of Maine to the .shores of Lake Superior, all met to do battle 
with the Iroquois on the soil of New York. The action was sharp, and 
many noted braves iell, but the Iroquois drew off, and the French 
entered their ruined towns. Denonville then restored La Salle's fort 
on the Niagara, and claimed all western New York. Dongan supported 
his allies with arms and ammunition, and endeavored to win the 
western tribes to England. 

James, a more patriotic Englishman than his careless brother, 
Charles II., supported Dongan, and when the French King complained, 
insisted that the Iroquois were his subjects, and that as such he would 
protect them. The French proposed, and James agreed to, a perfect 
neutrality in America in case of future war. 

Following up his plan of forming the colonies into one powerful gov- 
ernment, James had sent out the active and capable Sir Edmund Andros, 
as Grovernor Greneral of the Territory and Dominion of New England. 
He landed in Boston in December, 1686, with an imposing force of 
British troops. . One of his first steps was to induce Connecticut to sur- 
render hei Charter into his hands, so that he could make that province 
part of his territory. He soon after, in ]iursnance of instructions based 
on erroneous reports that Connecticut had submitted, left Boston with 
several of his council, and some sixty grenadiers as his guard. For 
the first time such a retinue dashed in its pomp and glitter through the 
New England woods. 

At Hartford the Greneral Court was in session, and Andros called 
for the surrender of the Charter, which the people prized so dearly. 
A pleasing tradition was long kept alive by the reverence paid 
to the famous tree at Hartford, called the Charter Oak, which braved 



268 THE STORY OF A GEEAT NATION; 

the winds till it was blowii down in a great storm in August, 1856. 
The story is that after Andros had secured one copy of the Charter 
and all were looking on in sadness and gloom, the lights were suddenly 
extinguished as Andros stretched out his hand to grasp the other 
Tliere was delay in relighting the hall, and then the Charter had van- 
ished. Lieutenant Joseph Wadsworth had secretly carried it off and 
hidden it in the hollow of this old oak. But there are doubts as to 
this storjr, and though the Charter was probably concealed in the tree, 
Wadsworth had apparently secured it previous to the coming of 
Andros. 

Dongan's experience and his warnings now induced James to con- 
solidate, if possible, all the English colonies into one, so as to give the 
Indians a greater idea of English power, and more easily check the 
French. New Jersey was also placed under Andros, and then New 
York, so that all the colonies from the fortieth degree, except Penn- 
sylvania, were incorporated into one vast province as the Dominion of 
New England. Sir Edmund Andros was the Viceroy, and Ca])tain 
Francis Nicholson, Lieutenant Governor. 

Like Dongan, Andros eagerly watched the French, and sent the 
Rose frigate to Penobscot to break up a French settlement and trading- 
post of the Baron de St. Castin. The property of that nobleman was 
seized and carried off, and the act cost New England dearly. St. 
Castin, or Castine, as the English settlers called him, had come over to 
Canada as a young ensign in a French regiment. When it was dis- 
banded he had grown to like the New World, so he wandered off to 
the coast of Maine, and planted his tent among the Indians on the 
Penobscot. He liked them so well that he married a daughter of 
Madockawando, and exerted immense influence over the Indians all 



OR, OUR country's achievemknts. 269 

along the coast, and thus carried on a very large and profitable trade. 
The Indians considered him as one of their great chiefs, and looked 
upon the injury done him as a wrong against them, which they resolved 
to retaliate. 

While Andros was at Albany, looking after the Indian affairs of 
New York, tidings came that troubles had arisen at P'enobscot. The 
Indians had risen, and Massachusetts sent a force to put them down. 
Andros, anxious to avoid a war, hastened across the country to Boston. 
and raising a force of eight hundred men, went to ]\Iaine in the depth 
of winter, sharing all the hardships of the troops, though many perished 
on the march. 

The Indians fled to the woods, and the troops were unable, after all 
their hardships, to bring them to action. Andros was now reaping the 
harvest he had sown. The whole coast of Maine was in danger, and 
to secure the scattered settlements, he planted a number of garrisons- 
along the coast. 

James was no longer on the English throne. His nephew and son- 
in-law, William, Prince of Orange, had invaded England and been 
acknowledged as King, with Mary as Queen. 

Utterly unlike James, William seems to have taken no interest in 
American affairs, and he was not, like James, a man to busy himself 
with them. Instead of dispatching definite instructions at once to all 
the American colonies, he acted with hesitation, and showed no care or 
promptness. He left everything in confusion. 

This was the cause of terrible troubles and border- wars on this side 
of the Atlantic. 

When the Eevolution took place in England, Andros was still in 
Maine. He returned to Boston. There a revolution also took place. 



270 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Seeing it hopeless to attempt to maintain his authority, Andros was on 
his way to embark on the Rose frigate, when he was induced to meet 
Bradstreet and others at the council chamber. There he was arrested 
and thrown into prison. 

A Council of Safety assumed the Government in Massachusetts. 
Plymouth reinstated its old Governor and its old Administration. 
Connecticut brought out her hidden Charter, and Governor Treat 
resumed his duties. 

Opening the dispatches addressed by William to Andros, the Council 
of Safety proclaimed William and Mary 

No colony, indeed, made any resistance, but troubles took place in 
New York and Maryland. In the last, as no instructions arrived, the 
deputies of Lord Baltimore hesitated to proclaim William and Mary. 
But an association was formed, headed by a disreputable man named 
John Coode, who was soon after indicted and fled. A revolution took 
place, a Government was formed which William sanctioned, and 
finally, in 1691, he made Mar^yland a royal province, appointing Sir 
Lionel Copley Governor. 

In New York matters were even more serious. Nicholson, the 
Lieutenant Governor, finding that Andros was a prisoner, sought in 
vain to obtain his release. He convened the Common Council of the 
city, and, to quiet the people, proposed that part of the city militia 
should mount guard in the fort. One of the seven militia captains, 
Jacob Leisler, saw an opportunity to raise himself. Ignorant, fanatical, 
ambitious, he began by letters and speaking to excite distrust and 
trouble. In a little while half the people of New York believed that 
Nicholson had threatened to burn New York and massacre the 
people 



OR, OTR COUXTHy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 271 

A slight quarrel about a sentinel soon brought things to a point. 
Never had New York been so excited. The drums were beat, and the 
citizens appeared in arms. Leislers comi)any entered the fort and 
took possession. It was at first agreed that the various captains should 
command in turn, but Leisler soon had all in his own hands, proclaimed 
the Prince of Orange, and the people supposed that it was to be again 
a Dutch colony. 

Nicholson, finding himself stripped of all power, sailed for England. 
Bayard and other members of the Council retired to Albany, and 
attempted to organize Government there. Leisler then had himself 
appointed by his men Counnander-in-Chief of the province, and 
addressed a letter to William and Mary. 

England and France were now at war, and both parties claiming 
rule in New York were full of fight. At Albany the Five Nations 
were encouraged to war on the French. The treaty of neutrality 
effected at the wish of Louis XIY. was disregarded, and the colonists 
sought a war with Canada, and were ready to use the Indians against 
. that province. 

This was one of the most unfortunate steps in our history. All the 
horrors which for many years desolated our frontiers, might have been 
avoided. 

The French wished peace and wished to avoid Indian hostilities. 
Finding that they must have war, they wont to work with a will. 
The garrisons established by Andros in Maine had been withdrawn. 
The Indians, siding with the French, clmnted the war-song from the 
Oonnecticut to the St. John's. Wnldrou's treachery had never been 
forgotten, and was now to be avenged. 

One stormy night some squaws came to the garrison houses at 



272 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Cocheco, asking shelter till morning. No tidings of the coming war 
had reached Waldron, so they were carelessly admitted. 

At midnight they threw open the doors, and the Pennacook braves 
rushed in, shrieking and yelling. ]\Iany were cnt down at once ; but 
every Indian thirsted to reach Waldron. The old man, wakened by 
the noise, leaped out oi bed. " What now? what now? " he cried, as 
he rushed on the Indians, sword in hand. So fierce was his rush that 
they gave way before him, but as he turned to get other arms, they 
sprang on him, struck him down senseless, and then dragged him to the 
hall. 

There they seated him in a chair on top of a table, and exclaimed, 
" Who shall judge Indians now ? " After a time they surrounded him 
again, brought out his books, and laid them on the table before him ; 
' hen, in mockery of his way of trading, each Indian stepped up and 
crying, "I cross out my account!" with his knife drew a deep gash 
across the old man's breast ; and so they went on, till the veteran, 
fainting from loss of blood, arid murmuring " Oh Lord ! oh Lord ! " fell 
forward on a sword. 

Cocheco was soon a mass of fire ; house and mill alike sent up their 
volumes of flame, lighting up the scene ; twenty-two settlers lay dead, 
and by the gleams of firelight the dusky warriors were seen huriying 
away nearly as many more prisoners. 

A little girl, seven years old, a grand-daughter of Major Waldron, 
during the attack was sent by the Indians to an inner room to tell the 
people to come out. She hid, but was found and dragged off, half 
clothed and barefooted. Her sufferings were terrible : her Indian 
master once was going to kill her, and actually set her up against a 
tree and ainicMl ol her ; another time an Indian girl pushed her off a 



OK, ouK country's achievements. 273 

high rock iuto the river, and she iiearl3' drowned, but she dared not 
tell for fear of worse treatment. Once they stole off in the morning 
and left her, covered with the snow, alone in the woods. The poor 
little thing went crying after them through the wilderness, tracing them 
by their trail on the snow. Another time they made a great fire, and 
threatened to roast her alive, but she ran to her master, and clasping 
ber little arms round his tawny neck, promised to be good, and 
touched his heart. 

Such were the horrors which the colonies brought on themselves, 
when all might have been avoided. 

The Five Nations, instigated by the people of New York, dealt a 
still heavier blow on Canada. Fifteen hundred braves of the League, 
with some English, all well armed, set out to invade Canada. Never 
bad such a force of red men taken the field. Through the forests they 
marched to Lake Champlain, where they built their fleet of canoes. 
I'Jo scouts warned the French of their approach. They glided down 
with noiseless stroke into the St. Lawrence, and passed Lake St. Louis 
during the fierce hailstorm that came on during the night of the fifth 
of August. Their canoes soon ran silently on the shore at La Chine, 
a few miles above Montreal. The little French village lay buried in 
slumber. The war-whooj) roused them to fall beneath the balls of the 
Indians or their murderous hatchets. Men, women, and children per- 
ished, and, firing the town, the Indians added to the horrors of the 
scene, and prevented all escape. Here and there a brave man would 
attempt to defend himself and those dear to him. Few escaped. Tho.se 
who fell into the hands of the Indians alive underwent every torture 
that savage fury could invent. Children were put alive on spits, and 
their mothers forced to turn them before a fire. All night long the 



274 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

hideous orgies and cruelties of the Indians continued. The sun rose on 
a scene of indescribable horror. Only two houses in the wliole villuge 
remained, and not a living inhabitant ; all else was blood and ashes. 
Two hundred people had perished ; a hundred and fifty more were 
hurried off as captives. 

Denonville, Governor of Canada, sent out Lieutenant Robeyre with 
a detachment to hold Fort Roland. The Indians attacked it with such 
fury that the little garrison were soon surrounded by dead. But it 
was all in vain. The foe were countless, and the little band was thinned 
till the brave Robeyre, faint and wounded, stood alone. 

Du Luht, whose name has been given to a new town on Lake 
Superior, was more successful, when encountering two canoes of Iroquois 
on the Lake of the Two Mountains. Plying their paddles with hot 
haste, the Iroquois rushed upon him. Du Luht forbade a man to 
fire, and the Iroquois bullets, fired in haste, rattled harmlessly by. 
Quick struck the paddles till the range was sure ; then, at his word, his 
deadly volley poured into the Iroquois canoes. Every bullet told. 
Eighteen braves lay writhing in their riddled canoes ; four plunged 
into the water to seek safety by swimming, but of the whole baud only 
one escaped. 

But all was alarm in Canada. Fort Frontenae was abandoned 
and fired, and a mine with a slow match lit to blow it up. The 
Indians, going to attack it, found ammunition and plunder to reward 
them. 

Four days after the attack on Lachine, a hundred Christian Indians 
from a French mission on the Penobscot, appeared before Fort Pema- 
quid. on the coast of Maine. Coming partly by sea, and partly by 
land, they found the people utterly unprepared. They rushed furiously 



OR, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 275 

through the village, breaking into the houses, and slaughtering all 
before them. 

Captain Weems in the fort opened fire with his cannon, but the 
Indians took to some stone houses and behind a rock that jutted out. 
A regular frontier fight began. Each watched his antagonists keenly, 
and every exposed body was instantly a mark for a ball. At last the 
sun began to decline, and wishing to close the matter at once, an 
Indian summoned "Weems to surrender. 

"I am tired," replied the undaunted man ; " I am tired, and must 
go to sleep." 

All night long the rattle of musketry was kept up, and with daylight 
the fire into the fort was terrible. Weems, finding it hopeless, agreed 
to capitulate, and the Indians allowed all who survived to march out 
and embark. The Indians, with a self-restraint not often seen, stove 
in a cask of rum which they found in the fort. 

All was now confusion at New York. King William, after Nichol- 
son's return to England, sent out a letter addressed to him at New 
York. Leisler opened it, and declared that it made him Lieutenant 
Governor, and imprisoned all who opposed him. He harassed the 
people of Albany in order to make them submit to his rule. 

Amid all this confusion. Count Frontenac, the new Governor of 
Canada, was preparing to avenge the bloody massacre of Lachine. In 
the very heart of a Canadian winter, three expeditions of French and 
Indians started out over the snow and ice. One from Montreal aimed 
at Schenectady ; another, from Three Rivers, at Salmon Falls, and a 
third, from Quebec, at the settlement on Casco Bay. 

Schenectady was the frontier town, nnd. in spite of the dangers of a 
time of war, was merry as winter could make it. One Saturday after» 



276 THE STORY OF A OTirAT NATION; 

noon, Talinage, who commanded the little garrison in the fort, urged 
the people to be cautious, as warnings had come. The people laughed 
at his fears, and gayly spent the afternoon in their warm houses. The 
gates of the palisades, even, were left open, and they set up snow men 
there as mock sentinels. 

While all this foolery was going on, the French and Indian force, 
under Saint Helene and Manteht, were almost within gunshot. 

Weary, hungry, and numbed with cold, they waited till every light 
■disappeared in the doomed village. At midnight they charged through 
both gates at once into the place, and attacked Talmage's fort. The 
war-whoojj rang through the village ; houses were fired, and a general 
slaughter ensued. 

Stout Adam Vrooman defended his house like a hero, and the 
French gave him quarter ; they spared a widow's house, and endeav- 
ored to save the minister, who was, however, killed. Sixty persons 
were slain in that bloody night. Twenty-five escaped from the place, 
and lighted by the glare of their burning houses, hastened almost naked 
through the deep snows to Albany ; one of the wounded, Simon 
Schemerhorn, who had succeeded in finding a lame horse, reaching that 
city early on Sundaj- morning, to terrify all with his fearful tidings. 

The other expeditions of the French were equally successful. Her- 
tel, with the men of Three Rivers, pushed on till his scouts recon- 
noitred Salmon Falls, now Berwick, in New Hampshire. In three 
parties they attacked three garrisoned houses, one supplied with 
cannon. The yell of the Indian was met by a bold cheer ; but one by 
one the defenders fell, and the survivors surrendered. Then the in- 
vaders applied the torch. The settlement was in flames, and the In- 
dians slaughtered on all sides the herds of cattle in the burning stables. 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 277 

The people of Portsmouth heard of the disaster, and gave chase to 
'"<; enemy. Hertel halted at the narrow bridge over Wooster itiver, 
''"lie brave New Euglanders dashed over it, iiriug rapidly, llertel, 
h-ained to border fighting, let them approach and rushed u[)on them. 
With terrible loss the men of Portsmouth were hurled back, and 
Hertel continued his retreat. 

The Ibrt at Casco Bay was invested by Portneufs party. Some of 
them by night stole up almost to the gate, and lay in ambush. At 
daybreak Robert Greason fell into the trap and was slain. The scalp- 
haiioo told the garrison of their danger ; hl\v men boldly sallied forth 
to meet them. A desperate hand to hand hght followed. Only four 
men out of fifty ever lived to re-enter the fort. Still the place held out, 
but as Hertel joined him, Portneuf pushed the siege quickly, and at 
last Casco surrendered. 

All the northern colonies were now in consternation. The French 
might rouse ever}^ Indian against them. 

Leisler urged all the colonies to join in a union for the reduction of 
Canada ; and, as their authority was no better than his, they agreed, 
and the first North American Colonial Congress met at New York in 
1690. They agreed to raise an army of eight hundred and fifty-five 
raen to conquer Canada. This seems a very insignificant force indeed ; 
and when Fitz-John Winthrop, the commander, reached Lake Cham- 
pUrin and found the Indians dying of small-pox, and discontented, he 
returned to Albany, and the whole expedition came to nothing, though 
Captain John Schuyler, with some whites and Indians, made a bold 
dash into Canada, and ravaged La Prairie, destroying houses, barns, 
md cattle, killing and carrying off many of the French settlers. 

Massachusetts fitted out a fleet under Phips to attack Port Royal, 



278 THE STORT OF A GUEAT NATIu:^: ; 

a Freuch post, uow replaced bj' Annapolis, in Xova ScoUa, inteudiag;, 
it' successful, to sail round into the St. Lawrence, and take Quebec. 

No sucli fleet had ever sailed out of au American port, and the 
greatest hoi)es were built on its success. Port Royal had before liaffled 
English attacks ; but when, on the 19th of May, 1690, the French 
guards on the coast saw the fleet, they started in all haste to warn the 
commander of the fort. Despairing of being able to make any defense. 
lie capitulated, but Phips pillaged the place, demolished the chapel, and 
treated the people harshly. They were never again to be long under 
French rule, and their history is a very sad and pitiable one. War 
had put them under a government that they could not love, and which 
looked on them with dislike. 

Pliips, Hushed with victorj', determined to attack Quebec. Stoims 
delayed him, and it was not till October 14th that he anchored with 
thirty-four sail near that city. Frontenac, the Governor of Canad;i. 
linding Montreal safe from Leisler's army, had hastened back to 
Quebec, and had fortified it with great skill. 

He was ready for the fight. In a little while a boat came rowing 
from the New England fleet, the white flag flying at the bow. Before 
it reached land a French boat met it, and received Phips' messenger, 
who was blindfolded and led into the Castle of Quebec. The cunning 
French led him by a roundabout way, so that he heard plent_y of 
soldiers marching, and rattling of guns, to make him think the place 
was full of troops. When his bandage was taken ofi' he stood in the 
{)resence of tlie haughty old Count, who was surrounded by his officers 
and the great dignitaries of the colony. lie handed to Frontenac the 
summons of Phips, and an insolent one it was, and taking out his 
watch, said that he could not wait for his answer more than an hour. 



OK, OUR COTNTRYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 279 

The French officers were furious ; but Frontenac sternly tokl him, " I 
will not keep you waiting that long lor my answer. Here it is. I 
know no King William. . . I will answer your master by the mouth 
of my cannon. Let him learn that this is not the way to summon a 
man like me ! " 

As soon as the boat with its white flag had carried the messenger 
back to the New England fleet, the batteries of Quebec opened. One 
of the first balls carried away Phips' flag, and it floated so near the 
shore that a French boat ran out and secured it, and for many a day 
it hung as a trophy in the old Cathedral. 

Phi])s replied with the cannons of his ships, and landed his army 
to attack the city, Init the shore swarmed with Canadians and Indians, 
who seemed innumerable. Every tree seemed to shelter an Indian 
marksman. They bounded around the army, dodging from rock to 
rock, Irom tree to tree. At last Frontenac ordered up a battalion oi 
his regular troops, old French veterans, and Phips' army was forced 
back to the water's edge. 

So it went on for several days, fighting on laud, while the ships and 
'fortifications cannonaded each other furiously. At last, baffled on 
shore, Phips withdrew his men, leaving his cannon to the French, 
and with his .shattered ships fell down the St. Lawrence. 

Canada, wild with exultation and joy, reared a church to Our Lady 
of Victory, but Massachusetts heard the tidings with dismay. The 
expense of the expedition had been enormous, and the expected plunder 
did not come to pay it. For the first time paper money was issued. 
Massachusetts, having no money, printed promises, to ]3ay. 

In New York the people tried to escape the cost by denying 
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OUR country's achikvements. 281 

Amid all these troubles, King William had sent over no Grovernors, 
BO instructions. The American colonies were all acting lor themselves. 
It seems as if he cunningly wished them to be weakened and ruined. 
At last he appointed Colonel Sloughter Governor of New York, with 
Major Richard Ingoldsby as Lieutenant Governor, but they did not 
sail from England till December, and then Sloughter went to Bermuda, 
so that Ingoldsby arrived first at New York. He demanded possession 
of the fort for the King's forces and their stores. Leisler was very 
angry at the demand, and, i)rovoked to find that some of the old 
Council were reappointed, refused to give up the fort. 

Ingoldsby then landed his troops with great caution, and quartered 
them in the Stadt House, or City Hall. The Council appointed by 
King William, except two whom Leisler kept in prison, met, but the 
Governor did not arrive. 

Leisler, however, was gathering men in his fort, and had his cannon 
trained to bear on the city, so the Council summoned militia from the 
other counties. Leisler then summoned the Lieutenant Governor to 
disband his forces, and on his refusal opened fire upon them, himself 
discharging the first cannon in this mad and desperate attempt. The 
fire of the fort was retui-ned, and several were killed in this civil war. 
The next day the firing went on till news came that the frigate 
Archangel was at the Narrows with Governor Sloughter on board. 
Word was at once sent to him, and he came u]) in all haste. He read 
his commission, took the oaths, swore in the Council, and then sent to 
demand the fort. Leisler still refused. 

The next day Ingoldsby, by the Governor's command, advanced 
and required all in the fort to ground their arms and march out, prom- 
ising pardon to all but Leisler and his Council. Now, full of alarm at 



282 THE STOUY OK A GREAT XATIOX;. 

the difficult position iuto which they had got, they all submitted. 
Leisler and his chief adherents were imprisoned, and brought to trial. 
Leisler and his son-in-law, Alilborne, rel'used to plead, but they were 
convicted of holding the King's fort against the King's Governor, and 
sentenced to death. 

The whole colony was now greatly excited, soipe praying for the 
prisoners' pardon, others clamoring for their punishment. The Indians 
ascribed all the disasters to Leisler, and showed great hostility to him. 
So Sloughter at last, by the advice of his Council, ordered their execu- 
tion. It is said by some that he signed the death-warrant after being 
well plied with wine at a dinner-party. 

Amid a driving rain on Saturda}', May 16, 1691, Leisler and Mil- 
borne were conveyed Irom their prison to a gallows erected near the- 
present Sun Office. There, receiving the last consolations from. 
Domine Selyns, the Dutch minister, Leisler, whose word had for nearly 
three years been law in New York, made his dying s]>eech, and was 
swung off as a felon. He and Milborne were buried at the foot of the 
gallows. 

For years after this, New York was distracted by the violent oppo- 
sition of the Leisler and anti-Leisler parties. 

William at last began to consider American affairs. After much, 
endeavor on the part of the New England agents, a new Charter was 
drawn up for Massachusetts, but it was not altogether to the liking 
of the people. The ideas of King James were to some extent shared 
by William : he, too, wished to ecmsolidate the colonies and increase 
the royal jKiwer. So Massachusetts under the new Charter was a pi-etty 
large colony, ns you will see on any map. It incluiled the old ]\Iassa- 
chusetts Bay and Plymouth, Maine, Nova Scotia, and all l)etween them. 



OR, OUR cocxtuy's achievements. 283 

The people were no longer to elect their Governor, or appoint their 
judges ; the Governor was to be named by the King, and the Governor 
and Council appointed Ihe Judges. II' any man lelt dissatislied wiih 
the decisions of the highest court in Massachusetts, he could now appeal 
to the Privy Council in England. 

Every form of Christianity, except the Roman Catholic, obtained 
freedom of worship, and in this point the Charter agreed with all others 
issued at this time. Catholics were not admitted to the rights of their 
fellow-Christians as long as the British rule lasted, nor were Jews more 
than barely tolerated. 

The new Government in Massachusetts was no longer in the hands 
of the Church, and from this time ceased to direct Ecclesiastical 
matters ; each church managed its own affairs. 

To please the people of the colony, William allowed the agents of 
Massachusetts, the chief of whom was a famous minister, the Reverend 
Increase Mather, to suggest names for the officers to be appointed by 
the crown ; William Phips, who had been so unsuccessful at Quebec, 
was accordingly appointed, and he came out in 1692 with the new 
Charter. 

The people were not very well pleased, but the new Government was 
organized, with Phij)s as Governor. 

Then commenced one of the strangest and most terrible affairs that 
ever occurred in the country, the Witchcraft Delusion in New England, 
in which many innocent persons perished ; and after all, some little 
scamps of deceitful children were at the bottom of it all. 

The first important case in which a jierson was tried for witchcnift, 
was that of a woman named Glover, in 1688. She was one of the 
thousands of poor Irish people who had been torn from their own homes 



284 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

and sold as slaves in America. She bad defended her daughter 
against a charge of stealing made bj' the daughter of John Goodwin, a 
girl of thirteen. This girl, to secure revenge, pretended to be be- 
witched b}' Glover. Three others of the family joined her. Instructed 
apparently in tricks taught them by Indian nurses, they pretended to 
be deaf, then dumb, then blind, then ihej would all purr like so many 
cats. Ministers were called in, and poor old Mrs. Glover, "the wild 
Irishwoman," was arrested. One way of trying the witches was to 
make them say the Lord's Prayer. The poor creature said it in Irish ; 
but they could not tell whether she said it right or not ; she said it in 
Latin, but, Ijeing a poor ignorant creature, made a few mistakes ; but 
in English she could not say it, for the simple reason that it was 
not her language ; she had learned it after a fashion in New England, 
but no one had taught her English prayers. So, says our great histo- 
rian Bancroft, the ministers and Goodwin's famil}' had the satisfaction 
of getting her condemned as a witch and executed, for she was only a 
friendless emigrant. 

It is horril)le to think that children could have played such pranks 
as brought this poor woman to such a terrible death. 

For a time, political affairs kept this witchcraft business back, but in 
1692 it began again, and again children were at the bottom of it. The 
family of the Reverend Samuel Parris, minister in Salem village, was 
the next field. They had an Indian slave named Tituba, with whom 
the children were a great deal. She taught them a number of tricks — to 
imitate fits, frothing at the mouth, ventriloquism, and many of the arts 
of the Indian medicine-men, and filled their minds with all manner of 
superstitions. When they began to do their pranks before their 
parents, a doctor was called in : as he could make nothing of it. he 



OR, OUR COUNTETS ACHIEVEMKNTS. 285 

•8i.iid tlie}' were bewitched. Mr. Parris had been at variance with some 
of his people, and the cry was raised that his children were bewitched. 
Immediatel}^ people around were accused as witches, and conviction 
and death came much quicker after accusation than they do in our days. 
Martha Corey did not believe there were any witches, so she was 
accused and hung ; the Nurses, Cloyses, and Mr. Putnam left the 
church in disgust, Rebecca Nurse was hung, Sarah Cloyse imprisoned, 
and Putnam escaped only bj' making his house a fortress, and standing 
ready to fight for his life. A poor old woman, Sarah Good, was 
pointed out by the children as a witch, arrested, tried, and sentenced 
to die. Even her little child, five j'ears old, was also arrested as a 
witch, and put in prison, loaded with heavy chains ! While they were 
dragging Sarah Good off, the cruel minister, Nicholas Noyes, told her 
she was a witch, and she knew she was a witch. "You are a liar," 
cried the doomed woman, "and God shall give you blood to drink." 
Twenty-five years after, Noyes was seized with a bleeding from the 
lungs, and died actually drinking blood ! 

Once the girls began they had to keep up, they went through all 
their contortions, accused one and another, twisting into all jiossible 
attitudes, stiffened as in death, crying out at intervals charges such as : 
" There is the black man whispering in Cloyse's ear! There's a yellow 
bird flying round her head." 

Every one present was moved with sympathy for these poor 
children, some ten in all ; and all eagerly clamored for the punishment 
of the accused. Rebecca Nurse was a lady universally esteemed, the 
jury acquitted her, but the Chief Justice kept them confined till they 
found her guilty, so perfectly mad had people become. 

Then the greatest victim came : George Burroughs, minister of 



■2Slj THE STOUr (K' A GKKAT Jv^^TION ; 

Salem before Mr. Pan-is, and, in fact, his rival. He was a man of 
herc'ulcau strength, and had often amused his friends by feats sliowing 
his immense power. He is said to have put his finger into the barrel 
of a gun, and held the weapon out at arm's length. All this was now 
brought out as proof of diabolical power. He was tried, hung, and 
buried beneath the gallows. 

Old Giles Corey would not plead, that is, would not answer " Guilty " 
(H- "Not Guilty.'' For refusing to plead, the punishment in those days 
was fearful. It was to be pressed to death. And Giles Corey was 
pressed to death. A large board was placed on his breast as he lay 
flat on the ground, and weights laid on, increasing till he died, tliree 
mouthfuls of bread being given him the lirst day, and three sups of 
water from the nearest stagnant pool the next, and so on to the end. 

The hcn-rors of these scenes roused protests in New England and 
abroad. People began to think. They shuddered at what they liad 
done. The girls soon showed by their lives what they really were. 
One, Ann Putnam, repented and confessed. 

Such was the great witchcraft delusion of New England, in which a 
lot of good-for-nothing children led the most learned and shrewdest 
men of New England to murder innocent people. 

Before this horrid work stopped, twenty people were executed, fifty- 
five more were sentenced to death, and the prisons contained a 
hundred and fifty more awaiting trial. 

King William sought to control the colonies by a new method. He 
made Fletcher, the royal Governor of New York, Commander-in-Chief 
of the militia of Connecticut. The people opposed this as a violation 
of their Charter, and wei'c not disposed to submit. 

One pleasant day in October, 1G93, Fletcher appeared in Hartford 



OR, orii country's achievk.mexts. 287 

to read his commission and assume authority. William Wadsworth, 
the senior captain, was drilling the train-bands on the vilia;:c green, 
when Fletcher advanced and bade Biivard o!' Xew York re;id liis coui- 
mission. Before the lirst word cuidd re;i( h the ears of the militia, 
Wadsworth ordered the drums to beat. Fletcher commanded sileuce, 
and once more Baj^ard began to read. Once more the drums beat. 
"Silence!" exclaimed Fletcher. "Drum, drum! I say," shouted 
Wadsworth, adding, as he turned to the Governor of Kcw York, " If 
I am interrupted again I will nuike the sun shine through you in a 
moment ! " The cowardly Fletchei', awed by a gasconading threat of 
an old countr}' militia captain, retired fuming and storming, and his 
royal master explained his orders so as to leave Connecticut in peace. 

New England had suflfered so severely in the campaigns against 
Canada, that they made no further attempt to wrest that province from 
the French. But the New Y^orkers were bolder. A small force of 
colonists and Indians, under Peter Schuyler, marched stealthily up 
through the woods of northern New York, and entering Canada, 
approached La Prairie, a little village opposite Montreal. A consider- 
able French force was stationed in a fort here, and a body of Indians 
lay near it. Schuyler, however, resolved to strike a blow. Favored 
by the darkness, his men stole silently along, and were almost up to 
the fort just as the first light of day began to appear in the east, when 
a French sentinel caught sight of them. He fired his piece and called 
" To Arms." The soldiers had had a merry-making, deeming their 
enemies in New York. Confusion reigned supreme. 

T!ie sentinel's alarm roused tlieui all. He was a brave man, and 
firing again, killed a Mohawk Indian, but was himself cut down. On 
dashed Schuyler and his men into the quarters of the Canadian militia. 



288 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

An irregular lire met them, but tlie militia and Ottawas soon broke. 
St. Cyrque, the French commander, brought up lii.s regulars, but 
Schuj'ler fo)'med his men and poured in a deadly volley that made the 
valley echo. St. Cyrque was mortally wounded, and several gallant 
officers beside him ; but he would not leave the field. Other troojis 
coming up, at last forced Schuyler from his position, and he drew oft, 
fighting those sent in pursuit. But a brave French party got between 
him and his boats, and,, well covered by trees, kept up a desperate 
fight. It was frontiersman and Indian against frontiersman and Indian. 
Every tree was a cover, and every man, on either side, that was 
exposed for a moment became a mark. It was at last a hand to hand 
fight, and a deadly one. Paul, a celebrated Huron, and young Le 
Bert were killed on the Freuch side, and Schuyler reached his boats 
only after terrible loss, and without flag or baggage. 

The Mohawks soon after defeated a French party at the Long 
Rapid, on the Ottawa ; so that Frontenac resolved to punish their 
aggressions. In January, 1693, a French force on snow-shoes marched 
down through the desolate land, and destroyed the three Mohawk 
villages, meeting a desperate resistance at one of them, and being hotly 
pursued on their homeward march. It was a terrible undertaking to 
attempt to carry on warfare in such a season. There was no hope for 
the wounded or weary. 

Then there was a series of Indian raids, and proposals of peace, but 
finding them all come to nothing, Frontenac marched with a large force 
of French regulars, militia, artillery, and Indians of a host of different 
tribes, to attack Onondaga. Fort Frontenac had been restored, and from 
it this -great army set out. It landed at the mouth of the Oswego, and 
marched up, dragging the cannon by hand, and the boats too at the falls. 



OR. OUR cotjxtry'.-; achievements. 289 

Night came on before thej reached Onondaga, bnt a bright light 
reflected from sky and woodland told that the Onondagas had fired 
their town and fort, and retired. When the French reached it there 
was nothing but smouldering ruins. The vast expedition was useless ; 
there was no enemy to fight. One old man, found in the w©ods, was 
tortured by them with fearful cruelty. 

Vandreuil, leading a detachment to Oneida, burned the fort and 
villages of that tribe, rescued many French urisoners. and cut down all 
their corn. 

This was the last French invasion of what is now New York. They 
had at ditlerent times ravaged all the cantons but one, but had not done 
the Five Nations any great injury, or broken their spirit. Had France 
been able to hold the territory of these fierce Indians, the struggle of 
the colonists against them would have been a doubtful one. The 
Canadians were good fighters, and their frontiersmen took readih' to 
Indian ways, and in the border fights were dreaded hj the English 
colonists and Indians. At New York the people and the Indian? 
began to think they would do better to avoid fighting. 

New England, however, suffered most in this war. The Abenaqui 
tribes had received so ranch injustice at the hands of the colonists, that 
they were im])lacable. Led by a French officer named Yillieu, they 
swept like a torrent through the country. Oyster Eiver, now Durham, 
New Hampshire, was first attacked, and the stout garrison-houses were 
surrounded by the whooping, yelling foe. In spite of the stubborn 
defense every place was carried aii<l destroyed. 

Taxus, one of the chiefs, even dashed into Massachusetts with a band 
of fifty liraves, and came like a whirlwind on Groton. Lieutenant 
Lakin's house was the first attacked. A sheet of flame and a volley 



290 THE STOr.Y OF A GREAT NATION; 

repulsed them, but on they came with fierce yells and stubborn deter- 
mination. They carried it at last, and hurried off with a dozen 
prisoners, leaving twenty scalped and weltering in their blood. 

The colonists burned to avenge these raids, but having seized some 
Indians who came to Fort Pemaquod with a flag of truce, the Indians 
and French invested that fort in 1G96. Chubb, the commander, when 
summoned to surrender, replied that if the sea were covered with 
French vessels, and the land with Indians, he would not surrender. 
But Iberville's ships and St. Castin's skill were too much for him ; just 
before the enemy were ready to storm the place, Chubb surrendered. 
Fort Pemaquod was then utterly destroyed. 

Three Massachusetts ships, proceeding to attack St. John, had 
already been met by Iberville, who, with his French and Micmacs, 
engaged them and captured the Newpo'-t. of twenty-four guns, to the 
great dismay and indignation of Massachusetts, who had always con- 
trolled the sea. 

The war between England and France, known in this country as 
King William's War, lasted till 1697, when a treaty of peace was 
made at Eyswick. 

King William's war did not affect the more southerl}^ colonies, but 
they did not find that monarch more favorable to their liberties than 
James. In a most ai'bitrary fashion William deprived Penn of Penn- 
sylvania, and Lord Baltimore of Maryland, making them, like almost 
all other provinces, royal colonies. Penn was even arrested in I5ng- 
land, and imprisoned more than once, but the noble old man trusted 
to the justice of his cause. The royal Governor sent to Pennsylvania 
had a sorry time of it, and Penn was at last allowed to return. Penn 
was ready to meet the wishes of the people. He invited them " to 



OK, our. couNTi;y's aciiiea'e:.!Exts. 291 

keep what was good in the Charter, to lay aside what was burdensome, 
and to add what may best suit tlie common good." 

Gradually a new government was formed that was acceptable. But 
the three counties on the Delaware had organized a separate govern- 
ment under William Markham in 1691, and they were jealous of their 
independence. They did not wish to be annexed to Pennsylvania 
again, and they succeeded. 

The new government of these colonies was full of liberty and tolera- 
tion. 

Maryland, under the royal sway, underwent many changes. The 
«eat of government was removed from St. Mary's to Annapolis. The 
Episcopal Church was established by law, and, though some toleration 
was gradually given, the Catholics who had founded the colony were, 
down to the time of our own glorious Revolution, deprived of all rights 
as citizens, and their religion proscribed. Lord Baltimore linally. to 
regain his power in Maryland, became a member of the Church of 
England. 

But while William encouraged intolerance in the provinces, nnd 
apparently liked to see the colonists adverse to each other on religions 
grounds, he did not like them to claim their liberties. 

Whenever the Maryland Legislature wished to claim the privileges 
of the Oreat Charter of England — the Mao-na Charta extorted from 
King John — or passed any Bill of Rights and Liberties, William 
vetoed it. 

Yirginia, under Nicholson and Andros, who were so unpopular in 
New England, prospered. Andros first collected the records of the 
colony, and thus saved materials for its history, and established a Post- 
ofiBce to diffuse more readily information through the province. 



292 THE STORY OF A GKEAT ^ATIOI^' ; 

Nicliolsoii, ill 1G91, conferred a lasting beueUt on Virginia by found- 
ing Williaia and Mary College, wbicli, next to Harvard, is the oldest 
in the country. It became the great seat of learning for the southern 
colonies, and from its walls came forth the noblest patriots of the next 
century. 

During the reign of William and Mary the Carolinas were in a 
constant turmoil of dissension, but it all turned to toleration and free- 
dom. It had a season of happiness while the honest Quaker Archdale 
was Governor ; he brought all to his own peaceful and just ideas, and 
won the friendship of the Spaniards by restoring to Florida Christian 
Indians who had been torn from that province to be sold as slaves. 

So, if we look at what was gained in America during the reign of 
William and Mary, there is little to cheer us. At the North, bloody 
and desolating border wars ; civil strife in New York, Maryland, and 
Carolina ; a steady increase of royal power, with Governors established 
under it ; Admiralty Courts were established, the English laws of 
trade were enforced, the Church of England established by law. It 
did not look as if the people were working their way to freedom, but 
they were. 

As soon as the peace left France free to carry on her plans in 
America, Iberville, who had been so energetic at Fort Pemaquid, and 
who, though a Canadian, was deemed one of the ablest commanders in 
the French navy, was sent out to complete La Salle's last undertaking. 
He reached the mouth of the Mississippi in 1700, with two frigates and 
some other vessels, and explored the great river for some distance, 
planting i he French arms at the, month. In May he began the first 
French settlement on the Gulf of Mexico, at Biloxi, in the present 
State of Mississippi. A fort was erected, and the colonists began to 



293 

clear and cultivate the soil. The colony did not prosper, the settle- 
ment was moved to Mobile, and tinallv New Orleans was founded. 
As in all other French colonies, missionaries at once began to labor 
among the Indians, but their success was not great. The Indians of 
the South showed little inclination. Missionaries were killed at dif- 
ferent times, still they did some good ; and Louisiana, though feebly, 
grew at last to be a comparatively thriving colony. ^ 

Every few years some man is reported to be wasting time and 
money hunting along the coasts of the Northern States for treasures 
hidden away by Captain Kidd. If all the money spent in looking for 
Kidd's money were put together, it would make an enormous fortune. 

Captain Kidd was a real person, and he flourished at the time of 
which we are writing. England had for many years encouraged men 
who were little better than pirates — Hawkins, Drake, and others — to 
plunder Spanish ships. The English colonies, as they grew up, found 
it profitable to trade with pirate ships, who ran into their harbors to 
obtain provisions and dispose of their plunder. Sometimes they had 
letters of marque as privateers, from some European Sovereign then at 
war, as a mask for their real object. Other expeditions were fitted 
out directly from the colonies, and many wealthy families owe their 
origin and importance to such shameful work. 

At last, however, such complaints were made, that William III. 
ordered the Earl of Bellomont, whom he had made Governor of New 
York, to suppress piracy. It was resolved to get up an expedition, 
and a ship was purchased by Bellomont, Robert Livingston, of New 

» 

York, and several Englishmen of rank. The object was about as bad 
as piracy, for the King was to have one-tenth of the profits. Of this 
ship, Kidd, who had distinguished himself in the West Indies, was 



20-1 THE STORY OF A ftKEAT KATIOK ; 

made captain, and he had two commissions, one to cruise against the 
French, (he other to proceed against the pirates in the American seas. 
He sailed from England in the Adventure galley, and capturing a 
Ffcuch ship on the passage, brought her into New York. There he 
i:iithered a larger crew, and sailed to the East Indies. Here he began, 
a series of indiscriminate attacks on an}- vessels that seemed worth 
capture, and ev§u attacked the Mocha fleet, though convoyed by two 
men-of-war, one English and one Dutch. 

Falling in with the ship Royal Captain, his crew wished to cajtture 
it, but Kidd struck the leading mutineer, Moore, on the head with a 
bucket, so that he died. 

Soon after, however, he captured some Moorish vessels, and a very 
rich Armenian ship, The Quedagh Merchant. 

But news had now reached England of his career, and he was pro- 
claimed a pirate. So he ran over to the West Indies, and leaving the- 
Quedagh Merchant, came to New York in the sloop Antonia. setting a 
returned pii-ate with his plunder ashore in Delaware Bay. He landed 
some treasure on Long Island, and sent more to New York. Lord 
Bellomont was in Boston, and Kidd wrote to him, offering to justify his 
course. Bellomont induced him to come to that city, as Kidd, in fact, 
did. with his wife and children, who had come from New York to join 
him. There he was suddenly arrested, though not till he had made a 
desperate fight, continued to the very presence of Bellomont, into 
whose lodgings he rushed. All his property was seized, embracing 
one tliousand one hundred and eleven ounces of gold, two thou.sand 
three lunulred and fifty-three ounces of silver, witli many jewels and 
goods as valuable as the precious metals. 

A ship of war soon bore him off to England ; and as William made- 



OR, ouij countky's achievements. 295 

a grant to the Eaii of Bellomout and others of all the treasnre taken 
from Kidcl, all concerned were anxious to have him put out of the way. 
He was tried for killing Moore, and soon convicted, for he had no 
witnesses or counsel. He was hanged, and the odium attached to the 
whole afifair checked all piracy in America, as no one any longer 
ventured to have anything to do with it. 

How far Kidd was false to his instructions will never be known ; but 
he was evidently carrying out the views of the men of rank, who really 
profited by his evil deeds. 



CHAPTER HI. 

Reign of Queen Anne — She involves the Americau Colonies in the War of the Spanish Suc- 
cession. 

TiiK Treaty of Ryswick had enabled the English colonies in America 
to repair their losses, and once again turn their attention to the peace- 
ful ai'ts (if ti'ade, agriculture, and manufactures. This happy time did 
not last long. 

On the death of William HI., Anne, the second daughter of James 
H., became Queen of England. She at once found herself involved in 
a war that convulsed all Europe ; a war to divide Spain, or at least to 
]irevent a French prince from ascending the throne of that country. 

This war again plunged the American colonies into the most terrible 
distress. England sent her fleets out on the ocean, and her armies to 
the Continent, but English homes were as happy as ever. To the 
colonist in America war was a very different thing, it left his home, the 



■296 THE STor.Y ny A gueat nation ; 

fruit of long years of toil, it left his life, and the lives of his wife and 
children, at llie mere}* of the saA'ages. 

Ill King William's War France was alone engaged ; in Queen Anne's, 
Spain and France were united, so that there was danger from Florida 
on the south, and Canada on the north. 

South Carolina began the operations in America. James Moore, the 
Governor, raised a considerable land and naval force to reduce 
Florida. His land forces of militia and Indians under Colonel Daniel 
iattacked first the Spanish missions in Guale, now Amelia, and other 
islands on the Georgia coast. The Indians here had been converted, 
and in no small degree civilized, by the Franciscan missionaries. A 
Quaker, wrecked on the coast, was taken from one village to another 
till he got to Carolina, his whole party being kindly treated in all, 
received in the large building in the centre of each town, used for 
storing goods, holding their Indian councils, and entertaining travelers. 
All these peaceful viPages were ravaged by Moore, who killed many 
■of the people, and carried off great numbers as slaves, and three of the 
'.missionaries as prisoners. 

The Spaniards in St. Augustine, warned by tidings of this hostile 
inroad, soon behelJ this force at their gates, while a fleet of fourteen or 
■fifteen vessels prepared to attack them from the sea. 

That ancient citv, which had already suffered severely in olden time, 
was again ravaged in November, 1702, the church and Franciscan 
convent burned, and the little town almost completely laid in ashes. 
But the Governor, Don Joseph de la Cerda, was a sturdy old 
Spaniard, he threw himself into the castle, and bade defiance to the 
enemy. 

Moore had not guns heavv enough to reduce it. He sent to Jamaica 



1 



OR, on; cuu:vtky's aihievements. 297" 

ibr aid, but the Spanish Viceroy of New Spain had been warned, and 
us Spaniard and Carolinian loolved eagerly to the sea, one fair morning 
in 17U3, they saw the tapering masts of ships. Every heart throbbed 
with anxious expectation. Slowly the vessels rise to view — two 
Spanish men-of-war. All was dismay in the camp of Moore. To be 
caught between the garrison, fierce to revenge their desolated city, and 
the formidable force arriving, would be ruin. Abandoning his ships, 
ammunitions, and stores, Moore began to retreat along the road 
traversed years before by Menendez. With thinned ranks he re- 
entered his own colony. Carolina was in dismay. The failure of the 
expedition plunged them in debt, and, unable to pay it, South Carolina 
issued pai^er money. 

Burning to wipe away the disgrace, Moore prepared to strike at a 
weaker point. On the Bay of Apalache were numerous towns of 
Indians, converted and partiallj" civilized by the Spanish missionaries. 
The chiefs had learned to read and write. They were peaceful, con- 
tented, and hapjiy with their flocks and herds. Towards the close 
of December, 1705, Moore, with fifty white men and a thousand 
heathen Indians, burst like a furious torrent on this happy Christian 
coramunitj'. 

Ayavalla was first attacked, the church fired, the missionary killed, 
and numbers of the Indians .slain or hurried off to endure savage 
tortures. Some few attempted to withstand the enemy, but they were- 
defeated. The Spanish commander with his little garrison hastened up' 
with such Indians as he could gather, but was repulsed. The whole 
land was filled with blood and slaughter, and the trail of the retiring 
army was marked by the corpses of the missionaries and their converts. 
The Apalache nation was forever scattered. 



298 THE STOHY OF A OllKAT IsATIoN ; 

The next year a French fleet menaced Charleston ; but where the 
French effected a landing they met a desperate resistance. 

While Carolina was thus sutlering from her unwisely rushing into a 
European war, she had received a gift tliat was to be of great value. 
A vessel from Madagascar, touching at Charleston, presented to the 
Governor a bag of seed-rice. This does not seem as great an event in 
history as a battle ; but from it grew one of the great staples of 
Carolina — its valuable rice-tields. 

When it became evident that another war was at hand, the northern 
colonies acted differently. New York, although it had in the Five 
Nations, or Iroquois, a powerful bod}' of friendly Indians, who liked 
war better than peace, felt little inclination to cope again with the 
ai'tive French Canadians, who made up for lack of numbers by enei'gy 
and daring. The French were always disposed to remain neutral, and 
let the mother countries fight out their own battles in Europe, so New 
York and Canada agreed to keep quiet, and thus avoided all the 
horrors of war. 

Dudley, Governor of Massachusetts, hesitated and finally refused, so 
New England chose to fight the French alone. The Indians in Maine 
were already in arms to avenge the jilundei'ing and injury done to 
their chief, the young Baron de St. Castin. 

When the French found that they must carry on the war, they went 
to work as Moore did in the South ; they raised bodies of militia and 
Indians to attack New England. 

Lieutenant Beaubassin, with a flying corps, dashed through New 
England like a meteor, ravaging and destroying. All the country 
from Casco to Wells was in a conflagration. One wintry night in 
March, Hertel de Rouville, with two hundred and fiftv men, while the 



OR, om couxtky's achieyk.mexts. 299 

sentinels at the little village of Deertiekl, on the banks of the Connecticut, 
were away from their posts, walked in snow-shoes over the drifted '«no\v 
to the very top of the palisades intended to protect the little village. 

Suddenly the fierce war-whoop rung out on the cold night air. The 
danger against which they had been warned was upon them in all its 
terror. Strong men seized their weapons and prepared to light to the 
last. The shrieking children were gathered b}- their mothers to avoid 
the first rush of the savage foe, and gain time to appeal for mercy. 
Each family must prepare for captivity or death. 

Thirty-five of the people were killed, and numbers hurried off as 
traptives to Canada ; a long weary march through snow and ice. Their 
sufferings were terrible, and early accounts give a touching picture of 
all the}' underwent. 

Such cruelties are terrible, but New Englanders might have avoided 
them, as New Yoi-k did, and can blame only their own rulers. The 
French did not consider it wrong for them to act as the English did in 
Carolina. 

The minister of Peerfield, the Rev. Mr. Williams, with his family, 
were hurried awaj' among the prisoners, and when j\Irs. Williams' 
strength failed she was tomahawked. When peace came he returned 
to New England, but his youngest child, Eunice, remained with the 
Indians, and finall_v married a chief. Long years after, in the dress of 
an Indian squaw, she came to visit her relatives at Deerfield, but they 
could not prevail upon her to stay ; she returned to her new home. 
One of her descendants, Eleazar Williams, some few years ago made 
quite a sensation by claiming to be reallv Louis XVII., the boy King 
of France, who is said to have died in prison in France soon after the 
execution of his father. King Louis XVI. 



^00 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

"In the following years Indians, singly or in bands, stealthily 
approaclied towns in the heart of Massachusetts, as well as along the 
coast, and on the southern and western frontiers." Every forest seemed 
known to them in all its intricacies, and not a spot in New England 
was safe. " Children, as they gamboled on the beach ; reapers, as 
they gathered the harvest ; mowers, as they rested from using the 
scythe ; mothers, as they busied themselves about their household 
duties, or sat singing to their innocent babes in the cradle beside them, 
were victims to an enemy who disappeared the moment a blow was 
struck," and who was sure to be present the moment vigilance re- 
laxed. 

In vain did the colonial government offer bounties for scalps. So 
few were actually taken, that it has been estimated that every scalp 
taken by New England in this war cost them three thousand dollars. 

As the war went on, a council of Indian delegates was held at 
Montreal in 1708, and a formidable expedition planned against New 
England. But the plan was not carried out. 

A small party under des Chaillons and Rouville, not finding the 
other parties at the rendezvous at Lake Winnipiseogee, resolved to 
strike a blow at Haverhill. This place was then a cluster of cottages 
and log cabins round the meeting-house, almost hidden in the woods 
that lined the banks of the gentle Merrimac. In a feeling of perfect 
security all gave themselves to sleep one August night, little dreaming 
Miat the neighboring wood concealed the dreaded foe. At daybreak, 
after prayers, Rouville gave the signal of attack, and they rushed into 
the village, slaying all before them. Few escaped the first fire and 
charge. The escape of Mary Wainwright was strange indeed. Her 
husband was slain at the first firo ; but she fearlessly unbarred the door. 




MAJOR WALDKONS GRAND-DAUGHTEE. 



(Page ere) 




> 



8 




IXS^^Mi 







EAELY ADVENTURK OK GENERAL PUTNAM. 



(.Page 365) 




04 



O 

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03 

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OR, ouK cotntrt's actiieve.-\ients. 301 

aud with a cheerful countenance invited the Indians to enter. She pro- 
cured readily all they asked for, and when they demanded her inone\', 
she went to another room as if to get it, aud gathering up all her 
children but one, succeeded in escaping. 

Two Indians approached Swan's house. With his wife he endeavori.ji 
to keep them from entering the door, which had no bar. But the two 
stalwart Indians were too much lor their strength ; the door yielded, 
and Swan bade his wife fly, as he could hold out no longer. She was 
not one to fly. Seizing a sharp-pointed spit from the wide fire-place, she 
drove it into the exposed body of the foremost Indian, who was crowd- 
ing through the half-open door. With a yell he bounded off, and his 
comrade, equally dissatisfied, supported him with many expressive 
Indian grunts, giving the Swans time to make their escape. 

But Rouville was in a critical position : the noise of battle had 
aroused the villages far and near, and from every town and handet 
came hurrying bands of armed men, mounted and on foot. The French 
party struck into the woods, but soon found their retreat intercepted. 

Then a desperate fight ensued. Dashing down everything they bore 
except their arms, the French and Indians dashed into the ambuscade. 
The rifle rang out for a moment, but then it was a deadly fight, hand 
to hand and man to man. With the loss of several of his officers, 
Hertel at last cut his way through and succeeded in reaching Canada, 
though hotly pursued. 

The colonies now implored Queen Anne to deliver them from such 
scenes by sending a force sufficient to conquer Canada. They had 
tried to reduce Port Royal, and failed lieibre the vigorous defense of 
Subercase. 

Vetch prepared the plan of a campaign, and a large force was raised 



302 THE STORY 01'' A GREAT KATION ; 

m the colonies. The Five Nations threw aside their neutrality, and 
reluclaiitly agreed to join the English. 

The army of the colonies gathered at Albany, and, under Nicholson, 
once Lieutenant-Governor of New York, marched as far as Lake 
Cham{)lain. A fleet of fifteen ships of war, under Sir Hovenden 
Walker, was sent out from England with forty transports and five regi- 
ments of Marlborough's veteran troops. It came over to Boston, and 
taking on board New England troops, sailed for Quebec. In that city 
all was anxiety and alarm, for news came in that Port Royal had finally 
yielded to a New England force and British ships. Taken for the last 
time by England, who was now to retain it, this place became An- 
napolis. 

Vaudreuil, the GrOvernor-G-eneral of Canada, set to work to put his 
capital in a state of defense. Engineers threw up new works, and 
every one, women as well as men, labored to make the city im- 
pregnable. Time wore on, and Canada, all anxiety, saw no enemy. 
Montreal was not attacked by the large army reported by French 
scouts on Lake Champlain ; and the fleet that had left Boston did 
not appear. At last a vessel came with tidings that the English 
fleet had been wrecked near the mouth of the St. Lawrence. French 
vessels hastened down. The shore was strewn with dead, and with 
the remains of eight transports and their cargoes, which had been 
driven on the rocks and dashed to pieces by Admiral Walker's 
obstinacy. Nearly a thousand persons perished ; Walker saved several 
hundred others, and sailed away, his only achievement being the con- 
quest of Cape Breton as- he sailed back. 

Nicholson, hearing of the disaster, and finding his Indians hostile to 
him — for they were dying of small-pox, and insisted that the English 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 303 

had given them clothes infected with that disease — broke up his camp 
and retired. 

Thus, for a second time, Canada saw herself saved as If by the liand 
of heaven. To commemorate this, the new church at Quebec was 
styled Our Lady of Victories. 

But the war had now come to an end. Louis XIY., exhausted and 
broken, was ready to secure peace at the sacrifice of his American 
•possessions. By the Treaty of LTtrecht, in 1713, France gave up to 
England Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Hudson Bay, with all the 
fur trade in those northern parts. 

The American colonies gained nothing directly, and those at the 
north now found themselves overwhelmed with the debts they' had 
been forced to contract in this long war. 

Notwithstanding the constant military and naval operations that 
-engrossed so much of her reign. Queen Anne took an interest i'n the 
religious affairs of the colonies beyond that shown by any other 
English sovereign. She was ardently attached to the Church of Eng- 
land, and through her Governors did all she could to have it estab- 
lished in tlie American colonies. It got a foothold in New York, and 
made some progress even in Quaker Pennsylvania, though the Governors 
•she sent out were not always a credit to the Church the}' so streu- 
iiousl}' upheld. Queen Anue made many presents of altar silver to the 
Amei'ican churches, some of which are presci-ved to this da,y, and those 
who can show Queen Anne's plate feel a pardonable ju'ide. 

Perhaps the worst Governor sent out by Anne was Lord Cornbury, 
•whom she ap]ioiuted Governor of New York and New Jersey. He 
was a near relative of the Queen, Imt a most worthless scamp. His great 
amusement was to dress himself in a lady's clothes and in that guise 



304 TIIK STORY OP A GREAT NATION*, 

promenade up and down on the ramparts of the fort. He attempted' 
to iiiako the Established Church the only one in the colony, and 
excited great discontent by his prosecution of the Rev. Mr. Mackemie, 
a Presbyterian clergyman ; for, although people talked of religious 
freedom, it generally meant only that one party was to have it all its 
own way, and the rest submit. 

The foreign wars were not the only troubles of the American colonies 
during the reign of Queen Anne. North Carolina had received a 
number of emigrants from the German provinces on the Rhine, to- 
whom lands were assigned in the district still occupied by the Tusca- 
roras, a tribe of the same origin as the Five Nations in New York, 
warlike, haughty, and suspicious. Instead of purchasing what lands 
they wanted from the native chieftains, as Roger Williams, Lord 
Baltimore, and William Penn had done, the authorities of North 
Carolina sent their Surveyor-General Lawson to lay off the territory 
for settlement. When he appeared on their lands with Graffenried, 
the leader of the German emigrants, the wrath of the Tuscaroras was 
roused to fur}^ 

Ignorant of the Indian character, or unsuspicious of danger, perhaps 
despising the savage inhabitants, Lawson and Graffenried kept on with 
their work, selecting spots for settlement. While on the upper waters 
of the Neuse, uiey were suddenl}^ seiz^rd by sixty Tuscaroras, arrayed 
in their war-paint and armed to the teeth. They Avere forced to travel 
all night long, as the silent braves hurried in Indian file through the 
woods. When morning broke they came to a Tuscarora village-, and 
were delivered to a chief. In a short time a council of the sachems of 
the nation gathered, and after a debate of two days, they decreed that 
Lawson, who came to sell their lands, and the stranger who came to 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 305 

-occupy them, should die. The large fire was kindled, the ring was 
drawn around the victims, and strewn with flowers. Round the white 
men sat the chiefs in two rows ; behind them were three hundred of 
the tribe, going through the wild dances with which they keep up 
every important occasion. Then the moment came, and though Grraf- 
fenried, as less guilty in their eyes, was then spared, Lawson perished 
amid the flames and the tortures which the yelling braves inflicted as 
they gathered around him. 

Graffenried, hori'orstruck, with the yells of the Indians and the dying 
moans of Lawson ringing in his ears, awaited the same fate. But his 
life was spared ; and when, a month later, he was allowed to depart 
and make his way to the settlements, he traveled on in vain. Where 
thriving little villages had, with all their busy life, dotted the country, 
he found only blackened logs, ashes, and the remains of the dead. 

German and Huguenot settlers had been swept away. The Indians 
had planned a general attack ; bands were sent out in all directions, 
every village was surrounded, and the lighting of some house or barn 
gave the signal of attack. Then the furious red man, full of one idea — 
that he must exterminate the whites, or be driven from the lands of 
his fathers, — rushed upon the unsuspecting whites. Night was made 
hideous with the scenes of slaughter, as the braves, with a pine-torch 
in one hand, and a tomahawk in the other, pursued the flying settlers, 
cutting them down without mercy, tracking them into the woods and 
wherever they sought refuge. For three days the massacre continued 
along Albemarle Sound, till the savages stopped from sheer exhaustion 
in their bloody work. 

North Carolina, in alarm, called on the neighboring colonies. Spots- 
wood, of Virginia, tried to aid them by securing the fidelity of part of 



306 



THE STOIIY OF A GREAT NATION; 




LONG SAULT KAPIDS ON THE OTTAWA, SCENE OF MANY INDIAN FIGHTS. 



the Tuscaroras, who luid not taken part in the massaere, Imt tlie 
Virghiia Assembly began to (luan-el with the* Governor, and nothhig 
was done. 

GalUint South CaroUna was prompt at the call of humanity. She 
had managed her Indians better, and Barnwell, calling out the militia, 
rallied around him friendly Indians whom their wise policy had 
secured. Cherokees and Creeks, Catawbas and Yaraassees, marched 
"wifh Barnwell on that long expedition through the unbroken forest. 
As they approached the scene of war, the Indian scouts brought word 
that the Tuscaroras were intrenched in a rude fort on the Neuse. On 
the map you can almost mark it in the u]i]ier ])art of Craven County. 
But there were no cravens on either side. Althoudi a few North 



OR, OIJK COUNTEy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 307 

Carolina militia joined Barnwell, he could not storm the Indian for 
The Tuscaroras fuught better than the Xew England Indians ; will; 
all the superior tactics of the white man, Barnwell I'ailed to dislodge 
them. Surrounded by difficulties, he at last brought tiiem to terms 
of peace. 

But as the army returned it wantonly attacked and carried off 
friendly Indians, and again North Carolina was desolated by midnight 
raids and .slaughters. The government of the colony was iu a wretched 
condition. All was disorder, there was no head, no capacity to lead. 
Amid it all came the yellow fever sweeping through the land. North 
Carolina lay helpless. But Spottswood, the Governor of Virginia, at 
last succeeded in winning part of the Tuscaroras, while the South 
Carolina army under Moore attacked one of their forts on the Neuse 
with such fury that he took it, capturing eight hundred of the enemy. 
Then the remainder were hunted down to sell as slaves, or if they re- 
sisted, to cut down and scalji, so as to receive the bounty now otfereci 
hy government for these bloody trophies. 

At last the hostile part of the Tuscaroras, finding it impossible to 
hold the ground against the Carolinians, resolved to abandon their 
native soil for which they had fought so Ijravely ; they moved north- 
ward thi'oiigii the wilderness to their kindred, the Five Nations in New 
York, and settled near Oneida Lake. 

While the English were thus underjxoing in the South all the horrors 
of Indian war la re, wliirh Virginia and New England had so oftei. 
experienced, the French, for the iirst time, were at war with one of tlit 
nations in their own territory. The Foxes, a turbulent western tribe. 
promised the Iroquois and English to Imrn Detroit, mas.sacre all the 
French, and place the English in iiossession of that important point 



308 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

They gathered in force around the little western town, and drew the 
Kicliapoos and other Indians into the plot. 

Joseph, a Christian of the Fox Nation, warned the French com- 
mandant of the coming attack. That officer acted promptly : he threw 
his little garrison and the settlers into the fort, and destroyed all 
the houses that could aid the enemy in attacking him. 

The Indians on whom he could depend were off on their hunt. 
Fleet sped his messenger through the woods and by the rivers to 
summon all to his aid. Prompt at his call came Huron, Pottawatami, 
Sac, Menomonee, Illinois, Osage, and Missouri. The Foxes were not 
dismayed. Twenty braves in all their war-paint came yelling up to 
the fort, defying the French. 

When the allies moved, the Foxes withdrew to their own fort, and 
to escape the terrible fire kept up, dug rifle-pits in the ground. Thea 
the besiegers raised scaffolds so as to fire down into the fort. The 
Foxes were cut off from water, and suffered terribly from thirst, but 
thej' raised the red flag and declared they had no Father but the Eng- 
li.sh. Every now and then proposals would be made, but were refused, 
and the Foxes kept up the fight, shooting fiery arrows into the French 
fort, till their own fort was full of dead bodies, and many had deserted. 
Then they managed to escape to a peninsula running out into Lake 
St. Clare, and still called Presque Isle. Here, after a desperate fight 
which lasted four days, they surrendered. The men in arms were 
nearly all put to the sword : the rest of the men, with the women and 
children, were divided as slaves among the allies of the French. 
Thus dearly did the first Indian allies of the English pay for their 
devotion to the cause. 

England failed to gain a foothold in the "West, but the Treaty of 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 309 

L'trecht, signed April 11, 1713, gave to England supremacy in the 
fisheries, the entire possession of Hudson Bay, Newlbundlaud, and 
Nova Scotia : and France agreed not to molest the Five Nations, who 
were recognized as subject to the dominion of Great Britain. 
The next year Queen Anne died. , 



CHAPTER ly. 



Reign of George I. — His Neglect of America — The Yamassee War in South Carolina — Wa» 
with the Abenakis in Maine — Death of "Father Rale — Lovewell's Fight. 

With the death of Queen Anne ended the house of Stuart, and 
Oeorge, Elector of Hanover, a German jn-ince, ascended the throne of 
England — a dissolute man, ignorant of the language, and indifferent Ix) 
the interests of the peo])le over whom he was called to reign. 

For the American colonies he cared still less. They prospered by 
the neglect of the house of Hanover, and when their prosperity 
tempted the third George to oppress them, he lost them forever to 
England. 

Of this reign the great feature is the steady struggle of the people 
against the roj^al Governors, by which the feelings of liberty grew 
deeper and stronger in all minds. And as the same trials produced 
sympathy between the different colonies, it tended to unite them more 
closely together. 

The first great event of this reign was ushered in on the loth of 
April, 1715,Q^)od Friday in that year. The Yamassees, who had em- 
igrated iVom Florida to South Carolina, and done good service in the 



310 THE STORT OF A GIIEAT NATION; 

Tuscarora war. Now they were bent on mischief. English traders 
were at Pocotaligo, and Nairne, an English agent, had come to treat 
of a hrmer peace, ignorant of the vast Indian conspiracy. Suddenly 
the slaughter began. One boy escaped to the woods, running like a 
deer for life. To avoid the Indian trails was his only safety ; the 
thickest woods were his course. After nine weary days he reached a 
garrison. Seaman Burroughs, a man of great strength and courage, 
broke through the Indians who encircled him, and trusting to his tleet- 
ness of foot, struck out for the settlements. The red furies were on his 
trail, arrow and tomahawk and ball whizzing past him ; twice they 
came truer to the savage aim, and tore through his flesh ; but he kept 
manfully on, the blood streaming from his wounds. Running ten miles 
and swimming one, he reached Port Royal with his tale of terror and 
dismay. That town was at once abandoned, and in ships and canoes 
the inhabitants fled to Charleston. Around that city the Indian bands 
narrowed in, halting only to torment with all their savage fury the 
planters, with their wives and children, who had fallen into their hands. 
Governor Craven raised a force and met the confederated warriors on 
the banks of the Salkehachie, in April, 1715. The battle was a bloody 
one, and though it lulled for a time, was again furiouslj' renewed, 
neither side showing any inclination to yield. The air resounded with 
savage yells ; every tree covered a warrior, and arrows and bullets in 
showers met the .steady onset of the Carolinians. At last they routed 
the savage foe, and pursued them bej^ond the limits of Carolina. The 
Yamassees returned to Florida, the Uchees and Appalachcs retired 
southward. South Carolina was delivered from its savage foe, but not 
till four hundred of the colonists had perished by midnight assassinO' 
tion, in torture, or in battle. 



OR, OUR country's aciiieve^ments. 311 

Then came trouble at the Xorlh. The Treat}' ol Utrecht left Maine 
free from all claim of France, but the native tribes were friendly to the 
French, and were converts of the French missionaries. The New 
Englanders they disliked as intruders on their lands. Chiefs were 
seized and sent to Boston, and, though ransomed, were detained. 
Hostilities began, the English seizing the 3'oung Baron de St. Castin, 
and a force under Westbrooke ravaging their villages and pillaging the 
house and chapel of the missionar}' Rale at Norridgewalk, on the Ken- 
nebec, and another on the Penobscot. 

In a second attack on Norridgewalk the New England troops sur- 
prised the place, and killed many of the tribe, bearing away, too, in 
triumph the scalp of Father Rale, whom they slew at the foot of hia 
mission cross. 

The Abnakis were broken by these heavy blows, but the war stil} 
continued between small parties. Among those raised on the English 
fiide, the most famous is that of John Lovewell, who, meeting the 
Indians with their own tactics, did much to check them. His fights 
were numerous, but the most deadly was that at the pond that now 
bears his name, near Fryeburg, in which he fell. 

After the most desperate of the conflict was over, Chamberlain, one 
of the bravest Indian fighters of his time, spent with the exertion and 
the heat, made his way to the water's edge to get a drink of water and 
to wash out his gun, which was foul from constant firing. Just as he 
emerged from a copse of willows and set foot on the pebbly shore, he 
saw opposite him the stalwart form of Paugus, the most famous of the 
Indian braves. Both had come for the same objects. All now de- 
pended on celerity ; each begun to clean his rifle, and they seemed to 
keep time with each other. Both rifles were ready to the moment. 



CI 2 THE STORY OF A GIIEAT NATION; 

"Now, Paugus," said Chamberlain, " Fll have you," and he began to 
load with care. " Na, na, me have you," replied Paugus, loading 
as ra{)idl3'. At the same moment each poured in the powder, rammed 
in the wad, dropped in the bullet, and sent it home. Paugus began to 
prime his rifle ; Chamberlain struck his gunstock a sharp blow on the 
ground, his rifle primed itself. Before Paugus could cover him with 
his deadly rifle. Chamberlain aimed coolly and true, his bullet passed 
through the heart of Paugus, as the chieftain's ball, uncertainly aimed, 
cut through Chamberlain's hair. The hunter gathered up the trophies 
of his victory, and hurrying back to where the fight was going 
oa in all its furj^ shouted that Paugus was slain. Paugus! Paugus! 
was echoed from tree to tree ; the Indians looked in vain for the foria 
of their chief, and, convinced that he had fallen, abandoned the struggle 
and stole away into the depth of the forest. 

In this bloody fight fell, too, the Rev. Mr. Frye, whose name is 
preserved iti the neighboring town. He, too, had slain a chief, and 
had just raised aloft his bleeding scalp, when he fell, pierced by au 
avenging bullet. 

While the English colonies were thus struggling with Indians within 
their borders, France was making gigantic efforts to build up a great 
empire in America. Slie built Mobile to check the Spaniards, and in 
a brief war Iwice took Pensacola. She claimed the whole valley of 
the Mississippi, on the ground that as she held the mouth of the river 
nil land up to the source of every stream emptying into it belonged t/3 
Iier. And this, in fact, was a generally received principle. But this 
view left the English colonies only thr coast. Streams that rose in 
Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, ran into the Mississippi ; they 
could not give up all this to France, but the French gained the Indians, 



OK, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 



even those who had long known the English : she founded Natchez in 
1716 ; New Orleans in 1718 ; Fort Niagara in 1721, and soon after 
Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, while the Delawares and Shawneea 
on the Ohio hoisted the white flag of France. All the great routes to 
the Mississippi by the Ohio, Wabash, Illinois, and Wisconsin rivers 
were in the hands of the French ; they were commencing the planting 
of sugar in Louisiana, opening trade with Mexico, mining on Lake 
Superior and in Minnesota. Had the French government applied 
itself to increase Louisiana, it would have become formidable to th.e 
English colonies, but its affairs were left to companies and individuals, 
and Law used it to found a gigantic system of fraud, known as the 
South Sea Bubble. So completely was the sway of France established, 
that a Canadian in Louisiana, du Tisnet, purchasing a compass, set out 
overland through the wilderness, and fearlessly made his way to Que- 
bec, and gathering his family, returned by the same route to the banks 
of the Mississippi. 

England did little to enlarge the bounds of her colonies, though by 
erecting Fort Dumraer, in 1724, she secured what is now Vermont. 

During the reign of G-eorge I. , the Baltimore family regained control 
of Maryland, the Earl of Baltimore having, in 1715, abjured the 
Catholic religion, and conformed to the Church of England. 

But if a Lord Proprietor thus regained power, the Proprietaries of 
South Carolina, in 1719, completely lost all power, the Assembly 
having in that year renounced all dependence on the Proprietaries, 
and declared themselves a royal jirovince. Johnson, the last Gover- 
nor for the Proprietaries, endeavored to check the popular movement. 
But the militia were called out, and from every ship and fort floated 
the flags to cheer them on. In the King's name Johnson commanded 



314 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Parris to disperse his men. Parris answered: "I obey the Conven- 
tion," and the King, before whom the people laid their claims, appointed 
as first Royal Grovernor, Nicholson, a man thoroughly familiar with 
American affairs, having held rule in New York, Maryland, and Vir- 
ginia, and led the Canada and Port Royal expeditions. His first act 
was a firm treaty of peace with the Cherokees. 



CHAPTER V. 

Reign of George II. — The English Government prevents American Manufactures and Com- 
merce — Good Effect produced — Oglethorpe and the Settlement of Georgia — Tomochichi — 
The Cherokee's Answer — Position of the English Colonies — The French — Law's Projects — 
The Natchez — Massacre of the French — Escape of Doutreleau — The Choctaws attack tlie 
Natchez — Louboi's Operations — The War with Spain — Oglethorpe's Campaign against St. 
Augustine — Monteauo invades Georgia — The War with France — The New England Troops 
take Louisliurg — It is restoreil to France — Tlie French on the Ohio — George Washington 
— He is scut to occupy the Ohio — Defeats Jumonville — Capitulates at Fort Necessity — The 
War begins. 

George H., who came to the throne of England, 1727, was as much 
unused to the affairs of that kingdom as his father had been ; but he 
was active and warlike, and his reign was not destined to be one of 
peace ; and before its close the American colonies were called upon to 
pour forth in the cause of England the blood of their brave sons, and 
the fruits of their honest labor. 

And yet the hostility to the colonies which began with William HI. 
continued. Under George II., the King and Parliament, jealous of 
American prosperity, sought to cripple them. Various branches of indus- 
try were prohibited by laws passed in this reign. Hats manufactured 
in one colony could uot be sent into another ; no colony was allowed 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 315 

to manufacture any iron-ware, or enter largely into the manufacture of 
bar-iron ; tliey were not permitted to carry on any trade with the colo- 
nies ot other nations. So the colonies were cut off from manufac- 
tures and from a market. England kept all in her own hands ; what 
America raised must go to England at England's price, and what goods 
America needed she had to buy in England at England's prices. 

The consequence was that all the specie was drawn out of the colo- 
nies, and paper money had to be issued. As things grew worse this 
could not be redeemed, and sank rapidly in value. 

As this distress became general, a spirit of resistance spread through 
the colonies, and intercourse increased. Each colony began to take 
mere interest in the others, and they were drawn more closely to each 
other, 

Another evil was the slave-trade, which England encouraged, as it en- 
abled her to draw money from the colonies, for she had the monopoly 
of taking slaves from Africa, and supplying America with this class, 
who were eventuall}' in our days to be the cause of a terrible war. 
England wished, by introducing negro slaves, who could never mix 
with the settlers and claim the rights of British subjects, to prevent 
the colonies from becoming too strong. 

Yet in spite of all obstacles raised by the English Government the 
American colonies increased in population, extent, and wealth. The 
tendency of settlement was along the Atlantic coast, and some at- 
tempts were made to form a new colony south of Carolina. 

General James Oglethorpe, a kind-hearted but often visionary man, 
was the successful planter of Georgia. His benevolent heart had been 
touched by the suffering of poor debtors in England, of whom hun- 
dreds languished in prison under the cruel laws of that day, with no 



816 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

means to pay their debts, aud cut off from any work by which they 
could ever hope to do so. 

For them and for Protestants driven by war from their German 
homes, he resolved to found a colony in America, and in June, 1732, 
he obtained from George II. a patent for Georgia. 

England caught up his enthusiasm ; money was voted by Parlia- 
ment, and contributed by the wealthy, and in November Oglethorpe 
sailed, with a hundred and twenty emigrants. While the settlers were 
landing at Beaufort, Oglethorpe ascended the Savannah river. A high 
bluff, about half a mile from the village of the Yamacraws, seemed 
to him the spot for his capital. On the site of Savannah he was wel- 
comed by Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief, wlio offered him a bi.son- 
skin with a head and feathers of an eagle painted on the well-dressed 
inside surface. " The feathers of the eagle are soft, and signify love," 
said the chief; "the buffalo skin is warm, and signifies protection. 
Therefore, love and protect our little families." Four beautiful pine- 
trees protected the tent of Oglethorpe where he thus made his cove- 
nant of friendship with the red man. And here, on the 12th day of 
February, 1733, he received the little flotilla, the sloop and periaguas 
that bore to Savannah the settlers, who soon laid out the ]ilain, rough 
houses on its regular streets. 

Delegates of the various Indian tribes came, all friendly to the new 
colony. A treaty was soon signed with the Creeks, by which Georgia 
claimed all the territory from the Savannah to the St. John's. 

A Clierokee came. "Fear nothing," said Oglethorpe, "but speak 
freely." "I always speak freely," replied the haughty warrior, "why 
should I fear? I am now among friends ; I never feared even among 
my enemies." Even the Choctaws came, declaring that they preferred 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 317 

the English to the French, who had just been building forts in their ter- 
ritory. 

For while the new colony had on the south the feeble Spanish colony 
of Florida, the French were endeavoring to control the Indians up to 
the very coast. If you look on the map of the United States, you can 
see the thirteen English colonies as they were at last formed, New 
Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, 
South Carolina, and Georgia. These were graduall)^ extending further 
into the interior, but had scarcely gone beyond the first ranges of 
mountains, or the main rivers. Maine depended on Massachusetts, and 
was confined to settlements on the coast. Fort Dummer, erected ou 
the site of the city of Brattleboro', in 1724, was the frontier post of New 
England, and became the cradle of Vermont. New York was pro- 
tected by the Five Nations, and had a fort at Oswego, bat the settle- 
ments, had not gone beyond the banks of the Hudson and Mohawk. 

The French were scattered all through the interior, and the English 
settlers knew that part of the country only from French books. The 
French had a fort, at Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, erected in 1724, 
and another at Niagara, and were preparing to occupy the head wajters 
of the Ohio. They held Michigan' with forts and trading settlements 
at Detroit, Mackinaw, and Sault St. Marys ; they had a fort at Vin- 
cennes in Indiana ; Fort Chartres, in Illinois, with settlements at Kas- 
kaskia and Cahokia ; a settlement at G-reen Bay. By these forts and 
settlements they controlled all the Indians of the northwest, and of 
the various tribes none were hostile to them except the Foxes. 

At the mouth of the Mississippi Louisiana had grown ; New Orleans 
was settled, Mobile was solidly planted ; there were posts at Natchito- 



318 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

ches, on the Arkansas, and among the Natchez and Choctaws, planta- 
tions were dotted all along the river. Slaves had been introduced 
there also, and the cultivation of sugar begun. 

During a brief war with Spain, the French took Pensacola from the 
Spaniards, who afterwards retook but could not hold it, though the 
French restored it again when peace was made, in 1721. 

A strange attempt to aid the settlement of Louisiana was made 
about this time. A Scotchman, named Law, started, in France, a gigan- 
tic company for colonizing Louisiana. Such exaggerated accounts 
were given that all the people were crazy for shares in the company ; 
every one was going to make a fortune in a few days. Settlers and 
slaves were sent out, cities and towns were planned on paper ; but at 
last the bubble burst, and in the ruin and disaster into which France 
was plunged, the colony of Louisiana was forgotten. Many settlers re- 
turned, but the colony was too firmlj^ planted to perish. 

A terrible blow was now to fall upon it. 

The Natchez were a peculiar tribe of Indians, differing from most of 
those east of the Mississippi. They had a rude oval temple in which 
a perpetual fire was kept burning, and they worshiped the sun. Their 
chief, as descended from that god of day, was called the Great Sun, and 
his cabin stood on a knoll near the temple. There were two classes 
in the tribe, one consisting of nobles, the other apparently a Choctaw 
tribe which had been reduced to captivity and bondage. 

The French had from the first had trading posts among this tribe, 
and Iberville had planned a city there named Rosalie. Gradually, set- 
tlers planted their cabins there, and under wise commandants all went 
well. In 1729, however, an overbearing, brutal officer named Chopart 
was sent to Natchez. Full of avarice, he wished to become an exten- 



OB, OUR countuy's aciiievejik^ts. 319 

sive planter, and as no spot seemed to him richer or better than tliat 
where the chief village of the Natchez stood, he ordered them to re- 
move from it. At this outrage the Natchez were roused to fury, and 
they determined to defeat the plans of the unscrupulous man. 

They sent to the neighboring tribes to tell their grievances. The 
Choctaws had long wished the destruction of the Natchez, who were 
old enemies of theirs. They now pretended great sympathy, and pro- 
posed a general massacre of the French. Runners went from tribe to tribe, 
and many nations joined in the conspiracy. The Arkansas and Illinois 
were known to Ije devoted to the French, but except them, almost all 
the tribes near the Mississippi were engaged in it, while English trad- 
ers, who hoped to secure the whole Indian commerce of the southwest, 
urged them on. 

Ou the luoriiing of the 28th of November, 1729, the Natchez, induced 
by the arrival of boats from New Orleans with rich cargoes, began the 
work of blood. They were well armed, and the French were taken 
unawares ; almost every man was slain before the sun had reached 
noon. Brave officers who had ever been their friends, the pious mis- 
sionary, whose life and words had ever been devoted to the Indians, the 
mechanics who had so often given them a welcome, and done them ser^ 
vice, all were butchered ; and tlie ( Ji-eat Sun sat in the shed of the store- 
house of the company smoking his pijie, while his braves piled around 
him the heads of the French. The settlement at Natchez was swept 
away. Nowhere had any resistance been made except at the house 
of La Loire, one of the officers. He was surprised near his house and 
attempted to cut his way through, but though he killed four Natchez, 
he was finally dispatched, overborne by numbers. The people in his 
bouse made a brave defense ; the Natchez rushing up were received 



320 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION; 

with a deadly volley ; six fell dead before they carried the house, and 
then to liud only some dead bodies ; the rest of the brave defenders had 
escaped. 

Two hundred of the French perished ; their wives and childreu 
were in the hands of the Natchez as slaves. 

The Yazoos and other tribes slew the French among them ; a mis- 
sionary, Father Souel, missionary to the Yazoos, being slain with the rest. 

Another missionary had a most extraordinary adventure. This was 
Father Doutreleau, a missionary in Illinois. He was on his way to New 
Orleans, and had proposed to stop at the Yazoo post on New Year's, 
and perform divine service with the missionary there. Finding that he 
could not reach there in time, he landed at a pleasant spot, and pre- 
pared his little altar to say mass. His boatmen meanwhile, seeing a 
flock of water-fowl, fired their guns into it, and then, as the priest was 
all ready, returned to join in the service of the day. Just at this mo- 
ment some Indians came up from a canoe, and hailing the French as 
friends, all knelt down, the Indians behind. The clergyman had pro- 
ceeded with the service only a few moments when the Indians, who 
were Yazoos in the i)lot, fired on the French. One of the men fell 
dead, the others sprang to their feet and rushed to the boat. The 
priest, wounded in the arm, knelt to receive the death-blow, but as the 
Indians, firing hastily, again missed him, he too, in his vestments, as 
he was. started for the 1)oat, and had to wade into the water to reach it, 
ibi- his men, supposing him dead, were already pushing off. The Indians 
were close upon liim, and their last fire sent a charge of small-shot into 
his mouth. Provisions, arms, all were left ashore, and the little party 
could escape only by speed, and to distance the fleet canoes of the Ih' 
dians seemed impossible. 



OB, OUR COUJSTTRY's ACIIIEVEJIENTS. 321 

There wa.s an old gun in the boat, with a broken lock, which they 
were taking to New Orleans. As the Indians gained on them they 
would uiai lliis at them, and the red men, dodging to avoid the shot, lost 
headway. In this way the fugitives eluded them, and after narrowly 
escaping at Natchez, where the Indians tried to lure them ashore, 
reached the French camp. 

When the first terrible news came to New Orleans, all was con- 
sternation and dismay. They knew not whom to trust. Every Indian 
seemed an enemy. The only hope seemed to be in securing the aid of 
the Ohoctaws, and the brave Swiss, de Lusser, started at the risk of his 
life for that tribe, to sound their feelings, and, if possible, secure their 
aid and friendship. 

Le Sueur, one of the great early explorers of the northwest, who bad 
begun to work the rich mines of Minnesota, gained the Choctaws com- 
pletely, for the crafty tribe now hoped rich pay from the French, and 
plunder in abundance from the Natchez, when that nation was de- 
stroyed. 

While the French army was slowly advancing from New Orleans to 
punish the Natchez, Le Sueur and his Choctaws reached the scene of 
blood, and suddenly attacked the enem}', on the 27th of January, with 
such fury that he killed eighty, took manj' prisoners, and delivered 
fifty-three of the French from their terrible captivity, as well as a hun- 
dred and fifty negroes. 

Some days after, Loubois came up with the French force and be- 
sieged the Natchez in their forts, but the Indians made a brave re- 
sistance. Loubois' regular soldiers were miserable fellows picked up in 
France, and were of little service, but the colonists and negroes 
foaght bravely ; the Choctaws were eager for plunder. At last, on the 



322 THE STOBY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

25th of February, 1730, the Natchez gave up the French prisoners in 
their hands to the Choctavvs, and then stole away by niglit. 

Some took refuge among the Chickasaws ; a part kept up the war, 
attacking every French boat. The largest of these bodies took post on 
the Washita, where they were invested by the French in January, 
1731, and compelled to surrender. The G-reat Sun, with other chiefs, 
fell into the hands of the French, who sold all their prisoners, some 
four hundred, as slaves in the West Indies. 

Another party pretended to submit, and asked to be received among 
the Tonicas, a tribe faithful to the French, and led by a brave Christian 
chief. But the Natchez onlj^ sought revenge : they suddenly rose on 
the Tonicas, and slew the chief and raanj^ of his people before they 
were driven out. Another party attacked the French post at Natchi- 
toches, but the gallant St. Denys called to his aid friendly Indians, and 
even his Spanish neighbors, and the Natchez were utterly defeated. 

By this time Louisiana again became a royal province, and Bienville, 
the founder of the colon}', was once more Grovernor. He undertook 
to chastise the Chickasaws. An expedition from Louisiana was to as- 
cend the Tombigbee, and attack their towns, while another from Illi- 
nois invaded them on the north. 

The expeditions moved in May, 1736. The Louisiana force made its 
way with great difficulty up the Tombigbee, and marched to attack the 
first Chickasaw fort. But they found it a strong place, with the Eng- 
lish flag floating over it, for English traders had helped to fortify it. 
After several brave attempts to storm the fort, Bienville, who had suf- 
fered considerable loss, abandoned the siege and retreated. 

The Illinois force, under Vincennes and dArtaguette, reached the 
Yalabusha, and seeing nothing of the Louisiana army attacked the 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 323 

Chickasaws. They carried two forts, but, in the third, the little force 
of brave northwestern pioneers was nearly cut to pieces. Vinceunes and 
d'Artaguette fell into the hands of the enemy, with many others 
wounded ; their brave chaplain, Father Senat, remained to share their 
fate. Yoisin, a brave boy of sixteen, commanded the retreat, and 
through a thousand dangers led the survivors back to Illinois. When 
all danger was past the Chickasaws burnt all their prisoners at the 
stake, only a lew escaping to the English in Carolina. 

Another expedition against the Chickasaws, in 1739, was equally 
fruitless. These Indians were the barrier of the English colonies, and, 
in the struggle now coming on, they, with the Six Nations, helped in no 
small degree to turn the scale of victory. 

The English colonies were now advancing to freedom. Newspapers 
became a great help, diffusing knowledge and discussions of public mat- 
ters among the people. On the 24th day of April, 1704, the Boston 
News-Letter, the first newspaper ever issued on the continent, appeared 
in Boston. Others grew up in other colonies, and some gave great dis- 
pleasure to government by their boldness and freedom. John Peter 
Zenger, the proprietor of a New York paper, was put on trial. To en- 
s-ure his conviction, the judges struck off the list of lawyers all who took 
up his case. But a brave old lawyer from Philadelphia, Andrew 
Hamilton, came on to defend him. So eloquent was his defense that the 
jury brought in a verdict of "Not guilty," and the freedom of the 
press was established. 

Meanwhile the youngest of the colonies was involved in a border 
war. Georgia had grown with a rapidity seen in no other British prov- 
ince. The disinterestedness and zeal of Oglethorpe brought in num- 
bers of industrious settlers, all eager to improve the country and ad- 



324 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

I'ance their own fortunes by honest toil. Some Jews were sent out by 
merchants of that faith in London ; German Protestants, from Salz- 
burg, founded Ebenezer ; Scotch Highlanders settled New Inverness, 
other villages arose, and Oglethorpe built Frederica, a strong fort on 
St. Simon's Island, and, claiming the St. John as his boundary, planted 
Fort St. George on an island at its mouth. Spain protested against 
tiiis, but aflairs were almost all arranged between the two countries, 
when George II., in 1739, declared war against Spain, and prepared 
to attack the Spanish colonies in America. Admiral Vernon, victori- 
ous at Porto Bello, was ordered to prepare for a new expedition. All 
the American colonies north of Carolina were called upon to fur- 
nish men, and they did. Vernon sailed to attack Carthagena, but was 
utterly defeated, losing in all nearly twenty thousand men. Few of 
the colonists who went on that fatal expedition ever lived to see their 
native land. Vernon would be justly forgotten had not a spot on the 
Potomac been named in his honor, which, as the residence of the illus- 
trious Washington, was to be forever a spot revered by every Ameri-. 
can heart. 

The Carolinas and Georgia had not been called upon to join in Ver- 
non's expedition, as they were under Oglethorpe to conquer Florida. 
With the forces of Georgia and South Carolina, he invaded the Span- 
ish province, and took Fort Picolata, and awaited only for his Indian 
allies and tardy Carolina militia to advance upon St. Augustine. 

At last, in June, 1740, with six hundred English regulars, four hun- 
dred militia, and a body of Creek Indians, he advanced to the walls of 
St. Augustine. The Spanish commander, Monteano, had prepared to 
meet them ; his garrison was strong and brave ; in frequent sallies he 
broke through the English lines, causing great loss, so that at last Ogle- 



OE, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 325 

thorpe saw his naval support sail off, and his militia and Indians de- 
part. He then retreated. 

The Spaniards, in their turn, sent a fleet to attack the Georgia posts. 
Fort William, on Cumberland Island, was attacked by Monteano, and 
with difficulty relieved by Oglethorpe. 

Monteano then landed to attack Frederica ; but Oglethorpe, with the 
eye of a soldier, had placed it so that its defense was easy ; a road be- 
tween a wood and a marsh led to it. Here, his Highlandefs, from the 
wood, covered by the trees, attacked Monteano's advance, and a des- 
perate fight ensued. The Spaniards fought gallantly, and did not give 
up the attempt to cut their way through till after losing two hundred of 
their men, their dead strewing the ground that has ever since been 
called the Blood}"- Marsh. 

Oglethorpe was so full of his Si^anish affairs that he wrote letters to 
the other colonies warning them against Spanish agents in disguise. 
One of his letters came at an unfortunate time at New York. In 1741, 
some tinners at work on the roof of the church in the fort set it on fire, 
and all the buildings there were destroyed. In a few days it was gen- 
erally believed that it was set on fire by negroes, and that there was a 
negro plot to burn the city. Many negroes were arrested, tried, and 
executed. Oglethorpe's letter gave people a new idea. They were 
already half crazy with fear, and now began to arrest white people. 
A i)oor non-juring clergyman, who lived by teaching, was tried under 
a law against Catholic priests, passed in Bellomont's time, and also as 
the prime mover of the whole plot. He too was hanged, with several 
others, and many negroes burned at the stake. For a time no man was 
safe, but at last the delusion passed over, and few cared to admit that 
they had au}'^ hand in it. 



326 THE STORY OF A GKExVT NATION; 

Bat the northern colonies were now to feel all the horrors of war. 
Almost all the countries of EuroiDe had become involved in the diflicul- 
ties, and France was also at war with England, in 1744:. News reached 
the strong French fort at Louisburg, and they at once prepared for ac- 
tion. A force under Duvivier surprised the little English garrison at 
Canseau, destroyed the fishery, the fort, and the other buildings, and 
carried off eighty men as prisoners of war to Louisburg. An Indian- 
force also besieged Annapolis. 

New England burned to reduce Louisburg, and an expedition was 
soon fitted out. New York sent artillery, and Pennsylvania provis- 
ions ; New England furnished all the men, Massachusetts alone send- 
ing three thousand men. The expedition, intended to overthrow the 
power of France and the Catholic religion, set out headed b}' a chap- 
lain bearing an axe to hew down the crucifixes on the churches. The 
fleet of a hundred vessels bore the array, under Colonel William Pep- 
perell, to Canseau. There, fortunately. Commodore Warren, with a 
British squadron, joined him, and on the 30th of April, 1745, they 
came in sight of Louisburg. It was a strong place for fishermen, and 
farmers, and mechanics to take. Its walls, forty feet thick, and from> 
twenty to thirty in height, were surrounded by a ditch eighty feet wide^ 
and were mounted by nearly two hundred cannon, while the garrison of 
sixteen hundred men, six hundred of them regular troops, seemed tO' 
make it madness to think of reducing it. 

But the sturdy men of New England did not give up. With stub- 
born perseverance they set to work in their own way to take the stout 
fortress on which France had spent millions under the direction of lier 
best military engineers. They knew nothing about zigzags and paral- 
lels ; but the}' resolved to plant tlu-ir batteries and make a breach in 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. • 327 

the stout walls. A large morass prevented their reaching a suitable spot, 
eo they built sledges, and the sturdy lumbermen dragged the cannon over 
the marsh on these. Waldo's and Tidcomb's batteries were soon play- 
ing on the stout walls of the French fortress, which returned the 
fire vigorously ; and the French, bj' their Canadians and Indians in the 
woods, galled the New England troops. Day after day the firing went 
on, but there seemed no hope of reducing the place. The wise navai' 
officers pooh-poohed the idea, and laughed at provincial militia taking 
snci) a fortress. Even the cool New England men began to tire, and four 
hundred attempted to take the island battery, but the French met them 
desperately, and the colonial troops drew off, leaving sixty dead, and 
more than a hundred prisoners. But the Shirley frigate, under brave 
Captain Rous, enabled Commodore Warren's fleet to capture the Vigi- 
lant, a French man-of-war coming with ammunition and supplies to the 
relief of the fort. 

When Duchambon, the French commander, saw this, he lost heart 
and began to despond. Soon after, from his ramparts, he beheld all in 
activity on sea and land. The fleet and the provincial army were pre- 
paring for a joint attack on the fort. 

Then, on the 17th of June, 1745, Duchambon surrendered the 
strongest fortress on the American continent to an army of undisci- 
plined New England men, who had just laid down their tools in their 
workshops, or their ploughs in the fields. The colonies in America 
showed their power, and had achieved the greatest success won by 
English arms in this war. The city of Louisburg was a perfect wreck, 
scarcely a house had escaped during the bombardment. 

For his achievement. Colonel Pepperell was knighted, and made a 
colonel in the British army ; as was also Governor Shirley. 



328 THE 3T0RT OF A GREAT NATION; 

New England was wild with joy and exultation, and France, burning 
with anger, sent tieets to recover Louisburg, but disaster after disaster 
thwarted all her plans, although these naval forces created great alarm 
all along the New England coast. 

There were no important operations in this war between Canada and 
the colonies, although the Indians in the French service, and small par- 
ties, ravaged the New England frontiers. The Six Nations took no part 
in the war. They sent an embassy to ask the French to keep the war 
parties out of their cantons and hunting grounds. The French desired 
nothing better, and as the English authorities no longer asked neutrality, 
the colonies were exposed to the old border ravages. 

At Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, the French had their Fort St. 
Frederic, commanding the entrance to Canada. From this the Fi'ench 
officer posted there, De Croisilles, sent out the war parties in all direc- 
tions. Besides their old missions in Canada, the French had established 
anew one at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, to which they attracted num- 
bers of the braves of the Six Nations, who were discontented with the 
English. 

The most important blow struck was the capture of Saratoga, by 
a French force under Marin, in November, 1745. That spot, since 
the seat of so much fashion and gayety, the very home of luxury and 
enjoyment, was then a straggling frontier village, made up, like most of 
those in New York, of various elements, Dutch, English, and German. 
It was soon taken, and the flourishing place, with its mills and block- 
house, and farm-houses, far and near, given to the flames, while the 
cattle were slaughtered in the fields. Thirty of the people were killed 
in the attack, and sixty hurried off as prisoners, with a large number of 
negro slaves. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 32^ 

Fort Massachusetts, on Hoosae river, in what is now the town of 
A-daius, was the frontier pusL on the New England side, and this was 
constantly beset by prowling bands of Indians. One day, as Sergeant 
Hawks and John Miles were riding on a horse, they were fired at by 
two skulking Indians, and both wounded. Miles escaped to the fort, but 
Hawks fell from his horse. The Indians rushed upon him to scalp him. 
Desperation gave him courage, he rallied his strength, and seizing his 
gun covered one of them. This turned the tables. One Indian jumped 
down the bank, the other took to a tree and cried for quarter. Hawks, 
dizzy and confused, kept calling for help, and when it came the Indians 
had fled, one leaving his gun, which he durst not return to pick up. 

In August, 1746, a force of French and Indians under Rigaud de 
Vaudreuil invested Fort Massachusetts. The little fort had a garrison 
of only twenty-two men, and the French force numbered several hun- 
dred, but Sergeant Hawks resolved to show fight, and though he had 
only a few pounds of powder, kept up the fight for twenty-four hours, 
and then surrendered on favorable terms. 

This war came to a close by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, in Octo- 
ber, 1748, but the spring of the following year had opened before it 
was known in New England, or relieved the farmers on the frontiers 
from the danger of skulking Indians. 

Then all was peace again, treaties were made with the tribes in 
Maine, and hopes entertained of a long season of peace. 

New England was doomed to see Louisburg, which had cost her so 
much blood, and time, and treasure, restored to France by this treaty, 
without any compensation being made to the colonies whose conquest 
was thus disposed of. 

At the South, Oglethorpe, who had begun the war to establish his 



330 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

claim as far south as the St. John's, saw the line between Georgia and 
Florida fixed where it liow is, at the St. Mary's. 

The treaty, hastily concluded, did not settle the important northern 
boundary with the French, and in consequence, the bold Canadian par- 
tisan officer, La Corne, took Beaubassin, which Cornwallis retook after a 
bloody assault and built Fort Lawrence. On the other side, Captain 
Rous, in the Albany, attacked and took, off Cape Sable, a brigantine 
from Quebec. On both sides the feeling was bitter, and a new war 
eeemed threatening. 

The statesmen of Europe were, however, cooler and less disposed 
to renew hostilities. These matters were all arranged, and by degrees 
the war spirit in America calmed down. 

Before the close of the war a Congress of Governors met delegates 
of the Indian nations at Albany, with a view of strengthening all the 
tribes in the English interest, so as to aid in the reduction of Canada. 
Though their assistance was not immediately needed, the conference 
was continued, as the colonies had at last awaked to the necessity of 
meeting the French in the west. 

The colonists had in the last war fought side by side with the Eng- 
lish by land and sea, and had met French regulars as well as Canadian 
•militia. They began to think that they Avere pretty good soldiers them- 
selves, and English governors found that the spirit of independence 
was growing. 

In spite of the odious restrictions put by England on American 
manufactures and trade, the colonies grew rapidly. Industry, intelli- 
gence, schools, and papers were doing their work. 

]Slew England had relaxed somewhat, but still maintained a high 
moral tone. Boston was the wealthiest and most thriving town, and 



331 

the houses of the merchants showed its prosperity. In the principal 
houses of Boston, there was a great hall ornamented with pictures, and 
^a great lantern, and a velvet cushion on the window-seat that looked 
into the garden. A large bowl of punch was often placed in the hall, 
from which visitors might help themselves as they entered. On either 
side was a great parlor, and a little parlor or study. These were fur- 
nished with great looking-glasses, Turkey carpets, window-curtains, and 
valances, pictures and a map, a brass clock, red leathern-back chairs, 
and a great pair of brass andirons. The chambers were well supplied 
with feather-beds, warming-pans, and every other article that would 
now be thought necessary for comfort or display. The pantry was well 
filled with substantial fare. Silver tankards, wine-cups and other ar- 
ticles of plate were not uncommon, and the kitchen was completely 
tjhoked with pewter, iron, and copper utensils. 

The wealthier Virginians also made much display, while New York 
presented a more homely and simple life. They breakfasted on tea 
without milk, and sweetened with a small piece of sugar passed around. 
The dinner was light, meat not being always served up. 

Oar young readers will wonder that many things familiar to them 
were then unknown. To kindle the lire in the morning, they had to 
get a spark in the tinder-box b}^ striking a flint on a steel, and then 
they lighted, at this spark, a match of shaving tipped with brimstone. 
A candle or whale-oil lamp was then lighted. There were no lucifer 
matches, and no gas. The immense chimneys had their wood fires 
kept in place by andirons ; there was no coal mined then or used ; and 
stoves were unknown. 

No canals or railroads facilitated travel or the conveyance of goods ; 
■lio steamboats puffed along the rivers and sounds. Steam was unknown 



332 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

in the factory or the mine. News traveled slowly. Affairs in Maine 
would be heard of in Georgia in perhaps a month's time. 

After the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, a new spirit of activity awoke 
and all felt that something must be done to keep the French off the 
Ohio. Both countries aimed at one point, so as to control that river 
and the West. This point was the junction of the Alleghany and Mo- 
longahela rivers. None of the English colonies wished to go to the 
expense of establishing a fort there ; and the geography of the coun- 
try was so little known that it was supposed to be in Virginia, and 
Pennsylvania paid little attention to it. At last a company was formed 
called the Ohio Company ; but France was preparing to occupy it. She 
had forts at Niagara, Presqu'ile, now Erie, and at Venango. The French 
attacked Piqua, killing and capturing the English traders, with many 
Indians, including the king of the Pianl^eshaws, who was put to death. 
Then they prepared to occupy the valley with a large force. 

Governor Dinwiddle, of Virginia, had been urgent in his letters to 
the dissolute king, George II., and now at last obtained leave to re- 
monstrate with the French. 

For the perilous task he selected a young Virginian officer, a goo(J 
son of a widowed mother, clear-headed, active, energetic, brave, and 
adventurous — George Washington, then just twenty-one, a surveyor, ac- 
customed to the woods and mountains. Following the Indian trail, 
with Christopher Gist, an old frontiersman, as his guide, thej- struck the 
Indian trails, and reached the forks of the Ohio, for which the struggle 
had begun. Here he saw as in a vision the future city of Pittsburg. 
Pushing on he met Tanacharison, the Half-king, as he was called, a 
steady friend of the English colonies. At Venango, he found the French 
posted. The French officer in connnand was sanguine that his country 



OR, OUK COUNTEY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 333^ 

would hold the Ohio. " The English can raise two men to our one," 
said he, " but they are too dilatory to prevent any enterprise of ours.'' 
They had some reason to say so, lor the Canadians were prompt, active, 
and accustomed to discipline. They marched at once on receiving or- 
ders. In the English colonies, there was always disputing and debat- 
ing, and a regiment was not put into the field till after a long wrangle 
between Governor and Assembly. 

Where Waterford now stands Washington found Fort le Bosuf, 
commanded by le Gardeur de St. Pierre, a veteran Canadian officer, 
whose long career had enabled him to obtain a complete mastery over 
the Indians, who both feared and loved him. 

Washington presented his letters, but got a soldier's reply. " I am 
here by the orders of my general, to which I shall conform with exact- 
ness and resolution." 

The 3'oung envoy of Virginia then retraced his way through the 
wilderness, to report to the Governor at Williamsburg the defiant atti^ 
tude of tlie French. 

This was the first public act of Washington, then only twenty-two 
years of age. His journal was made public, and drew attention to him as- 
one well fitted to undertake any perilous expedition, to command men, 
and cope with experienced European ofiicers. Thus earh' did Wash- 
ington impress men with his singular ability for public affairs. NeaF 
Bridge's Creek, Virginia, where the pilgrim can no longer discern any sign' 
of the homestead that once opened its hospitable doors, is a slab recording 
the fact thathere, on what is now reckoned the 22d of February, 1732, 
George Washington was born. He was the oldest son of Augustine 
Washington, by Mary Ball, his second wife ; but his boyhood was not 
spent at his birth-place. His father removed to an estate in Stafford 



334 THE 8TOKT OF A GKEAT NATION; 

County, and here young George grew up. His elder brothers, fruits 
■of a former marriage, were sent to England for education, but George 
enjoyed only the common advantages of planters' sous, few of whom 
pursued studies beyond the ordinary branches of an English education. 
He was but eleven years old when his father died, and his future train- 
ing, as well as the care of his property, devolved on Mary Washington. 
Most great men owe their greatness in no small degree to a mother, 
and this is eminently so with George Washington. She possessed solid 
sense and decision, was strict in her discipline, and deeply religious, in- 
spiring her children with a love for all that related to God's service, 
not by harshness, but by counsel and example. 

Washington ever felt the deepest love and reverence for his mother, 
and never failed to show it. 

As he advanced, he was fond of adventure, of sports in the open air, 
of riding, and of life in the woods. He grew up hardy and vigorous 
in mind and body. His first choice was the sea, and through the influ- 
ence of his brother Lawrence, and Lord Fairfax, an English nobleman, 
then residing in Virginia, he obtained a midshipman's warrant in the 
English navy. His luggage had actually gone on board, when his moth- 
er's heart failed, and he abandoned his scheme of a naval career. 

Resuming his studies at school, George, now with his mind attracted 
towards the army and navy, resolved to improve in all the branches 
that would be of service to him, and especially cultivated mathematics. 

He had several good qualities ; he was very methodical, accurate, and 
persevering. He had that magic of method which of itself works won- 
ders. He was soon a leader. His school-fellows appealed to him to 
'decide the disputes which arose among them, and in every project he 
was looked up to as a chief. He delighted in athletic sports, and by 



OE, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. S.*?.' 

his readiness in them, as in his studies, commanded the respect and af- 
fection of his joung associates. 

Even after leaving school he continued his mathematical studies, and 
■eagerly went through all works within his reach that treated of military 
afiairs, from the mere drill of the private soldier to the management of 
.armies or fortification of posts. 

At the age of sixteen, he set out with the surveyor's chain and com- 
ipass, to lay out estates possessed by Lord Fairfax, beyond the Blue 
Eidge. This practice in woodland life was of great service to him. Lines 
were to be run through wood and morass, over mountain and stream, in a 
district far from any settlement. He had to work hard and fare hard, 
cook his own meals, and often hunt for them, and for mouths he was a 
stranger to bed or roof. 

The hardship did not discourage the boy, whom heaven was thus 
training for a great work. The position of public surveyor was be- 
stowed upon him, and, as it was evident that his abilities fitted him for 
the post, Grcorge Washington was, at the age of nineteen, chosen to 
-command one of the military districts into which Virginia was divided ; 
this gave him the rank of Major, and pay amounting to a hundred and 
fifty pounds a year. Major Washington immediately set to work to 
organize and equip the militia in his district. But he was called from 
his duties to accompany his brother Lawrence to the West Indies ; yet 
the voyage did not restore his failing health ; and before he was twenty- 
one, George was the head of tlie family, intrusted with the manage-^ 
raent of Lawrence's estate at Mount Vernon, for the widow and infant 
daughter. 

His next public duty was momentous indeed. Adjutant General 
of the Virginia forces, well acquaiutM with the frontiers, he was dis- 



336 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION J 

patched on that first mission, which has led us into this sketch of his- 
life. 

So alarming did the French position seem to Governor Dinwiddle, 
that he urged the Assembly of Virginia to. raise men and money to 
keep the disputed lands for the English race. But the Legislature was 
less far-sighted than the Groveruor. They hesitated, they doubted, but 
at last raised £10,000 for the protection of " the settlers on the Mis- 
sissippi." Several additional companies were raised, and of the regi- 
ment Washington was appointed Lieutenant Colonel. His practised 
eye had marked the spot where Pittsburg now stands, darkening the 
sky with the smoke of its thousand furnaces. By his advice. Captain. 
Trent was sent on with forty-one men, to build a fort at this point, and 
raise the English flag. He was sent on himself with his companies to 
occupy the new work, but at Wills' Creek heard that it was too late. 
The French, while the Assembly were debating with Dinwiddle, had 
acted ])roinptly. Already the energetic Marin had led a considerable- 
force towards the Ohio, and had built one fort, and was erecting an- 
other, when he died, to the great regret of the French. Contrecoeur, who- 
succeeded hiin, pushed forward with six or seven hundred men. and fall- 
ing suddenly on Trent's party, dispersed them, and seizing the fort, com- 
pleted it, the Chevalier le Mercier, a French engineer, directing the- 
works. 

On hearing these tidings, Washington began to intrench himself at 
Great Meadows ; but learning that a French detachment was ap- 
proaching hiin, resolved to meet it ; and early on the morning of May 
28th, pushed on, with the Half-king, and a force of Virginians and In- 
dians. They came upon the French, under Jumonville, in a rocky 
wood, where they had thrown up some huts to protect them from the 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 887 

rain. On seeing the Englisli approacli, tlie French flew to arms. Ju- 
monville attempted to act in his character as envoy, and began to read 
a summons, requiring the English to withdraw, but Washington gave 
the order 'to fire, and after a brief slcirniish, Jumonville and ten of 
his Canadians were killed and scalped, and twenty-one taken prisoners. 
This began a new and terrible war, that changed the whole future of 
JNorth America. 

The French heard these tidings with indignation. In their eyes it was 
a base assassination, and in Canada and France, all clamored for redress. 
Contrecoeur, at Fort Duquesne, acted promptly. Dispatching couriers 
to Quebec, to infonn the Governor of the commencement of hostilities, 
'he sent out de Villiers, with a force, to attack Washington. The young 
Virginian officer, now colonel bj^ the death of Fry, seeing his critical 
position, had sent for reinforcements ; and had fallen back to Great 
Meadows, where he threw up Fort Necessity, a little work which he 
hoped to hold till relief came. But the only reinforcement was a com- 
pany from South Carolina, under Captain Mackay. As daring and ad- 
■venturous as the French, Washington, leaving Mackay at the fort, 
again advanced to meet the enemy, but, as Indian scouts soon warned him 
■of the approach of a formidable French and Indian army, he fell back. 

Fort Necessity was at once invested. It was in a clearing between 
two wooded hills, and was garrisoned by five hundred men, with ten 
pieces of artillery. De Villiers had six hundred Canadians, and a hun- 
dred Indians. Taking advantage of the position of the fort, the French 
and Indian sharp-shooters, posted in the trees on the hillside, kept 
up a deadly fire into the interior of the fort, silencing the guns, as it 
was death to approach them. When more than fifty of his men lay 
dead and wounded in the little fort, Washington, finding it impossible to 



338 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

use his cannons, or even his rifles, against a foe whom he could not see;, 
capitulaled, the French allowing them to return to Virginia with every- 
thing except their artillery, retaining only two, Eobert Stobo and Van. 
Braam, as hostages for the restoration of the French taken prisoners at 
Jumonville's defeat. This capitulation took place July 4, 1754 ; andv 
Washington, leaving his fort in the hands of the French, returned tO' 
Wills' Creek, where Fort Cumberland was erected to protect the now- 
exposed frontier. 

The hostages were taken to Fort Duquesne, and treated with great 
courtesy ; but Stobo, violating his parole, sent a plan of the fort and 
details of the French forces to Washington. When this was discovered, 
he was arrested, tried, and condemned to death. His life was, how- 
ever, spared, though he had to undergo a long and very severe impris- 
onment. He failed in one effort to escape, but at last, winning the fa- 
vor of the jailer's daughter, he got away from Quebec, with several' 
other prisoners. Their adventures are almost incredible. 

Finding a bark canoe, they started in it, and finally reached the' 
southern bank of the St. Lawrence. Here they lay hid in the woods- 
watching the parties in pursuit of them. At night they started down= 
the river in their canoe, and for ten nights kept on their way, lying 
hid by day, and keeping alive by means of some provisions which they 
took from two Indians. Coming in sight of a French sloop, they sur- 
prised it, just as their canoe had become useless. Eluding a French- 
frigate, they kept on more boldly, but were nearly wrecked. Just 
tlien they fell in with a French schooner, well armed and supplied, 
which they also took, and in it, after a thirty-eight days' voyage from. 
Quebec, reached Louisburg. 

Dinwiddle had urged so strongly a general action on the part of the- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS '6S9- 

colonies, that a Convention of Committees of the Assemblies of New- 
York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the New England colonies met at 
Albany, iu June, 1754. 

Twenty-five delegates from all the colonies, from New Hampshire ta 
Virginia, were thus brought together, to form a plan lor closer union,, 
and though Virginia sent none, de Lancey of New York acted in her 
name, with full instructions from Dinwiddle, the projector of the scheme. 
The sachems of the Six Nations had also been summoned to a great 
council at Albany, and sent their wisest chieftains. Every voice de-- 
Glared that America could prosper only by a union of all the colonies. 
Governors appointed from England, patriots born and nurtured on 
American soil, all agreed in this. The irregular action of the separate 
colonies led only to disaster. Even the Indians taught them that they 
must unite or perish. "Look at the French," said an Iroquois chief, 
" they are men ; they are fortifying every where. But, we are ashamed 
to say it, j'ou are like women, without any fortifications. It is but 
one step from Canada hither, and the French may easily come and 
turn you out of doors." 

A committee was accordingly appointed to draw up a plan of union. 
They were all eminent men ; Benjamin Franklin, with Hutchinson of 
Massachusetts, Hopkins of Rhode Island, Pitkin of Connecticut, Tas- 
ker of Maryland, and Smith of New York. But Franklin had already 
conceived and matured a plan which he presented and which was, 
adopted. 

It was a remarkable plan, foreshadowing the Republican Union 
which was to be formed in a few years. Philadelphia was to be the 
seat of the proposed Federal (rovernment ; at its head was to be a 
Governor General appointed by the King. Then there was a grand 



340 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

couucil of members elected by the Legislatures of the different colonies, 
according to the amount of contributions raised by them, no colony, 
however, to have less than two nor more than seven. The Governor 
General was to nominate all military officers, and the council all civil 
officers ; no money was to be issued except by the order of the Gov- 
ernor and council. 

Each colony was still to manage its own concerns, but this new gov- 
-ernment was to establish new settlements, raise an army and navy, 
and apportion taxes among the colonies. 

This plan was adopted after considerable debate, but did not meei. 
with general favor. In England it was looked upon with distrust ; and 
the colonies feared that it would deprive them of liberties. 

But Franklin lived to see it carried out on even a grander scale 
than he dreamed of. 

Benjamin Franklin, who thus came prominently before the people of 
England and America, is one of the most illustrious of our country- 
men. Men have been esteemed great for a time, but gradually sink 
out of sight. This is not the case with Franklin. His fame still 
abides. 

Son of Josiah Franklin, one of a race of sturd}^ blacksmiths at Ec- 
ton, England, who, in the reign of James II., emigrated to New Eng- 
land, Benjamin was born at Boston, January 17, 1706. His mother 
was the daughter of Peter Folger, the old Nantucket poet. On the 
stone which covers their remains at Boston, their son inscribed, " He 
was a pious and prudent man ; she a discreet and virtuous woman." 

At the age of eight, Benjamin was sent to the public grammar school, 
where he learned to read, and write a clear, bold hand. In figures he 
did not excel. His school time was short. At the age of ten he was 



OR, OUR COF^^TRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 341 

f 

taken into his father's tallow chandlery, but his brother James arrived 
from England two years after this, with material to set up a printing 
office. Benjamin was apprenticed to him. He was a great reader, but 
he stuck to some good Ijooks as his favorites, among them the Specta- 
tor, Cotton Mather's "Essays to do Good," and De Foe's " Essay on 
Projects." 

When his brother started the " New England Courant," he became a 
contributor, but not daring to offer them openly, for fear of having 
them rejected contemptuously, he slipped them by night under the 
door, and then listened with satisfaction to the praise bestowed on 
them. 

The paper was a spicy one, and soon got into trouble in those strict 
iays, so that before long, Benjamin found himself free from his appren- 
tice's indentures. Quarreling with his brother, he raised money by 
selling his books, and made his way in a sloop to New York, and so on 
to Philadelphia, rowing part of the way on the Delaware. 

He entered Philadelphia tired, hungry, and almost penniless, one 
Sunday morning in the Fall of the year 1723. His person and his 
clothes were dirty ; his pockets stuffed with shirts and stockings ; for 
those were days of immense coats, and waistcoats, and cavernous pock- 
ets. Topped off with a broad-brimmed hat, he was an odd figure in- 
deed. He made his way to a baker's and bought three penny rolls, and 
was amazed to find them so much larger than in Boston. As he had no 
room in his pockets, he walked on with a roll under each arm, munch- 
ing the other. In this comical guise, he passed the house of Mr. Read, 
on Market Street, and excited the merriment of Miss Deborah, who, in 
all her Siiiidiiy tinery. stood laughing at the uncouth young man, little 
dreaming that she was laughing at her future husband. He strolled on 



342 THE STOKY OF A GRKAT XATION ; 

eating, and as one good Philadelphia roll satisfied him, he gave the other 
two to a poor woman and her child. He then entered the great Meet- 
ing-house of the Quakers, and as it was a silent meeting, the 
weary traveler soon fell asleep, and rested quietly till the service 
ended. 

He soon found employment as a printer, and found a friend in Sir 
William Keith, Governor of Pennsylvania, who urged him to set up iii 
business for himself. His father declining to advance the money, Keith 
gent Franklin to London to purchase material, promising to send him 
a draft for the necessary amount. But great men sometimes have very 
short memories, and young Franklin found he had gone on a fool's er- 
rand. He was not one to be disheartened, but went to work at his 
trade, and, after a stay of nearly two years in London, finding an op- 
portunity to go into business in Philadelphia, returned. But death 
soon broke up the concern, and Franklin went back to Keimig, his old 
tmployer. He was soon proprietor, editor, and printer of the Ga- 
zette, married Deborah Read, and became a prominent and active man. 
His paper abounded in short essays, in pointed sayings, and patriotic hints. 
His " Poor Richard's Almanac " became very popular from the max- 
ims which it contained, and was subsequently published under the 
title of " The Way to Wealth." 

In 1736, he began public life, as clerk of the General Assembly. 
He was soon after made Deputy Postmaster, established the first mag- 
azine published in America, and projected the American Philosophi- 
eal Society, and the Pennsylvania Hospital. 

He had just received his appointment from London, as Postmaster 
General for the colonies, when he was sent to the Congress at Albaay,. 
which has led us into this sketch of his life. 



CHAPTER fl. 

fleign of George II. Continued — Commencement of the Reign of George III. — War witi* 
France renewed — General Braddock sent over with Englisli llegulars — His Plans — He at- 
tempts to take Fort Du Quesne — Defeated and killed — The unfortunate Acadians — Baron 
Dieskau sent out l.iy France — Defeated and taken on Lake George — Montcalm takes Oswe- 
go — Louisburg taken by Boscawen and Andierst — Abercronibie defeated by Montcalm at 
Ticonderoga — Bradstreet takes Fort Froutenao — William Pitt — Forbes advances on Fort 
Du Quesne — Sustains a Defeat — French evacuate Pittsburg — Johnson defeats d'Aubry and 
takes Niagara — Amherst drives the French from Lake Champlain — Wolfe at Quebec — Bat- 
tle of the Heights of Abraham — Wolfe and Montcalm — De Levi defeats Murray and be- 
sieges Quebec — Canada surrenders — Close of the War. 

England and France were still at peace, and the English govern- 
ment gave the French King every assurance of their wisli to maintain 
friendly relations, but at the same time prepared to send over to Amer- 
ica a formidable force of regular troops to conquer Canada. While the 
French government was instructing du Quesne, the Governor General 
of Canada, to act only on the defensive, to avoid bloodshed, and to 
strengthen Canada by Indian alliances, Edward Braddock, Major Gen- 
eral and Commander-in-Chief of the English forces, was on his way 
with a regiment of British regulars across the Atlantic, and soon arrived 
in the Chesapeake. He was a harsh, brutal man, strict in discipline, 
and brave. 

He met the Governors of several colonies at Williamsburg ; but 
found no revenue raised, and no likelihood that any would be. His in- 
structions had increased the general suspicion of the colonists, for it 
was laid down that the colonial officers were to have no rank when 
serving with the King's officers. Eager as Washington was to fight in 
the cause of the colonies, he resigned in disgust. 

While matters were in this unpromising condition, France, at last 



344 TITK STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

convinced of the bad faith of England, sent reinforcements to Canada, 
under the veteran Diesl^au. The English Government sent Admiral Bos- 
cawen in pursuit of the French tleet ; he overtook it, and without any 
declaration of war, captured two of the French ships off Cape Race. 

Thus the war began on the ocean. 

The rest of the French fleet, with Dieskau and Vaudreuil, the new 
Grovernor Greneral of Canada, himself a Canadian by birth, reached 
Quebec. 

Braddock, at Alexandria, proposed four expeditions against the 
French. Lieutenant Grovernor Lawrence, of Nova Scotia, was to drive 
the French from all that district ; Sir William Johnson, who had great 
influence with the Six Nations, was to lead a force of militia and Indi- 
ans to reduce Fort St. Frederic at Crown Point ; Grovernor Shirley, of 
Massachusetts, was to take Niagara, unless Braddock himself captured 
it after taking Fort Du Quesne, which he said could detain him only three 
or four days. 

At last, after great difficulties, Braddock got his army in motion, and 
at Cumberland two thousand effective men were assembled. Washington 
attended Braddock as one of his aids. Daniel Morgan, famous in his 
Jersey village as a wrestler and a deadly marksman, was a wagoner. 

On tlie lOth of June, Braddock, by Washington's advice, left Dun- 
bar behind, iiiid pushed on more rapidly with twelve hundred picked 
men. Washington knew something of the frontier life, and knew that 
the French were prompt and active. 

On the 8th of July, they were within twelve miles of Fort Du Quesne. 
The French authorities had given up all hopes of saving it ; the Indians, 
whose runners had brought in tidings of the great English force, looked 
upon resistance as hopeless. One man felt too proud to yield without a 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 345 

blow. Daniel Lienard de Beaujeu had just been made commandant of 
Fort DuQuesneandthe French troops on the Ohio. He called on the In- 
dians to go ofit with his small force and meet the enemy. They treated 
hini as a madman. Then he resolved fo go with his handful of Cana- 
dians. As he tiled out with his petty force, after attending divine ser- 
vice in the chapel of the fort, he tauntingly told the Indians to go to 
Quebec, and report that they had seen him go to die, and had not dared 
follow him. Stung at this, they took up their arms, and marched witn 
his little band. 

Beanjeu's intention was to ambuscade the ford of the Monongahela, 
but the refusal of the Indians had made him lose precious moments. 
As that glorious summer day dawned on the river and the woods that 
lined it, Beaujeu, a tall, slight man, in his frontier-dress, with only his 
officer's gorget or crescent at his neck to mark his rank, himself, at the 
ver}' head of his men, came full in sight of the British and American 
force moving up from the river-bank. The burnished arms gleamed in 
the summer sun ; the regular tread of tlie infantry, the gay uniforms 
and lines of cannon, all were before him. He did not recoil. Waving 
his carbine over his head, he ran on towards the English, leaj^ing and 
cheering on his men. On rushed Canadian and Indian, with yell and 
cries. The English advance, under Gage, was swept back ; before they 
could recover their senses, their artillery was captured, and they were 
driven back on the vanguard, while the Canadians and Indians, taking 
to the trees on the flanks, by their deadly volleys increased the confu- 
sion and dismay. Braddock hurried on, and drew up his remaining guns, 
but there was no enemy in view. The forests echoed with the thunder 
of cannon, as the balls tore through the ancient trees, but still the fight 
went on ; the French pressing steadily on them. At last Beaujeu, 



346 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATIOW, 

their commander, fell, but Dumas took command. For two hours the 
English kept up the battle, lew of them getting a glimpse even of their 
enemy. The regulars, at last, terrified by the yells and by the strange 
kind of warfare, lost all control, fired at random, even killing theirofiB- 
cers, and at last broke and ran. Sir Peter Halket and twenty-six ofii- 
cers were killed, and seven hundred and fourteen men killed or 
wounded ; of Braddock's aids, Washington alone was alive ; two horses 
were killed under him ; his clothes torn by bullets, for an Indian chief 
aimed repeatedly at one in whom he saw a dangerous enemy. " Some 
potent Manitou guards his life," said the Indian. "By the all power- 
ful dispensations of Providence I have been protected." Braddock 
had mounted his sixth horse, when a bullet entered his side and he 
fell mortally wounded. Then all was confusion. The Virginia troops 
under Washington covered the flight, and were nearl}^ cut to pieces. 
Of three companies scarcely twenty men were left alive. 

As this disorderly horde rushed panting into Dunbar's camp, that 
officer caught the panic. He destroyed his cannon, stores, and baggage 
to the value of £100,000, and evacuated Fort Cumberland, to retreat 
to Philadelphia, burying Braddock by the way-side, near Fort Necessity. 

The ground, still known as Braddock's field, was in the hands of the 
French. The forest glade was strewn with dead and wounded, with 
artillery, arms, equipments. Never had such a victory been achieved, 
and at so slight a cost, for the French lost only three officers and thirty 
men. 

Beaujeu, who died in the arms of victory, was borne to Fort du 
Quesne through the woods. It was a strange funeral, as chiefs, in the 
spoils of English officers, with their faces and bodies in all their war- 
paint, with scalp, yell, and rattle of firearms, stalked beside the bier 



OB, OUR COUNTEy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 847 

of one who had shown such skill and valor. The old friar in the fort 
chanted a requiem mass and consigned the body of Beaujeu to earth 
in the little cemetery of the fort. 

Such was the battle of the Monongahela, as the French call it, or 
Braddock's Defeat, as it is generally known in our annals. 

Unexpected as a victory to the French, it tilled them with enthusi- 
asm ; unexpected as a defeat to the colonies, and to England, it did 
precisely what was required at the moment. All were now ready to 
vote money and raise men to carry on the war. This fighting the 
French was a serious business. 

The British general selected by the crown, full of pride in the supe- 
rior military skill of the Old World, was shamefully defeated, and killed 
at the very first step by a handful of provincials, and all his great 
plans of conquest were scattered to the winds, his best army lost, with 
all its artillery and munitions. 

Of all the plan of Braddock, but one part had succeeded, and that 
was one of the greatest crimes in American history ; this was the 
seizure of the Acadians. 

After the conquest of Acadia, or Nova Scotia, the French Govern- 
ment invited the French settlers in that colony to remove to Cape Breton ; 
but as the English Government, unwilling to have the country depopu- 
lated, offered them inducements to stay, they unfortunately remained. 
Their position was one of great difficulty, then and ever after. Many 
would have emigrated, if they could have sold their farms, but there 
was no one to buy. They naturally sympathized with the French and 
did not wish to fight against them. From time to time they were subject- 
ed to many hardshijis and oppressive acts, but always lived in hope of 
better times, endeavoring to keep peacefull_y in their quiet settlements. 



348 



THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 



as 



They were now called upon to take a new oath of allegiance, i 
which they would swear to light against their couutrymen, find i,. 
it was known that they would refuse, preparations were made to de- 
stroy their settlements and carry them off. Had they been enemies, such 
an attack on them, when unarmed and defenseless, and the ravaging 
of their country, would have been a horrible deed ; but they were act- 
ually under the protection of the laws of the Government which thus 
treated them. 

On the 2d of September, Winslow arrived with a fleet, and sum- 
moned all the men to meet in the church at Grandpre, on Friday the 
5th. When they had entered, he read a proclamation declaring all 
their property forfeited and themselves prisoners. 

They were then marched down to the shore, and in squads sent on 
board the ships ; their families sent separately, no regard being paid to 
family ties or affection. Seldom has such a scene been witnessed, of 
cold-blooded malignity on the one hand, or of such sudden and unex- 
pected calamity. And while they were huddled on the bleak shore, or 
proceeding to the ships, they saw the savage soldiery firing their vil- 
lages, burning church, and house, and barns, so that the whole country 
was in flames ; at least a thousand buildings were thus destroyed, and 
fifteen thousand unfortunate people torn from their homes, and hurried 
away to a strange land. Had they been taken to France, they would 
have found sympathy and relief, but, with a cruelty that was fiendish, 
they were scattered all along the coast, from New Hampshire to Geor- 
gia. They were cast ashore without -any means of support ; with no 
place before them but the poor-house. Many, by unheard-of hardships, 
reached their countrymen in Louisiana or Canada; many on their 
way were arrested and taken off again. 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 349 

Five of their leading men, who had been put ashore in Pennsylvania, 
petitioned the brutal and ignorant Lord Loudun, the British Com- 
mander-in-Chief, for some relief, but he seized them and sent them to 
England, asking that they should be impressed into the navy as common 
sailors, although all men of dignity and wealth in their own land. 

Bancroft says of these unfortunate people : " I know not if the an- 
nals of the human race keep the record of sorrows so wantonly inflict- 
ed, so bitter, and so perennial as fell upon the French inhabitants of 
Acadia." 

The army intended to attack Fort St. Frederic, at Crown Point, con- 
sisted of New England militia, and was commanded by William John- 
son. Fort Edward was erected, and Johnson, at the end of August, 
advanced to the shore of Lake George, and encamped with his force of 
three thousand four hundred men. 

Dieskau, the French commander, seeing him so dilatory and care- 
less, resolved to attack Fort Edward. He advanced along Wood Creek, 
but his guides led him astray, and being nearer to Johnson's camp, he 
determined to attack it. 

Johnson, startled to hear that the French were actually in his rear, 
sent a force under Colonel Williams of Massachusetts, and Hendricks, 
the old Mohawk chief, to relieve Fort Edward. His first intention was 
to send out only a scouting party, but Hendrick, the old Mohawk chief, 
said : " If they are to fight, they are too few ; if they are to be killed, 
they are too many." Accordingly, a detachment of twelve hun- 
dred marched out. The French and Lidiai>s posted themselves in 
ambush at Rocky Brook, four miles from Lake Greorge, in a 
semicircle on both sides of the route, concealed on the left by the 
thickets in the swamps, and on the right by rocks and trees. 



350 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

The French Mohawks let their New York countrymen pass, then from 
every rock and tree came the deadly ball, as the rocks echoed back the 
rattle of musketry. Williams and Hendrick fell, the former near a large 
boulder still shown as Williams' rock ; Nathan Whiting, of New Haven, 
restored order, and by rallying from time to time, and keeping up a 
fire, managed to save part of the force. 

At the camp all was confusion. A few cannon were brought up 
from the lake, and the axe flashed as the sturdy arms hewed down 
trees to form some kind of intrenchmeut. Dieskau came in view of 
the enemy about eleven o'clock in the morning, having reached an em- 
inence overlooking Johnson's camp, and the American troops, from 
tiieir position, saw the polished arms of the French on the hill-top, glit- 
tering through the trees, as platoon after platoon passed down. Die- 
skau's army was discontented and weary. The Indians and Canadians 
asked time to rest before attacking the enemy ; the French Mohawks 
actually halted ; then the Abnakis did the same, and the Canadians, 
seeing something wrong, hesitated. Without waiting to form a plan of 
action, or giving his men time to rest and recover, Dieskau charged with 
his regulars according to European ideas of war. They came down 
the hill into the clearing in splendid style, and under a terrible fire 
from the New England troops, who lay flat down behind their intrench- 
ment of trees, the gallant French endeavored to push their way into 
the camp. For five hours the fight was maintained, till nearly all the 
French regulars perished ; the Indians and Canadians, galled by the 
English artillery, and utterly demoralized, giving them but feeble sup- 
port. At last the regulars gave way. Dieskau had received three 
wounds, and finding that he could not be carried from the field, calmly 
sat down on a stump to meet his fate. Then the English troops charged 



OK, OTJE COTTNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 351 

from their camp ; a renegade Frenchman shot the unfortunate general, 
giving him a wound from which he never recovered. 

The French rallied at their battle-held of tlie morning, and were rest- 
ing there when they were suddenly attacked and routed by some New 
Hampshire troops, under the brave Captain McGinnis, who fell in the 
arms of victory. 

So ended the third engagement fought on that bloody 8th of Sep- 
tember, 1755, in which nearly a thousand men were killed and 
wounded. 

In this battle Johnson was wounded early in the action, and the bat- 
tle was really fought and gained l)y General Lyman of Connecticut, 
but the merit of the American w^as overlooked, while Johnson obtained 
all the credit, a large grant of money from Parliament, and was created 
k baronet. i 

He neglected to take advantage of his victory, and building Fort 
William Henr}- on the site of his camp, allowed the French to occupy 
and fortify Ticonderoga, while he returned to AlbanA\ 

Shirley was to have met Braddock at Niagara, but he got no further 
than Oswego, where he built a new fort, which he left in command of 
Mercer and returned. 

During the Winter, Shirley, in a Congress of G-overnors, planned the 
campaign for 175G ; but war had been declared at last in Europe, and 
England sent over Lord Loudun, as Commander-in-Chief, with Aber- 
crombie as next in command, and a large force of soldiers with tents, 
ammunition, and artillery for a long campaign, and German officers to 
drill the American militia. 

Abercrombie reached Albany, and quartered his troops on the citi- 
zens. News came in that a French army was advancing on Oswego, 



352 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

which had just been supplied with provisions by Bradstreet, but Aber- 
crombie and Loudoun, with ten or twelve thousand men at their or- 
ders, lay inactive. 

The Six Nations, disgusted at such conduct, sent to the French to 
propose neutrality. 

The French were not inactive. They were, indeed, preparing to at- 
tack Oswego, and on the 27th of March, 1756, a convoy of })rovisions 
and supplies for Oswego was surprised near Fort Bull by a French party 
from Fort Presentation, now Ogdensburg, under the command of Lieu- 
tenant de Lery. But this attack warned the little garrison of Fort 
Bull, and they prepared to hold the post. De Lery attacked it, and 
after a stubborn tight the French entered the fort. But the cry of 
alarm rose, the desperate garrison had fired the powder-magazine, and 
the French had barely time to draw off when, with a roar like thunder, 
an explosion sent in all directions the material of the fort, and the 
valuable munitions stored ther«. Thus, by the inaction of the English 
generals, the line of forts carefully prepared by the provincial authori- 
ties was broken and Oswego isolated. Then the energetic de Villiers 
posted himself at the mouth of Sandy Creek, and by his vigilance and 
activity completely cut Oswego off from all relief. 

France had seen the English armaments cross the Atlantic. She, 
too, sent her well-trained regulars, with abundant supplies, and at their 
head one of the knightliest of men, the Marquis de Montcalm, whose 
lirother is remembered in history as one of the infant prodigies. This 
capable soldier, a man able to understand what war in America was to 
be, hastened at once to Ticonderoga, examined all the country around 
it, and took measures for its defense. Then he resolved by secrecy 
and celerity to take Oswego. Some of his troops were already at Fort 



OE, OTJR COTJNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 353 

Frontenac ; lie led others in person from Montreal, regiments of regulars, 
and a large force of Canadians and Indians. On the morning of the 4th 
of August he reviewed his troops at Fort Frontenac ; before midnight, 
on the 6th, he was at anchor in Sackett's Harbor. 

The English had for years been fortifying Oswego. The main fort 
was on the right bank of the river, a large stone building surrounded 
by a wall flanked by bastions. On the other bank of the river frown- 
ed Fort Ontario, erected more recently. This outpost was at once in- 
vested, and though the garrison held out for a day, they at last, at night- 
fall, spiked their guns and retreated to Fort Oswego, under cover of 
the darkness. 

Montcalm occupied the fort at once, and turned the cannons on Fort 
Oswego, while Rigaud, with a detachment, crossed the river under fire, 
and gained a wooded height beyond the fort, cutting it off from another 
little work called Fort George. The next morning a furious fire was 
opened upon the ibrt, and at eight o'clock, Colonel Mercer was killed, 
and the wall was soon breached. Just as Montcalm was preparing to 
storm the place, Littlehales, at ten o'clock, hoisted the white flag. 
Montcalm gave thein no time, but insisted on an immediate surrender, 
for he had intercepted a letter announcing that General Webb was on 
his way to relieve the fort. General Loudoun having at last concluded 
that there was some danger. By eleven o'clock the capitulation was 
signed, and Shirle_Y's and Pepperell's regiments, sixteen hundred strong, 
marched out as prisoners of war, to be sent down the St. Lawrence. 
More than a hundred cannon, six vessels of war, a large number of 
boats, and great quantities of ammunition and provisions remained with 
the fort.s in the hands of the prompt and energetic Montcalm. He 
planted the cross and the arras of France, then demolished the forts 



854 TTTK STOKT OF A iRREAT 'NATION; 

almost in sight of Webb, who, learning tlie full extent of the dis- 
aster, retreated with the haste he should have shown in coming. 

Loudoun quartered his useless army on New York and Philadelphia, 
leaving the French in possession of the frontiers, and the Indians 
ravaging all the distant settlements. 

But while the English commanders were thus losing valuable time, 
and the Governors of the colonies were planning the next campaign, 
there was hot work going on. Lake Champlain, even in mid-winter, 
was a battle-ground. Among the American rangers at Fort William 
Henry were men who were one day to occupy no inconsiderable place 
in their country's history, John Stark and Israel Putnam. 

Many were the exploits of the rangers. Soon after the opening of 
the year 1757, Stark, with seventy-four men, started down the frozen 
surface of the lake on a scout. Between Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point they saw a French party of ten or eleven sledges come dashing 
on, gay and merry. A sudden dash, a brisk fire, three sledges are 
captured, with seven prisoners. The rest give the alarm, and out 
swarm a party of French and Indians, more than double the number 
of Stark's force. He gained a rising ground, and a covert of trees. 
There he kept up the fight all day long. At night he effected a 
retreat, with a loss of twenty killed and missing. This exploit won 
Stark his first promotion. 

Israel Putnam had been fond of adventure from his boyhood in 
Connecticut ; and many stories are told showing his fearless courage 
and persistent daring. One of our historical scholars has worked hard 
to show that they are all only stories, but we shall tell some, and if 
the reader believes them, we cannot help it. 

One day, he, with a party of bovs, espied a fine bird's nest on a very 



OR, ouii country's achievements. 355 



high tree. "I'll wager," said young Israel, " that there is not a boy 
for ten miles around that can get that nest," and when all agreed, still 
turning their longing looks at the unattainable prize, he cried out, " I'll 
try." Up he swarmed, and reached the limb, but it was too slender to 
bear his weight ; still he attempted to climb out on it ; a crackling 
sound was heard, but though his young comrades, full of terror, cried 
out to him not to venture, on he went. "I've got it," he shouted, but 
his cry was premature, the limb broke and he fell. Fortunately his 
trowsers caught in one of the lower limbs, and there he hung head 
downward. 

" Put, are you hurt?" they asked. " No," he replied, "but I can't 
get down unless some one can get up here and cut me clear." There 
was no knife among them, and seeing their hesitation, he called out to 
one who had a rifle, 

" Jim Randall, fire at the little branch that holds me, and if you are 
a good shot save me." 

" But you'll fall ! " 

" Jim Eandall, will you fire ! " and fire be did ; the ball struck, the 
splinters flew, and Putnam fell to the ground, escaping with a few 
bruises. When they had picked him n\), and he could breathe, he 
stuck his hand into his pocket and drew out the nest : " I said I 
would get that nest, and I was bound to have it." 

His adventure with the wolf some years later was a famous one, 
and was repeated in various forms in schoolbooks for years. 

An old she-wolf had ravaged the sheepfolds of all the Pomfret far- 
mers, and was finally tracked to a cave on the Connecticut. All at- 
tempts to worry and smoke her out failed. Then Putnam ventured in 
With a torch in one hand, and a rope attached to his leg, that he might 



856 THE STORY' OF A GREAT NATION; 

be drawn out if necessary. He found the cavern slope down for some 
fifteen feet, then, after a level of ten, ascend for about sixteen feet. He 
kept steadily on till his torchlight flashed in the eyes of the savage 
brute. Jerking the rope he was drawn out, and entering with his rifle, 
killed her as she was springing on him. As soon as he fired they 
drew him out, but he went back to drag her out. 

Early in the war he had enlisted a number of Ms neighbors, and re- 
ported himself at Fort William Henry. 

As March, 1757, wore on, Peter Francis de Rigaud, a brother of 
the Governor of Canada, set out on a winter expedition against Fort 
William Henry, a march of a hundred and eighty miles, in snow-shoes, 
dragging their provisions on sledges, using dogs to draw them over the 
smooth ice. Such was the service to which the hardy Canadians 
were inured. On the night of the 16th, the eve of St. Patrick's day, they 
came in sight of the fort, as they had planned ; for knowing that there 
were many Irishmen in the British regulars, they counted on a general 
merrymaking in the fort, and very little watchfulness for any enemy. 
They had reckoned well. The liquor flowed free and fast, but Stark, 
who was temporarily in command of the Rangers, many of whom were 
Irish, fearful of mischief, forbade the sutler to issue any spirits to the 
men without a written order, and then pretended to have such a lame 
hand that he could not write one. While all is merry within, a French 
pioneer tries the ice without with his axe, then a rush is made with 
scaling-ladders to surprise the fort. Stark's foresight saved it. The 
Rangers held them at bay, and after a sharp struggle, brave Rigaud drew 
olT. finding his force too small ; but he burned three vessels, three hun- 
di-cil hatteaux, large boats for carrying troops, and the huts of the Ran- 
gers within their pickets, and the store-houses. If he failed to carry 



OR, OUR COUKTEYS ACHIEVEMENTS, 357 

William Henry, at leas the prevented auy Euglish movement against 
Fort Carillon at Ticonderoga. 

Loudoun now formed a new plan. Leaving Bouquet to watch the 
•Carolina frontier, Stanwix the West, and Webb at Lake George, he pre- 
pared, with the New England and Nova Scotia forces, to take Louisburg. 
The slow English general impressed four hundred men at New York, and 
seized vessels, and, with his army, including five thousand regulars who 
had just come over under Lord Howe, he sailed to Halifax. There he 
heard what he should have learned before, that Louisburg was 
held by a very strong garrison, and covered by a large French fleet. 
His whole work was useless, and he sailed back to New York without 
.striking a blow. 

The French had been wide awake. "Now is our time," said they. 
Montcalm, with fresh troops from France, and Indians from the West, 
was preparing to move on Fort George ; and the French forts on the 
lake were all strong, with intrenched camps between them. Montcalm 
was soon on the spot, showing officers and men an example of endurance 
and watchfulness. The French parties swarmed around the English 
posts. No one could venture out. Marin in one expedition returned 
with forty-two scalps. But the American boatmen boldly held the 
lake. The Ottawas resolved to teach them a lesson. On the 24th 
of July, they ambuscaded Colonel Palmer's barges. The Indians 
1 ushed on his party suddenly, terrified them by their yells, so that only 
two barges escaped, all the rest were taken or sunk ; a hundred and 
sixty of the Americans perished, nearly as many, including eight offi- 
cers, were taken prisoners. 

Then on the plain above the portage of Lake George, Montcalm held 
a general council of all his Indian allies, tribes from the banks of Lake 



358 



THK STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 



Superior and Lake Michigan, to tribes on the sea-coast of Maine. To 
the Iroquois, as the most numerous, he gave the great Wampum belt 
of six thousand beads, which was to bind them all together. The Iro- 
quois gave it in turn to the Ottawas, and other western tribes. 

Tlien, slowly and cautiously, he moved up the lake to attack the 
fort. On the morning of the 2d of August, the Indians launched 
boldly out into the lake, and in a long line of canoes stretched across 
its beautiful bosom, making the shores echo with their furious war-cry. 

The English garrison under Colonel Monro were taken by surprise. 
They were surrounded on all sides. La Corne with his Canadians cut 
them off from the Hudson, Montcalm with his main body occupied the 
skirt of the wood on the west side of the lake, and detachments burned 
all the English barracks, and cut off the stragglers. 

Webb lay at Fort Edward with four thousand men, and could have 
called out the militia, but he did nothing, leaving the gallant Monro and 
his garrison of five hundred, and the seventeen hundred in the camp to 
their fate. On the 4th of August, Montcalm summoned him to surren- 
der, but Monro's answer was a defiance. Then the siege began, and 
the artillery soon opened on the fort, and the French lines narrowed 
in. At last, when half his guns had been dismounted and his ammuni- 
tion was almost spent, Monro hung out a flag of truce. 

The siege had cost the English one hundred and eight killed, one 
hundred and fifty wounded ; while that of the French, though the attack- 
ing party, had not been half that number. 

Lieutenant Colonel Young met Montcalm in the French trench. 
The French general at once summoned the Indian chiefs, that they 
might concni- in the terms granted, and adhere to them. At noon, the 
capitulation was signed. The English, pledging themselves not to 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 350^ 

serve against the Fxencli for eiglitecn iiiontlis, were to be sent to Fort 
Edward under an escort, with their private effects, leaving all the arms 
and munitions of war ; all the French and Indian prisoners were to be 
liberated. Montcalm had kept all intoxicating drinks from his Indi- 
ans, and urged the English to destroy everything of the kind in the fort. 
At night, the English garrison retired to the camp under French guard,, 
and Montcalm occupied the fort. By a fatal imprudence, the English 
neglected to destroy the liquor, and, what was worse, gave it freely to 
the Indians. The night was a hideous debauchery. At daybreak, as 
the English troops filed out, the drunken Indians began to plunder and 
then to tomahawk them. Many — thirty, perhaps fifty — were slain ; others 
fled to the woods. The little French escort W'as powerless ; Montcalm 
hurried up with his officers, and a corps of troops, and many were 
wounded in attempting to save the English. At last they gathered fifteen 
hundred of the terror-stricken people, and in all haste guided them to 
Fort Edward. Others, in the midst of the French, reached Fort AVil- 
liam Henry again, and for days cannon were fired, and scouting parties 
sent out till five hundred more were collected, who were escorted to 
Albany. 

This massacre, more than the battle, filled all with terror. Webb lay 
shivering at Fort Edward ; Albany, in danger, called on New England 
for aid ; people west of the Connecticut were ordered to destroy their 
wagons and drive in their cattle. Loudoun, whose pompous i)lans 
were to demolish French power, proposed to encamp on Long Island so 
as to save the British colonies ! 

Montcalm demolished the fort, however, and withdrew. His Cana- 
dians had their harvests to gather in, for these men alternately fought 
and tilled the soil. The vast stores of tlie English arm}- were a treas- 



3(30 THE STORY OF A CIREAT NATION; 

ure to Canada, and were won with a loss of only fifty-three 
men. 

"The English were driven from Lake Champlain, now left to its solitude ; 
(they were driven from Lake Ontario ; they had been driven from the Ohio. 
France seemed to predominate in North America. England and her 
•colonies were humiliated. Yet the power of France hung by a thread. 
Canada was really exhausted, and abandoned by the unworthj^ King 
of France, whose name and whose vile favorites' names are never ut- 
tered, even now, by old Canadian-French without the expression of the 
-deepest contempt. " I shudder," wrote Montcalm, in February, 1758, 
'" when I think of provisions. The famine is very great." " For all our 
success New France needs peace. Otherwise, sooner or later it must 
fall, such are the numbers of the English, such the difficulties of our 
receiving supplies." 

Bread was dealt out by weight to soldiers and inhabitants. The 
only hope was in the wonderful genius of Montcalm, and the misman- 
agement of the English commanders. 

But a new spirit had been infused into English affairs. Pitt was 
■called to the ministry by the will of the English people. His vigorous 
mind gave order and system to the whole conduct of the war. 

As before, three several expeditions were set on foot. A fleet, under 
Admiral Boscawen, was to bear to Cape Breton an army under the 
cautious Jeffrey Amherst and James "Wolfe, whose singular military 
ability had been already remarked. General Forbes, with another 
army, was to accomplish what Braddock had failed in, the conquest of 
the Ohio valley ; while the army to operate against the French on Lake 
Chamiilain, and reduce the enemy's forts, Carillon at Ticonderoga, and 
St. Frederic at Crown Point, was to be commanded by Abercrombie, 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 361 

with whom Pitt associated Lord Howe as tbe real soul of the enter- 
prise. 

The armies were to be well officered, aud to lack nothing really re- 
quired. 

Boscawen's fleet of twenty-two ships of the line and fifteen frigates, 
in Jime, 1758, was discerned from the walls of Louisburg. Under the 
fire of the frigates, the armj' of ten thousand men landed, through the 
surf-beaten, rocky shore, Wolfe leading the first division, and jumping 
into the water to form his men, and charge the French battery and 
abattis of felled trees. The French were driven in and the place in- 
vested. Thus one point was gained. Wolfe, heading the light infantry 
and Highlanders, soon gained another, surprising the lighthouse bat- 
tery on the northeast of the harbor entrance. 

Then for more than a month the siege went on, the English ships and 
batteries hurling their shells into the doomed place till it was but a 
heap of ruins. The French ships in the harbor were burned or cap- 
tured by Boscawen. 

The Chevalier de Drucour had done all that a brave man could. On 
the 27th of July, 1758, he capitulated, the French forces were sent ta 
France, and the English commander took possession of Cape Breton and 
Prince Edward's Island. 

Louisburg, once a thriving city, with the strongest fortress in the 
New World, was left to decay. It is now only a mass of ruins, one of 
the cities of the past, like Jamestown and St. Mary's. 

That same month beheld another and still more formidable Englisb 
army at Lake Chnmplain. Nearly ten thousand provincial troops from 
New England, New York, and New Jersey, among tliem Roger's ex- 
perienced and daring Rangers, had gathered, with their own officers and: 



302 TIIK STORY OF A GKKAT NATION; 

chaplains, and beside them lay the more soldierJj-looking camp, where 
six thousand regulars, trained in battle-tields and campaigns of tlie Old 
World, prepared for action. It was by far tlie largest body of white 
troops ever assembled in North America. This host embarked on the 
beautiful waters of Lake George, in more than a thousand batteaux and 
boats, with their artillery on rafts, all gay with flags, while the martial 
strains from the bands woke the echoes. All day long, under a cloud- 
less sky, the fleet moved on undisturbed by the appearance of a foe- 
man. Landing at sunset, at Sabbath Day Point, they began to talk 
over the fight of the coming day. 

Montcalm, in himself a host, vigilant, active, farsighted, had been 
long aware of the force approaching him. His Fort Carillon was 
strongly placed. He improved its advantages by destroying bridges 
and encumbering roads. His own position, on a height, he fortified by 
felling trees, and using every natural impediment. He called in all 
his outposts but one under de Trepezec, and every man plied the axe 
to strengthen an:^ defend the lines. 

Early the next morning, the English, under Howe, lauded on the 
west side of the lake, about a mile above the rapids. Bourlamaque, 
sent out to watch their movements, fell back slowly. De Trepezec, 
misled by guides, suddenly came upon the English advance near Trout 
Brook. Without regarding the disparity of numbers, de Trepezec 
charged ; the contest was short and desperate ; half the French j.er- 
ished, half renuiiued prisoners, but the cause of English supremacy 
lost Lord Howe, who fell at the head of his men. Abercrombie with- 
drew his troops to their landing-place. The next day he prepared to 
attack Montcalm in f.^rm. A triple line was formed, out of cannon- 
shot ; rangers, boatmen, and light infantry in the van ; then the pro- 



OR, OUK COUIfTUY's ACHIEVEMENTS, 363 

'vincial troo])s ; the regulars lormiug the third line. Johnson, who came 
uj) with his Indians, took no part. 

"ilonlealm's little t'oree were still laboring at their inlrenelmieiits. 
when the cannon sounded to bid them drop axe, and spade, and pick, 
and seize their muskets. De Levi had come in the night before with 
four Imndred men, and they were all sanguine. Montcalm, at a point 
where his keen eye could sweep the line, threw off his coat for a hot day's 
work. The English regulars were to pass through the provincials, and 
carry the French line with a charge of bayonets. The French were to 
keep motionless till the order to fire. Thus, without a shot on cither 
side, the English line moved on. Up and up the rocky hill-side, it 
moved in splendid style, till it became disordered amid the rocks, and 
trees, and rubbish. Then, from the whole French line, came a well-de- 
livered and continuous fire of cannon and musketry. Officers and men 
went down by hundreds, but, though Abercrombie was far in the rear, 
the officers in the field fought like heroes ; again and again, they led 
up their men to assail the less complete parts of the French lines, and 
endeavoring to turn their left, where Bonrlamaque repulsed them till 
he was dangerously wounded, and was hard pressed. The fate of the day 
seemed to waver, when Montcalm sent reinforcements that saved his 
line. 

For three hours the attacks were incessant, and the whole forco was 
thrown on the French centre and left. Again Montcalm and dc Levi 
were at hand, and the English line repulsed. One last desperate 
charge on the centre, and the battle was over ; the English line fell 
back in such disorder that they fired into each other. The battle of 
Ticonderoga was lost. Two thousand English lay dead or wounded on 
the bloody slope. 



364 



THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 



Abercrombie, in fright and consternation, with an army four times 
that of Montcalm, fled to his boats in disorder, and did not feel safe till 
he had the lake between him and the French. 

To keep up the panic, Montcalm sent out daring parties. One of 
these seized a convoy between two of Abercrombie 's forts. Rogers 
with his rangers attempted to surprise them. A brisk action occurred, 
in which Putnam, commanding the rear, was captured with twelve or 
fourteen rangers. His men were cut down at once. Himself, too noble 
a prize, was bound to a tree, and a tomahawk, hurled in wantonness, 
laid open his cheek. The stake would have been surely his fate had 
not Marin, a French ofiBcer, rescued him, and finally, after many hard- 
ships at the hands of the Indians, enabled him to reach Montreal. 

Bradstreet, a provincial officer, had early in the campaign asked 
leave to operate against Fort Frontenac, now Kingston. At last Aber- 
crombie listened to him. Bradstreet, with twenty-seven hundred men 
of New York and Massachusetts, and a few Indians, pushed ou to Os- 
wego, whence he passed in boats across Lake Ontario, and on the 25th 
of August landed within a mile of the fortress by which France con- 
trolled the lake. 

The French garrison, astounded at the unexpected appearance of an 
English force, fled, leaving a few to surrender to Bradstreet the fort, 
with the armed vessels under its guns, and all the supplies intended 
for Fort du Quesne, and the other frontier posts, which were thus 
doomed. Bradstreet's success thus secured that of Forbes, who, with 
an army of Highlanders from South Carolina, Royal Americans, two 
fine Virginia regiments under Washington, prepared to reduce Fort du 
Quesne. Wayne was here as a boy to see what war was like, and the "fu- 
ture painter, West, was able here to see subjects for his pencil in later days. 



OR, OTTR country's ACHIEVEMENTa ^^^ 

Bouquet, who was in the advance, detached eight hundred High- 
landers and Virginians under Grant to reconnoitre. Grant, unaware 
that Aubry had reached the French fort with a reinforcement, con- 
ceived the plan of taking it. He advanced in sight, and posted his 
men so as to cut off a party sallying out. But Aubry rushed out with 
his whole force, attacking Grant with such fury along his whole line, 
that he gave him no time to get his men together, but routed his whole 
command so completely that Grant fled, leaving nearly three hundred 
killed or prisoners. Grant, a few moments before elated with the idea 
of victorj^, was himself taken. 

Forbes, who was dying with a fatal malady, came slowly on ; so 
slowly, that Washington at last obtained leave to push on more rapidly 
with a part of the force. On the 24th of November, 1758, the genea-al 
encamped within ten miles of the fort. Then de Lignery, the French 
commander, who had long been out of provisions, and of goods to win 
the Indians, set fire to the fort which had begun the war ; lighted by 
the flames, his boats pushed off, some for Fort Machault, some for the 
Mississippi. The next day, the English army took possession of the 
spot, which at the suggestion of Forbes, was named in honor of the 
statesman who had planned the conduct of the war. Pittsburg is still 
a monument of his ability, and of the gratitude felt towards him in 
America. 

One of their first cares was to visit Braddock's field, and inter the 
bones of their countrymen who fell in that disastrous day- 

Both parties prepared for the campaign of 1759. Pitt planned 
again three expeditions, and sent from England men and supplies to 
ensure their success. France did nothing to save Canada, and that 
colony was left in its hour of supreme danger to battle for its own ex- 



366 THE STORY OK A GREAT NATION; 

isteiice, and for the honor of France. Wolfe, with an army of eleven 
thousand men, was to be conveyed 1)}' Admiral Saunders' fleet up the 
St. Lawrence, where he was to reduce Quebec. Audierst, who was 
made (jovernor of Virginia, and commander-in-chief of the English 
armies in America, was to sweep through Lake Champlain, and occupy 
Montreal, while an army under Prideaux was to capture Fort Niagara, 
now almost isolated. 

To save, if possible, this last post, Montcalm sent, in April, Captain 
Pouchot, a skillful engineer, with three hundred regulars and Cana- 
dians, all he could spare. It was not in hopes of holding Niagara, but 
solely to divert the English forces from Canada. Pouchot at once 
strengthened his fortifications, and tried to gain the Senecas, who knew 
him well. He also called on Lignery, at the Ohio, and Aubry, in Illi- 
nois, for aid. 

Meanwhile General Prideaux, with two battalions from New York, 
a battalion of Royal Americans, two English regiments, and artillery, 
with a large Indian force under Sir William Johnson, advanced to re- 
duce the fort, of whicli the ruins are still visible on the flat, narrow 
proinontory jutting out into the rapid Niagara. The}' embarked on 
Lake Ontario, at Oswego, and soon landed near the fort, which was 
at once invested in form. Pouchot was summoned to surrender, but re- 
turned a decided refusal. Then the sieQ;e bes;an, Pouchot returning 
Prideaux's fire with effect ; shortlv after the Enoiish general was killed 
by the bursting of one of his own mortars, and the command devolved 
on Johnson, who followed up his plans with skill and judgment. Pou- 
chot's only hope was in the forces that d'Aubry and Lignery might 
collect. At last an Indian brought in letters announcing their approach. 
De Lignery had gathered the French on the Ohio, with all friendly In- 



OR, OTJE OOUNTEy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 367 

diaus ; d'Aubry came at the head of Illiuois settlers and Indians, 
amounting in all to about twelve hundred men. 

Johnson prepared to receive them, and check any sally from the 
fort. He threw his light infantry, supported by grenadiers and troops 
of the line, between the fort and the falls, with his Indians on the 
flanks, and in ambush. 

Aubry and Lignery charged impetuously, but failed to move the 
British line, while the English Indians galled their flanks so, that when 
the English advanced, they were thrown into disorder and broken. An 
utter rout ensued, de Lignery, Aubry, with many oflicers, were wound- 
ed and taken, others were cut down in the pursuit, in which the Indians 
and English slaughtered without mercy. Among the rest, the Rev. Mr. 
Virot, the chaplain of the French force, was taken and hewed to pieces. 

Pouchot, from his fort, saw wdiat seemed a mere skirmish ; when he 
learned the full extent of the disaster, and the retreat, towards Detroit, 
of the survivors, he looked at the ruined walls of his fort, and capitu- 
lated with his brave handful of men, which had held in check the well- 
appointed force of Johnson. 

De Levi then took post at Ogdensburg, to prevent Prideaux descend- 
ing at once on Montreal. Amherst sent Gage to drive him from that 
position, but Gage, like Amherst, loitered, and Montreal, menaced by 
two armies, and almost defenseless, still remained in the hands of the 
French. Conscious of their inability to resist the British artillery and 
army, the French troops under Bourlamaque abandoned their lines at 
Fort Carillon, Ticonderoga, and retreated, leaving only a small garri- 
son in the place. A few days later, these and the garrison of Fort 
Frederic fell back to Isle aux Noix, and the flag of France ceased to 
float over the soil of New York. 



368 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Amherst might then have occupied Montreal, and co-operated with 
Wolfe before Quebec, but he merely sent a detachmeni to destroy the 
Abenaki town of St. Francis, and then prepared to go into winter 
quarters. 

Wolfe's army had meanwhile, in June, been borne within sight of 
Quebec, by Saunders' fleet of forty-four men-of-war, frigates, and 
armed vessels. On the 26th of June, the whole armament arrived o3" 
Isle Orleans, on which they disembarked the next day. 

Wolfe could now, on the spot, see the magnitude of the task assigned 
to him. Louisburg was fortified by science, but there, nature aided 
science to make the place nearly impregnable. Every point for miles 
above and below the city, was fortitied and defended, and Montcalm, 
directing, animating all, was no unworthy antagonist. 

The English fleet lay anchored in the river, controlling it. The 
French first attempted to destroy or cripple the fleet, by sending down 
fireships, but these were grappled by the sailors and towed away from 
the shipping. 

The English army lay encamped across Isle Orleans, and soon occu- 
pied Point Levi, planting batteries of mortars and heavy artillery to 
bombard the city at the narrowest part of the river. Red-hot balls 
and shells poured into the ill-fated city. The night was lighted up by 
the glare of these rocket-like engines of destruction, as they curved 
over the river, and fell into Quebec. Flames shot up in all directions, 
lighting up the scene far and near. Fifty houses were set on fire in a 
single night, the lower town was demolished, the upper town greatly 
injured. 

This was kept up for a month, but no impression was made, and the 
French seemed to have no idea of surrender. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 369 

"Wolfe resolved to force Montcalm to an action. He tried the line of 
the Montmorency, but could not discover a place through which he 
could force his way. Then he explored above the city, but in vain. 
Almost desperate, he selected a landing-place at Montmorency. The 
grenadiers and Royal Americans landed, and without waiting for sup- 
port, ran hastily towards the French entrenchments, from which they 
were hurled back in disorder. Other troops came up, but Wolfe saw 
it would be useless to sacrifice his men in a vain attempt. He re-em- 
barked, having lost four hundred men. 

Murray, sent above Quebec, dispersed some invalids and women 
at Deschambault, and heard of the iall of Niagara, and of the French 
retreat from Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Wolfe looked now for 
Amherst, but no messenger even came from that general. 

Wolfe then laid before his three brigadiers three plans for attacking 
Montcalm. All were rejected, and it was determined to convey four 
or five thousand men above the town, and draw Montcalm from his im- 
pregnable position to an open action, Wolfe, himself, began to examine 
the shore almost inch by inch. He himself discovered the cove 
which now bears his name. He saw the narrow path winding up, and 
the petty force that held its termination on the summit. Here he 
resolved to land his troops by surprise. 

Montcalm, believing the worst danger past, had sent de Levi with a 
detachment to Montreal. Bougainville was watching the English along 
the shore. 

Admiral Holmes was at once sent with some ships to hold Bougain- 
ville. Saunders set the active James Cook, soon, like Bougainville, to be 
known by his voyage around the world, to sound near Beaupre as if 
for a landing. Then Wolfe, on the 13th of September, with Monckton 



370 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

and Murray, and about half the force, set off in boats, and glided 
down. They soon reached the cove, hidden by the over-hanging rock^; 
and were taken for a French party expected with provisions. Wolfe 
and the troops leaped ashore ; the light infantry and Highlanders 
clambered up the steep hill-side, aided by the stunted trees and shrubs, 
and after a brief skirmish, dispei-sed the picket and guard under de 
Vergor at the summit. The heights gained, the rest followed, and at day-^ 
break, Wolfe, with a small army of veterans, and four cannon from an, 
abandoned battery, was drawn up on the Plains of Abraham, so called 
from Abraham Martin, one of the earliest settlers of Quebec. Mont- 
calm believed it only a small party. When the truth was made clear, 
he saw that the decisive moment was come. " They have at last got to 
the weak side of this wretched garrison," he cried ; "we must crusk 
thera before noon." 

He at once ordered the Guyenne regiment to the heights to watch 
the enemy, and leaving only fourteen hundred at Beauport, in the in-^ 
trenched camp, moved with the rest. He sent off to call in Bougain- 
ville, but the messengers lost precious time. De Levi too was sum- 
moned, though too far distant to arrive in time. 

The French troops had more than three miles to march, a hill-side to- 
climl), and heavy grain-fields to cross. They came almost at a run, 
and reached the battle-field exhausted, while Wolfe's men had enjoyed 
four hours' rest. 

The two armies were about equal in numbers, but Wolfe's was com- 
posed of well-disciplined regulars, while half of Montcalm's were mili- 
tia and Indians. 

Separated by a little rising ground, the two forces cannonaded each 
other for about an hour, while the skirmishers kept up afire of musketry. 



OB, OUR COUNTEy's ACHIEVEMENTS, 371 



Montcalm's army, with the regulars aud artillery as the centre, had 
its right, of the Quebec and Montreal militia, resting on the Sainte 
Foj'e road, the left, composed of Montreal aud Three River militia, 
stretching to the hill overlooking the river. Wolfe was drawn up be- 
fore a series of knolls which shielded him from the guns of Quebec. 
Monckton was on his right, at the Samos wood, and Townshend on his 
left. 

Montcalm led the army impetuously to the attack ; the English, by 
Wolfe's orders, held their fire till the French were within forty yards, 
then poured in a steady, well-directed fire. It was fearfully destruc- 
tive. Montcalm's two brigadiers, de Sennezergues and Fontbrune, were 
killed, and the whole French thrown into confusion. Wolfe, who had 
been cheering on his men, in spite of two slight wounds, now led a 
charge at the head of his grenadiers upon the French left. It gave 
way, and only a part, covered by trees, kept up the fight, galling the 
English flank. In the midst of this success, a third ball struck Wolfe 
in the breast, inflicting a mortal wound. " Support me," he cried, to an 
officer near him ; " let not my brave fellows see me drop." He was 
carried to the rear, and an officer supported him, as they raised him to 
take a drink. "They run, thej' run," said the officer, looking over the 
field. " Who run? " asked the dying hero. " The French," replied the 
officer, " are giving way everywhere." "Now, God be praised, I die 
happy ! " said Wolfe, as he expired. 

Montcalm did all that he could to rally his men, and retrieve the 
day. While covering the retreat of his force, he too was mortally 
wounded near the St. John's gate. Two grenadiers ran to his support, 
and by their aid he entered the city, replying with his usual courteous 
grace to the expressions of commiseration from some ladies. A sur- 



372 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

geon pronounced his wound fatal. He gave the last directions, and 
said: "I leave the atfairs of the King, my dear master, in good 
hands. I have always entertained great esteem for the talents and 
ability of General de Levi.'' With his dying hand he wrote to 
Townshend, commending the prisoners, both French and Canadians, to 
his humanity. Then he gave himself entirely to preparation for a 
Christian death. 

Bougainville arrived in time to see the rout of the French army. 
Townshend feared to engage him, and he himself, not venturing to re- 
new the battle, drew off. 

The defeat of Montcalm left Quebec at the mercy of the English. 
Vaudreuil, Governor of Canada, wrote to de Ramsay, who was in 
command at Quebec, not to wait for an assault, but to raise the white 
flag as soon as his supplies were exhausted. 

Tliere were, indeed, only a few days' provisions in the place, so that 
Ramsay, seeing no hope of relief, capitulated on the 18th September. 

The campaign of Wolfe and Saunders on the St. Lawrence had thus 
been brilliant and successful, and we can only regret that Wolfe tar- 
nished his name by fearful cruelties on the Canadian villagers, many of 
whom were butchered in cold blood, amid their blazing homes. 

Amherst lay inactive, and in the spring moved his army of ten 
thousand men to Oswego, although the French had abandoned all their 
works between Lake Charaplain and Montreal, and, as we shall see fur- 
ther on, it was not till nearly a year after Wolfe's glorious victory and 
death that Amherst entered Montreal. 

The American colonies had been induced to look upon some infringe- 
ments on their liberties as military necessities growing out of the war 
with Canada, and like many nations in history, they were deluded by 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS 373 

this ; but they awoke in time. They already began to fear that their 
fi-eedom was meuaced. In its exultation, the English Government 
threw off the mask, and by resorting to odious and illegal Writs of iVs- 
sistance to enforce the British Acts of Trade, drew on itself the hos- 
tility of almost all the colonists. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Reign of George III. — The Cherokee War — The Treaty of Peace with France — Florida taken 
in exchange for Havana — Pontiac's Conspiracy — England resolved to tax America — Stamp 
Act Riots in America — Battle of Golden Hill — Boston Massacre — The Tax on Tea — liesist- 
Huce of America — The Boston Tea Party — North Carolina Regulators — New Indian War. 

While his American affairs were in this position, George II. suddenly 
died of apoplex3% and on the 25th of October, 1760, his grandson, 
George III., ascended the throne, inheriting in Europe the kingdom of 
England and the Electorate of Hanover, and possessing half the north- 
ern continent of America, in itself a realm whose government required 
the utmost justice and wisdom. While the northern colonies were en- 
gaging the French, Carolina was involved in an Indian war, by the mere 
wantonness of an English Governor, self-sufficient and ignorant like most 
of his class. The Cherokees had ever been friends of the English, as the 
neighboring colonies had often recognized. In the wars, their braves had 
served faithfully, but no notice was taken of them, and although they 
had left their fields untilled to serve in the army, no provision was 
made for their wives and children, or for themselves on returninsr to 
their untilled fields. Half starving, these braves, on their way home, 
here and there, took the food they needed to reach their villages. The 
colonists pursued them and killed several. 

A spirit of revenge was excited. Two soldiers were killed at Telli- 



374 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

quo, m revenge. This was the act of a few. The nation disavowed 
them, and sought to renew the former alliance and friendship. 

But Governor Lyttleton demanded the murderers ; and when they 
hesitated, stopped all ammunition and goods on their way to the In- 
dian towns. All was excitement in the Cherokee towns, and they saw 
no way to peace except by taking up arms. 

Lyttleton called on the neighboring colonies, and friendly tribes, for aid. 

Oconostata, the great warrior of the Cherokees, came to Charleston. 
Lyttleton repulsed him rudely. " I love the white people," said the 
chief; " they and the Indians shall not hurt one another ; I reckon my- 
self as one with you." 

But Lyttleton was bent on an Indian war : "I am now going with a 
great many of my warriors to your nation," was his fierce reply, 
"in order to demand satisfaction of them. If you will not give it when 
I come to your nation, I shall take it." 

He set out from Charleston with the Indian envoys under guard, and, 
by his display of force, compelled the Cherokees to sign a treaty of 
peace in December, retaining hostages for its fulfillment. 

His exultation at this was unbounded, but he little knew the Indian 
character. They were brooding over the matter, with hearts full of 
fury. Oconostata resolved to rescue the hostages, and the very treaty 
was a declaration of war. The commandant at Fort Prince George 
was lured out into an ambuscade and shot. It was the death-knell of 
the hostages, who were all butchered. As this became known, the 
mountains echoed with the war-song, and, obtaining ammunition from 
Louisiana, the Cherokees burst like a destroying hurricane along the 
frontier. The Muskogees, or Creeks, seemed ready to join them, and 
Carolina was in imminent peril. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 375 

Amherst was called upon for aid. He ordered Montgomery and 
G-rant from the Ohio, with Highlanders and Royal Americans. At 
Ninety-six these regulars joined a body of Carolina rangers. They 
moved rapidly into the Cherokee country, and, using Indian tactics 
against the red men, came by surprise on the village of Little Keowee. 
Though the barking of a dog gave an alarm, it was too late. The Eng- 
lish burst in upon them, slaughtering nearly all, sparing only some wo- 
men and children. The other towns in the beautiful Keowee valley 
were then abandoned by the Cherokees, and given to the flames by the 
army. These villages were all beautifully situated ; with neat houses, 
and well-filled storehouses of Indian corn. The Cherokees, taken ut- 
terly by surprise, and never dreaming of so prompt an invasion, had 
made no preparations. All was destroyed, and the articles left in the 
houses, money and watches, wampum and skins, enriched the sol- 
diery. 

Montgomery sent to offer peace before treating the other towns in 
like manner. But the haughty chief made no reply. Then Mont- 
gomery crossed the Alleghany. No enemy was seen till he reached 
the Little Tennessee. One day, towai'ds the end of June, 1760, as he 
was pushing along the muddy bank of the river, through a broken 
valley covered with dense undergrowth, the Cherokees suddenly 
sprang from the bushes, and a withering volley staggered the line. The 
officer leading the advance, the gallant Morrison, fell, but there was no 
flight, no disorder ; the Highlanders and provincials drove the enemy 
from their coverts, and chasing them from height to hollow, made the 
wilderness ring with their cheers and shouts. But the victory cost 
Montgomery twenty killed and seventy-six wounded. 

He was now sadly perplexed. To go on with his wounded was diffi* 



376 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOX ; 

cult indeed ; and this he must do to relieve Fort Loudoun. So, deceiv- 
ing the Cherokees by kindling fires, he I'ell back, and on the 1st of July 
reached Fort Prince Gleorge. 

Fort Loudoun was left to its fate. It surrendered to Oconostata on 
the 8th of August, and the garrison, two hundred men, were sent to- 
wards Carolina. At Telliquo, the fugitives were surrounded ; Demer6, 
the commander, and twenty-six officers and men, were killed for the 
murdered hostages. The rest were taken back and divided among the 
tribes. AttakuUakulla, the head chief of the Cherokees, who possess- 
ed little real authority, was friendly to the whites. He resolved to 
rescue Stuart, an old friend of his, who was now a prisoner. To save 
him from being compelled to fight against his countrymen, AttakuUa- 
kulla, or Little Carpenter, as the Carolinians called him, took him off, 
pretending that he required his aid in hunting. Once in the woods, the 
chief struck for Virginia, and for nine days and nights travelled on 
through the wilderness as only an Indian could travel, till at last they 
encountered a Virginia detachment. 

Montgomery's campaign had but made the Cherokees resolute and 
vindictive. Yet he resolved to depart, and, in spite of all the entreaty 
of the people, sailed for New York with part of his force. 

It required another tedious expedition under Grant, in 1761, to close 
the war. .\iinther battle was fought on the banks of the Little Ten- 
nessee, in which the Cherokees were again defeated. Then the new 
Cherokee towns and settlements were wasted, and four thousand na- 
tives left homeless. Their spirit was broken. They sought peace. 

While this war, provoked by a haughty and ignorant English Gover- 
nor, was desolating Carolina, England nearly lost Canada. Amhei-st 
loitered with his armv on the way to Montreal. Murray lay in Que- 



OB, OUR COUNTKY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 377 

bee. Bougainville had come up too late to save Montcalm's army on 
the Heights of Abraham ; but his forces joined de Levi. That able 
general attempted to surprise the city in midwinter, but finding it im- 
practicable, laid siege to Quebec, in the early spring, with an army of 
ten thousand men. On the 28th of April, Murray marched out of the 
city, and attacked the French line at Sillery wood. The French, under 
Bourlamaque, met the onset, and charged in turn so furiously that 
Mui-ray, fearing to be completely surrounded, fled in disorder to the 
cit3", leaving a thousand men on the field, and his fine train of artillery. 
De Levi, who had lost only three hundred men, pushed on, and opened 
trenches against the town. The English garrison, now sadly cut down, 
labored earnestly to hold out till aid came. De Levi pushed on to cap- 
ture Quebec before vessels could reach it. All eyes were turned to- 
wards the river in fear and hope. At last vessels were seen, inen-of- 
wai' were approaching. Every eye was strained to see the first flag. 
To Murray, the white flag would be a signal of ruin ; to de Levi, one 
of triumph. It was the English fleet. The last hope of France was 
gone. De Levi, baffled, abandoned his now useless guns. 

On the 7th of September, Amherst met j\lurray before Montreal. 
Vaudreuil, the last French Governor, had long, expected the day. He 
capitulated, and surrendered to England all Canada, and the North- 
west. 

On the 8th of September, 1760, the French rule ended. 

The war in the northern part of the continent closed. The British 
riag floated undisputed from Hudson Bay almost to the Gulf of Mexico, 
and from the shores of Lake Superior and Michigan to the Atlantic. 
But, in Europe, the war was raging more fiercely than ever ; almost all 
the Continental powers being arrayed ngahist England and Prussia. To 



378 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

carry on the war with Spain, George III., who had now ascended the 
throne, succeeding his grandfather, George 11., in October, 1760, called 
on his American subjects to aid in reducing Havana. On the 30th of 
July, 1762, after a siege of twenty -nine daj's, in Avhich the brave 
Spanish commander, Don Luis de Yelasco, was mortally wounded, 
Moro castle was taken by storm, by a combined force of English regulars, 
West India negroes, and sturd}- militia, from New England and New 
York, Putnam among them, with others who had last fought in the 
chilly borders of Canada. Many of our brave soldiers perished before 
Havana, in this fatal midsummer campaign in the tropics, and left their 
bones to decaj" on that Cuban shore. Havana, and all its wealth, with 
the castle, fell into the hands of the British. 

When, at last, in November, peace was restored, England gave up 
this conquest for Florida. She also received a cession of all Louisiana, 
to the Mississippi, except the island of New Orleans ; all Canada, 
Acadia, Cape Breton, all the French possessions, except the two little 
islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, that you can scarcely find on 
your map. At the same time, France ceded Louisiana to Spain, and 
the lilied flag ceased to float on the continent of North America, where, 
but a few years before, her maps showed almost the whole continent as 
French. 

The treaty was definitively signed at Paris, February 10th. 1763. 

England had taken possession of all that France claimed as Canada. 
In September, 1760, Amherst had despatched Rogers, whose rangers 
had done such signal service against the French, to take possession of 
Detroit, the key to the West, as well as of Michilimackinac and other 
posts. 

Where Cleveland now stands, he was confronted by Pontiac, the 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 379 

chieftain of the French Indians, who haughtily demanded his business 
in that countiy, without his permission. 

Eogers explained to him that the flag of France had fallen, and that 
he went to take possession of the French posts, to live in peace with all 
the tribes. After some deliberation, he consentea to iheir progress, and 
even saved them from an ambuscade of Detroit Indians. Rogers, sending 
on Vaudreuil's instructions to the French commander, landed with his 
rangers opposite Detroit, and encamped. An officer was sent over, the 
French garrison filed out, and laid down their arms : the militia were 
then disarmed, the French flag was lowered, amid the yells of the In- 
dians. Forts Miami and Ouiatenon, with Michilimackiuac, were soon 
after occupied. 

In all the West, one French fort &lone was left, that of Fort Chartres 
in Illinois. 

The western tribes found that a new rule had begun. 

They did not like it. 

From the banks of the Niagara to the shores of Lake Superior, 
from Lake Erie to the Gulf of Mexico, there was a fast growing hate 
of the English, and their colonists. Could France have called out this 
spirit a fe,w years before she might have saved Canada. 

The discontent that pervaded all tlie tribes, prepared them for any 
plot. All that was required was a leader, and this soon appeared in 
Pontiac, Chief of the Ottawas, said by some to have been himself a 
Catawba. Nature had made him a leader of men ; he was already re- 
vered by all the Indian tribes of the northwest as a hero, a man of 
prowess in war, of wisdom in council, a man of integrity and human- 
ity, as they regarded it. 

He soon lonned a vast conspirac}' among the tribes, for a simultane- 



380 THE STOBY OF A GREAT NATION; 

ous attack on the English posts. He himself was to surprise Detroit His 
preparations were crafty indeed. Announcing to Gladwin, the com- 
mander, that he would in a few days pay him a visit with some of his 
braves, he, in the Indian villages around the fort, prepared his men for 
the work of slaughter. Securing sr^rfs and files, they cut off the bar- 
rels of their guns so that they c^uld hide them under their blankets. 
And with these, and knives and tomahawks, sharpened to their keen- 
est edge, the chieftain, with about three hundred of his braves, stalked 
into the fort on the 7th of May. Pontiac bore a wampum belt, white 
on one side, green on the other ; when he turned this his men were to 
begin the work. 

But Gladwin had been warned the day before by an Ojibwa girl, and 
was ready for the emergency. Pontiac rose, holding the fatal belt, 
and began to address Gladwin, professing strong attachment to the 
English, and desiring to smoke the pipe of peace. As he raised the 
belt, Gladwin made a slight motion with his head, a sudden clang of 
arms rang from the hall witliout, and the long roll of the drum drowned 
the voice of the chief. Pontiac hesitated, and closing his address, sat 
down, baffled and perplexed. 

Gladwin answered in a few words. He wished the friendship of all 

"the tribes, but if thej^ preferred war, stern vengeance should follow the 

first hostile act. Unwisely, perhaps, he allowed the braves to depart, for 

the next morning hostilities began. An English party sounding on 

Lake Huron, were seized and murdered. 

On the 10th, Pontiac summoned Gladwin to surrender, and, on his 
refusal, massacred an old English woman and a sergeant, tho only 
persons of English race who lived outside the fort. Two English offi- 
cers were also surprised and murdered on Lake St. Clair. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 381 

For six hours, the besieging Indians, slvullcing behind bushes, houses, 
knolls, or Hying rapidly past, poured their deadly shots iulu the embra' 
sures of the tort, carrying balls in their mouths so as to lose no time 
in loading. They finally drew off, to begin preparations for a regu- 
lar siege, and so deceived Gladwin, that he sent out two officers to 
treat with them. All the Indians in that part had joined Pontiac ex- 
cept the Christian Hurons, whom the missionary Potier long restrained, 
but even he, at last, failed to control them, and they were forced to 
join the Ibrces of Pontiac-. 

On the 16th of May, a party of Indians appeared at the gate of 
Fort Sandusky. Ensign PauUi, the commander, admitted seven as old 
acquaintances and friends, and all sat down to smoke. Suddenly a sig- 
nal was given, and Paulli was seized, bound, and carried out. Every 
soldier and trader in the post was already murdered. 

The old Jesuit mission on the St. Joseph's had become a British 
post, under command of Ensign Schlosser. On the 25th, a party of 
Pottawatamies appeared in friendly guise, and were admitted. In less 
than two minutes Schlosser was seized, and all his men but three 
butchered and scalped. 

On the 13th of May, Lieutenant Cuyler had left Fort Niagara, and 
embarked from Fort Schlosser, just above the Falls, with ninety-six 
men, ammunition, and provisions for Detroit. Meeting no enemy, he 
landed carelessly at Point Pelee, near the mouth of Detroit river, and 
was preparing to encamp, when he was suddenl}- attacked by a body 
of Hurons or Wyandots. Cuyler formed his men around the boats, and 
a vigorous fire of musketry was kept up, but the Indians made a furi- 
ous charge, and the English troops were thrown into confusion and lied 
to their boats. Two boats, with thirty or forty men, escaped, the rest 



382 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

were taken in triumph past Detroit, where the" disappointed garrison 
saw this sad result with heavy hearts. The prisoners in one boat, 
when neariug aa English vessel oft' the fort, rose on their guards, and 
amid the fierce volleys of the Indians, who pursued them, managed to 
reach the vessel ; all the rest were tortured and butchered. 

At Fort Miami, near the present Fort Wayne, the commander was 
enticed out to visit a pretended sick woman. He was at once shot 
down, and his men were soon surprised and murdered. 

At Fort Wea, in Indiana, they were captured in a similar way, but 
there were kind-hearted French settlers near who purchased their 
lives. 

Thus, fort after fort, so recently garrisoned by English soldiers, dis- 
appeared utterly. Officers and men were alike English ; had colonial 
troops been employed, they would have been better fitted to deal with 
tlie savages. 

Strange was the fall of Fort Michilimackinac. The story is that of 
a terrible game of La Crosse. 

On the 2d of June, the Ojibwas living near assembled near the fort 
to play this game now so popular in Canada and England. They invi- 
ted Major Etheridge and his garrison to witness it. All was calm and 
peaceful. The gate of the stockade was open ; the officers, and some 
of the little garrison, looked on from the top of the palisades. 

As the game went on, the ball was driven nearer and nearer, and 
there were often shouts of applause at a good hit. Suddenly, after a 
close struggle, the ball came spinning from the midst of the players to- 
wards the entrance to the fort. On rushed the plaj^ers, and passing 
their squaws, cauglit li-Din under the women's blankets knives and toma- 
hawks, then rushed with yells of fury into the fort. Etheridge and 



OE, OUR COUNTRYS ACIIIEVEIIENTS. 383 

Leslie were seized, while every Englislnuan in or out of the fort, was 
butchered without mercy. Only one man escaped, Alexander Henry, a 
trader, who was hid awa}- b\' a Pawnee woman, a slave to one of the 
French residing there. But he was finally discovered, and had long to 
suflfer the cruelties and privations of an Indian captive. 

At Fort Presqu'ile, where Erie now stands, the brave Ensign Chris- 
tie made a gallant fight for two days, but finally surrendered. He and 
his men were taken as prisoners to Detroit. 

The garrison at Fort Le Boeuf was attacked, but escaped by night ; 
that at Fort Venango fell, no man knows how, for none was ever seen 
alive to tell its story. 

Fort Pitt and Fort Ligonier were menaced, and finally attacked ; the 
out-lying settlements were in flames ; five hundred families from the 
frontiers of Maryland and Virginia fled to Winchester. 

Thus Detroit was left alone in the West. Again Amherst tried to 
relieve it, and finally threw sixty men into it, in June. Late in July, 
Dalyell arrived with two hundred and sixty men, entering under cover 
of niglit. Full of confidence, this young oflicer wished at once to make 
a midnight sally on the savage foe. Gladwin, who had seen enough 
Indian fighting to know what it was, opposed this, but at last yielded. 
Before three in the morning, Dal^yell sallied out with nearl}' two hun- 
dred and fifty jjieked men, keeping along shore, and protected by two 
boats. After a siiort march, they came to an Indian intrenchment, from 
which poured out such a deadly volley that the whole body was tlirown 
into confusion. Twenty of the English were killed, and twice as many 
lay wounded on the l)attle-field of Bloody Run. Rash, but brave, 
Dalyell fell while trj-ing to bring off his .wounded, and his gay uniform 
and scalp decked the dusky forms of savages. 



384 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

This triumph filled the Indians with exultation. No tribe now hesi- 
tated. All gathered around Pontiac, who held Detroit besieged by a 
thousand men. 

The English military authorities were roused to something like en- 
ergy. Bouquet, a Swiss officer of merit, was sent with a considerable 
force to relieve Fort Pitt, and reinforce Detroit. As he approached 
Fort Pitt, he was suddenly attacked by the Indians who had l)een in- 
vesting that fort. Bouquet and his ofificers were fit for their task, and 
the soldiers, chiefly Highlanders, were cool and experiencod. All day 
long, on the 5th of August, the}' fought the savage foe, and at night 
they lay on their arms at Edge Hill. The morning .showed the Indians 
in force on every side. Bouquet saw but one course ; an Indian one. 
Posting two companies in ambush, he pretended to retreat in disorder. 
"With wild yells, the Indians rushed on in pursuit in wild confusion, 
when suddenly, from the right, and left, and front, came the rattle of 
the deadly musketry. The Indians, crowded together, were shot down 
in numbers, then, panic-struck, fled, routed and defeated. 

Bouquet had won the day, but his killed and wounded were one- 
fourth of his force, his horses were almost all killed, and it was witb 
great difficulty that in four days he reached Fort Pitt. 

But the joy which filled all hearts at Bouquet's success, was damped 
by an unexpected disaster at Devil's Hole, near Niagara. 

At that spot, the road winds near a fearful precipice. On the 13th 
of September, a numerous train of wagons and pack-horses proceeded 
from the lower landing to Fort Schlosser, and the next morning returned. 
As they reached this dangerous spot, they were suddenly greeted by 
the blaze and rattle of a hundred rifles, and before the smoke lifted, the 
Indians dashed out with tomnhawk and scalping-knife. Horses and 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 385 

men, in wild panic, went over into the builmg current ; many were mur- 
dered and scalped in the road. In less lime than it lakes to record it 
all was over. Stedman, who commanded the party, cut his way 
through and escaped. A drummer-boj' who went over the precipice 
was caught by his drum-strap in the branch of a tree, and succeeding at 
last in quietly getting a foothold, hid away in a hollow of the rock till all 
was still. At the firing, some soldiers from a little camp rushed out to save 
the train. They were ambuscaded and cut to pieces ; a few only reached 
Fort Niagara. The Indians who thus opened the war in New York 
were the Senecas, one of the Six Nations, whom Sir William Johnson 
was supposed to control so completely. 

A reinforcement for Detroit, under Major Wilkins, miscarried, and 
everything seemed desperate. The first effective measures towards a 
general pacification proceeded from the French in Illinois. De Noyon, 
a French officer, still in command at Fort Chartres, sent belts, and mes- 
sages, and calumets of peace to all the tribes, declaring to them that 
the King of France had given up all his territories to the King of Eng- 
land, and urging all the tribes to bury the hatchet, and take the English 
by the hand. 

On this, the Wyandots and some other tribes made peace, and 
abandoned the siege of Detroit. Then Bradstreet arrived with a con- 
siderable force, large enough indeed, to have overawed all, but he 
acted feebly, and the Indians in bands 'still ravaged the frontiers, 
burning and slaughtering. A party of rangers came on a schoolhouse 
in the woods. All was suspiciously still within. They entered. There 
lay the teacher dead on the floor, with his Bible in his hand, and his 
nine pupils scattered around him, all scalped, and all dead but one, who 
was carefuUv tended and recovered. 



386 

But if Bradstreet acted feebly, Bouquet did not. By rapid move- 
ments, by stern and unwavering decision, which no Indian wiles could 
move, he compelled them to stop hostilities, and give up all their prison- 
ers. The return of the prisoners led to many touching scenes. Mem- 
bers of families long mourned as dead, were again clasped in loving 
arms. An old woman had lost her daughter nine years before. In the 
crowd of female captives, given up by the Indians, she discovered one 
in whose swarthy and painted face she thought she could still trace the 
likeness of her lost darling. She addressed her in all the endearing 
words a mother can employ, but the girl, who had forgotten almost 
every word of English, gave no sign of recognition. The poor old mo- 
ther complained bitterly, that the child whom she so often fondled on 
her knee had forgotten her in her old age. Colonel Bouquet watched 
the scene, touched with pity. A thought struck him as she uttered 
these words. " Sing her," he exclaimed, " the song you used to sing 
to her when a child." The woman obeyed. Almost instantly a bright 
look came into the girl's face, she hesitated as if trying to recall some- 
thing long past, then sprang into her mother's arms. The chord had 
been touched. 

Pontiac retired from Detroit, and after vain endeavors to rouse 
other tribes to join him, calmly awaited proposals of peace. Croghan 
soon appeared ; the various tribes submitted to the English power ; and 
at last, British troops were enabled to reach Fort Chartres, where the 
last French flag floated till late in the year 1765. It may seem strange 
to our readers, but the English officers, finding it impossible to reach it 
through the hostile tribes in the West, had twice attempted to go in 
boats up the Mississippi, and twice been driven baci by a few 
Indians. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 38^ 



Pontiac was soon after killed at Cahokia, by an Illinois Indian, whom 
1 Eb 
West. 



an Englishman had hired to assassinate the great chieftain of the 



CHAPTER VIII. 



State of the Colonies after the Conquest of Canada — England's Exertions in America — Jeal- 
ousy of the Colonies — She resolves to tax iiiem, and maintain a large Army among them — 
The Stamp Act proposed — American Opposition — Its final Passage. 

The conquest of Canada and Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and New- 
foundland, and the cession of Florida, and all Louisiana east of the 
Mississippi, gave England a vast territory in America, with none to 
dispute it. Canada had a hardy, industrious population, adapted to 
its severe climate ; Florida, however, became almost a desert, as the 
Spaniards retired to Cuba. The colonies, during the war, had not, in- 
deed, borne the main brunt, as in former wars, but, b}' their aid, had 
contributed to all the great operations, and there was not a colonj 
which had not given the wealth and blood of her people for the tri 
umph of England. But the colonies were not to share in the fruits ol 
the victory. No part of the conquered territory was to benefit them 
England garrisoned it with her own troops, and, as we have seen, sta 
tioned regulars in the Western forts. 

The old colonies were perhaps unwise in not offering to do this ; it 
would have strengthened their power wonderfully, and removed one 
pretext for England's maintaining an army in America. But Engla.id, 
already jealous of the growing power of America, resolved to keep an 
array of ten thousand men there. To support these, and pay some of 
the cost of the last war, required money, and it was found that the 



388 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

colonies did not readily raise money for others to spend, so it was de- 
termined to tax America by Act of Parliament. Many wise men op- 
posed it, as one old principle of English liberty was, that there should 
be no taxation without representation ; so that for an English Parlia- 
ment, where the colonies were not represented, to tax the colonies, was 
against all right. But the ministry held to the plans. They discussed one 
plan and another. Of all, one only seemed easily managed, and that was 
a Stamp Tax. In our times, we have seen the Government of the 
United States resort to this means of raising money ; every check, every 
receipt, every deed or mortgage, every contract, wills, and many law 
documents were of no value, unless a stamp was attached. In our 
times the stamp is printed separately, and fastened to the paper by 
gum. In the olden time, the royal stamp was impressed upon the pa- 
per or parchment, really stamped on it. Paper thus stamped had to 
be bought of Government officers for the various uses, as a higher or 
lower stamp was required. 

The colonies were indignant at this measure, and at the severity 
with which the English Government was enforcing the navigation laws, 
seizing their shipping on various pretexts for trading contrary to Eng- 
lish laws. They had suffered severely during the war, and had spent 
their substance lavishly. For several years together, they had raised 
more men, in j^roportion, for service than England had ; in the trading 
towns, one-fourth of the profits of their commerce was annually paid 
for the support of the war, and in the country the taxes were half the 
rent of the farms. As for maintaining an army there was no necessity. 
The Spaniards west of the Mississippi were their nearest neighbors. 
For a century, they had held their own alone, against French and In- 
dians, and could now easily manage the Indians. 



OR, OTTR COTTNTRt's ACHIEVEMENTS. 389 

Tlieir representations, however, were unheard, though the eloquent 
book of James Otis, " The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted," 
set some of the most sensiljle men thinking. New York and Massa- 
chusetts sent over strong remonstrances, but really, people knew little 
and cared less, about America. 

At last the matter came up in Parliament. Charles Townshend, the 
leader of the party for taxing America, dwelt on all England had done 
for America. "And now," he concluded, "will these American cliil- 
dren, planted by our care, nourished up by our indulgence to a degree 
of strength and opulence, and protected by our army, grudge to con- 
tribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy burthen under which we 
lie?" 

There was in that House one who had fought under Wolfe, who knew 
America and the Americans. Such an argument roused him to india;- 
nant eloquence. As Townshend sat down, Barre rose, and with eyes 
darting fire, and out-stretched arms, exclaimed : " They planted by youb 
■care! No ; your oppression planted them in America. They fled from 
your tyranny to a then uncultivated, inhospitable country, where they 
exposed themselves to almost all the hardships to which human nature 
is liable, and, among others, to the cruelties of a savage foe, the most 
subtle, and I will take upon me to say, the most formidable of any peo- 
ple upon the face of God's earth ; and yet, actuated by principles of 
true English liberty, they met all hardships with pleasure, compared 
with those i\\Qj suffered in their own country, from the hands of those 
who should have been their friends. They nourished up by your ivdul- 
gence ! They grew up by your neglect of them. As soon as you began 
to care about them, that care was exercised in sending persons to rule 
them, in one department and another, who were perhaps the deputies 



300 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

of deputies to some n?embcrs of this house, sent to spj^ out their liber- 
ties, to misrepresent theii actions, and to prey upon them ; men, whose 
behavior upon many occasional has caused the blood of those Sons of 
Liberty to recoil within them^ men promoted to the highest seats of jus- 
tice, some who, to my knowledge, were glad, by going to a foreign 
country, to escape being brought to ihf bar of a court of justice in 
their own. 

' ' They protected by your ar7ns ! They hav^ nobly taken up arms in 
your defense ; have exerted a valor amidst their constant and labori- 
ous industry, for the defense of a country whose frontie'" was drenche':^ 
in blood, while its interior parts yielded all its little sf.V'ngs lo youi 
emolument. 

"And believe me — remember, I this day told you so — -the same sp-'ri* 
of freedom which actuated that people at first will accompany thei*- 
still. 

" But prudence forbids me to explain myself further. God knows I do 
not at this time speak from motives of party heat ; what I deliver are' 
the genuine sentiments of my heart. However superior to me in gen- 
eral knowledge and experience, the respectable body of this House may 
be, yet I claim to know more of America than most of j'ou, having 
seen, and been conversant in that country. The people, I believe, are 
as truly loyal as any subjects the King has ; but a people jealous of 
their liberties, and who will vindicate them, if ever they should be vio- 
lated. But the subject is too delicate ; I will say no more." 

This speech had a thrilling effect, and was copied in all the papers in 
the American colonies, beginning with New London The name of 
Sons of Liberty was caught up and echoed through the land. 

But the ministry were powerful, and on the 27th of February, 1765,. 



or' our country's achievements. 391 

the Stamp Act passed in the House of Commons hj a vote of two hun- 
dred and forty-five to forty-nine ; nearly five to one. In a few days, 
the House of Lords agreed to the bill. The King was laboring under- 
an attack of insanity, and the bill was signed by commission. 

By the Stam|) Act and the Navigation Acts America was bound' 
in fetters. Her trade with all other countries except England was 
crushed ; her manufactures suppressed, and a scheme begun by which, 
every dollar of their property could be wrung from the people. 

The tidings were received with consternation. In Virginia, the legis- 
lature was in session. Patrick Henry had just been elected a member 
to fill a vacancy. His maiden speech was one to urge the adoption of 
resolutions which he proposed, claiming for Virginians equal rights and 
franchises with tLe people of Great Britain, and above all, the right of 
being taxed onlj^ by representatives of their own choice. A stormy 
debate ensued, and many threats were uttered. Many members sought 
to moderate the impassioned orator, but Patrick Henry, full of the- 
greatness of the danger, cried out : " Tarquin and Cfesar had each his 
Brutus ; Charles the First his Cromwell ; and George the Third " — " Trea- 
son," shouted Robinson, the speaker, alread}^ a defaulter to the colony. 
"Trenpon, treason," shouted the adherents of English power, while 
Henry, fixing his eye on Robinson, as if to wither him for his interrup- 
tion, continued without faltering — "may profit by their example." 

Carried away by his eloquence, the resolutions were passed. As 
rapidly as the mails of that day could bear the Virginia paper to other 
colonies, these resolutions were reprinted, and all America was 
aflame. 

In New York, resistance was universally talked of. The odious act 
was printed, and hawked about as "The Folly of England and Ruin of 



302 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

America." Associations of Sons of Liberty were organized in all the 
colonies. Merchants met, and resolved to use no stamps, to stop im- 
porting English goods, or buying them from any one, till this odious 
law was repealed. Home manufactures were to be encouraged, and 
home-spun goods were to be the mark of a true patriot. 

The British officers embittered this feeling by their tyranny. Men 
were impressed for the British navy, and this led to resistance and re- 
taliation. Thus, at Newport, the boat of an offending English captain 
was seized and burnt on the common amid the cheers of the people. 

Everywhere the people, hj processions, by burning in effigy the ob- 
noxious ministers, by raising liberty-poles, showed their determination 
to resist. 

At Boston, in August, Oliver, the Governor, with Bute and G-ren- 
i-ille, was hung in effigy, and a vast multitude, in great order, bearing 
ihe images on a bier, marched directly through the old State House, 
shouting, "Liberty, Property, and no Stamps," and, demolishing a 
frame building, said to have been intended for a Stamp-office, they 
used the material for a bontire, in which they consumed the effigies. 
Lieutenant Governor Hutchinson ordered the colonel of the militia to 
beat an alarm. "My drummers," said he, "are in the mob." He 
then attempted to disperse the crowd by the aid of the sheriff, but was 
glad to escape with his life. 

Everywhere it was declared that the Stamp Act was a violation of 
Magna Charta, and of no force. All determined that no stamps should 
be issued or used. Those who had accepted appointments as Stamji-offi- 
cers were forced to resign. By October, not a Stamji-officer was to be 
found, and on the 1st of November the Act was to go into operation. 
At New York, Lieutenant Governor Golden resolved to receive the 



OE, OUR country's achiea^ements. 398 

stamps himself, and was supported by Major James, the commander of 
the troops, who boasted that he would cram the Stamp Act down the 
people's throats with the point of his sword, and promised, with twenty- 
Ijur men, to drive all its opponents out of New York. Yet Coldcn lied 
to the fort, and got marines from a man-of-war to j)rotect him. He 
would have tired on the people, but was menaced with the fate of Por- 
teus, at Edinburgh, who was hanged by a mob. 

When the day came, a vast torchlight procession, such as New York 
has alwaj^s delighted in, promenaded the streets, bearing a scaffold with 
efiSgies of the Governor and the Devil, and banners inscribed, "The 
Folly of England and the Ruin of America." They went down (o I lie 
fort, and, fearless of its cannon, knocked at the gate, then broke open Col- 
den's coach-house, and placing the tigures in liis elegant vehicle, bore 
them around the town, and finally burned them, with the fragments of 
his carriage and sleigh, at the Bowling Green. 

James's house was also visited, and his furniture taken for a bonfire^ 
as a punishment for his bravado. 

In every large town there were demonstrations showing the public 
feeling. At Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, the bells were tolled as 
for a funeral. Liberty was dead. Notice was given to her friends to 
attend. A coffin neatlj' adorned, and bearing the inscription, "Liberty, 
AGED cxLV. YEARS," issucd from the State House, to the sound of muffled 
drums, while minute guns boomed as the sad procession moved along. 
A funeral oration was delivered, but as the deceased revived, the in- 
scription was altered, the bells rang out a merry peal, and all was joy 
and exultation. 

These were the acts of the populace, led by the Sons of Liberty, and 
had there been only this, the ruling powers in England might have' 



394 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

treated it all as the freaks of a mob, that would soon be forgotten. 
Many, indeed, were of this opinion, and thought that after a while the 
peoi)le would get used to paying the tax, and not regard it. 

The liberties of a country are always lost in this way. Some little 
incroaehment is suffered under a plausible pretext, then another is add- 
ed, and people wake up at last to find that all their liberties have 
been swept from them. 

It was not so with our forefathers. They were vigilant and prized 
their liberties. "While the people thus showed their feeling, the lead- 
ing statesmen of America met in Congress at New York, on the Ttli of 
October. 1765. This was the lirst Continental Congress. Delegates 
came from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, 
Maryland, and South Carolina, with informal delegations from Delaware, 
New Jersey, and New York. Their object was to consider the safest 
<>;rouu(l\vork on whii-li to rest American libertv. Thev elected as chair- 
man Timothy Rugglcs of Massachusetts, and continued in session for 
fourtei'u days. Sterling patriots were there, James Otis. Robert and 
Philip Livingston, Thomas McKean, and Caesar Rodney, with Lynch, 
Gadsden, aud Rutledge of South Carolina ; sonu> were less true and 
decided, but they all agreed on the necessity of union and resistance to 
oppression. They adopted a Declaration of Rights, written by John 
Crugcr, a petition to the King, drawn up by Robert R. Livingston, 
with bold and eloquent memorials to both Houses of Parliament, from 
the pen of the able James Otis. 

These statesmen implored the King and Parliament, in calm and dig- 
nified language, to pause in their illegal course, which could only bring 
anisery to boili etnmtries. 

When tidings of all this reached England, and the acts of the Con- 



OR, OUR COUjVTRy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 395 

■gress were printed there, a general excitement ensued. Merchants saw 
a profitable trade ruined. Manufactures had to stop. People were 
thrown out of employment. So the merchants and manufacturers ol' 
England turned on Parliament as the cause of their ruin, and joined 
in the petitions of the colonies. 

The matter came up in Parliament. Pitt was again the defender of 
the rights of the Americans. 

"We are told," he cried, "that America is obstinate ; America is 
almost in open rebellion. Sir, I rejoice America has resisted : three 
millions of people so dead to all the feelings of liberty, as voluntarily 
to submit to be slaves, would have been fit instruments to make slaves 
of all the rest. ... I know the valor of your troops, I know the skill of 
your officers, I know the force of this country ; but in such a cause 
your success would be hazardous. America, if she fell, would fliU like 
a strong man ; she would embrace the pillars of the State, and })ull 
<iown the Constitution with her. Is this your boasted peace ? not to 
sheathe the sword in the scabbard, but to sheathe it in the bowels of 
y^iur countrymen? The Americans have been wronged, thej' have been 
driven to madness by injustice. I will beg leave to tell the House in a 
few words what is really my opinion. It is that the Stamp Act be re- 
pealed absolutely, totally, immediately." 

America looked to this great statesman as their friend and champion. 
His statue was erected in various parts. That in New York stood in 
"Wall Street, till the English occupied the city during the Revolution ; 
and then the soldiers, hating him as one who encouraged the colonists in 
their ideas of liberty, broke off the head, and mutilated the statue. 
The broken remains of the statue of William Pitt are still preserved in 
the Historical Societv in New York, a monument of his integrity, of the 



oO(j THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

respect our fathers entertained for him, and of the British hatred of 
American liberty. 

Benjamin Franlilin was then in England. He was examined before 
the House of Commons. His answers were, like all he said, clear, 
plain, and to the point. They asked him whether the people of Amer^ 
ica would submit to the Stamp Act if it was moderated. He answered, 
bluntly and plainly : " No, never, unless compelled by force of arms." 

General Conway brought in a bill for its repeal, and after much dis- 
cussion it was repealed by a vote of two hundred and seventy-five to 
one hundred and sixty-seven. 

The odious act was indeed removed, but Parliament passed another 
act, claiming the power to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever. 

In America, the news of the repeal was received with unbounded 
joy and exultation. It was the first victory won. But the wise states- 
men who had grown up in the various colonies saw that it was but the 
beginning. In fact, in 1767, the ministry in England proposed to lay a 
duty on paint, paper, glass, and lead, and also on tea, which had be- 
come a very common article in America. Pitt was stricken down with 
illness ; scarcely a voice was raised for America, and the bill passed. 
New York had given offense by refusing, through her Assembl}', to quar- 
ter soldiers on the people, so Parliament, growing bolder, by a new act, 
restrained the New York Assembly from any further powers till it sub- 
mitted to the will of England. 

Again, all America was in a flame. "What is it we are contending 
against?" says Washington. "Is it against paying a duty of three 
pence per pound on tea, because burdensome ? No, it is the right only 
that we have all along disputed." Public meetings were called, pamph- 
lets issued full of eloquence and political wisdom. It was resolved 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 39 7" 

again to use no English manufactures. Massachusetts sent a petition to 
the King, and a circular to the other colonies. The English niinjstr} 
called on Massachusetts to rescind the circular as rash. The answer 
was defiant. 

Officers were sent over to collect the custom-house duties. John 
Hancock's sloop Liberty was seized, on a charge of smuggling, in June, 
1768, and placed under the. guns of a man-of-war. A riot at once 
broke out in Boston ; the custom-house officers barely escaped with life. 
Their boat was dragged in triumph through the city, and then burned 
on Boston common, while the custom-house officers, frightened out of 
their senses, fled to the Romney man-of-war. As if this were not enough, 
the commander of the Romney began to impress men to serve on his 
ship, in direct violation of an Act of Parliament. 

The indignation of the people, roused by this, was kindled to fury, 
when they learned that two regiments had been summoned from Hali- 
fax, and would soon land in Boston. 

The people called on Governor Bernard to convene the G-eneral 
Court, or Legislature. He refused. Then the people met in Conven- 
tion, and again addressed the King. 

The next day the troops arrived. Massachusetts refused to provide 
them quarters, so they were landed under cover of the ships-of-war, 
and with loaded muskets, and fixed bayonets, the hated foreign soldiery 
marched into Boston. One regiment was placed in Faneuil Hall, the 
other encamped on the common, and the next day, Sunday, took pos- 
session of the State House, and patrolled the streets. 

The Legislature of Virginia was in session. It denounced the con- 
duct of the Grovernment so boldly that Governor Botetourt dissolved * 
it. They met as a Convention, and passed resolutions against im- 



398 THE STORT OF A GREAT NATION] 

porting Britisli goods. Boston, Saleiu, New York, and Connecticut 
followed. Then the General Court of Massachusetts met : it refused to 
proceed to business till the troops were removed. So the Governor at 
last prorogued them and went to England. 

Alarmed at the storm, yet stubborn still, the Parliament repealed 
all the duties except that on tea. 

Troubles had already begun in America between the red-coats, as 
the soldiers were now called, and the people. 

In New York, the English party succeeded in getting a majority in 
the Assembly, and that body agreed to give quarters to the troops. 
The soldiers lost no opportunity of showing their contempt for the peo- 
ple. In January, 1770, a party of them attempted to cut down and 
blow up a liberty-pole which had been erected in the Park ; they at- 
tacked some citizens who denounced them, and finally succeeded at 
night in leveling it. The Sons of Liberty called a meeting, and de- 
clared the soldiers enemies of the peace. The soldiers replied by scur- 
rilous placards, and two of them, while posting these libels up, were ar- 
rested. An attempt of the soldiers to rescue their comrades led to 
what was long known in New York as the Battle of Golden Hill. 
Though the soldiers were reinforced from the barracks, the citizens, un- 
armed as they were, disarmed and dispersed them, though not till sev- 
eral citizens were severely wounded. The soldiers were completely 
overcome, when their officers appeared and ordered them to their bar- 
racks. One young man, who in this struggle wrested a musket from a 
British soldier, carried it through the whole Revolutionary war, and 
lived to a great age, to see his country among the greatest nations on 
the earth, and his descendants still cherish, as a relic, the musket won 
hy Michael Smith, the Liberty Boy. 



OE, OTTR COUNTEt's ACHIEVEMENTS, 399 

lu Boston a similar feeling arose. The people, abused by the soldiers, 
proceeded to extremes. On the 5th of March, a mob collected around 
the soldiers, and pressed on them so that they called for assistance. 
Cajttain Preston sent eight men with unloaded muskets to aid them. 
Th'! mob then began to pelt the soldiers with snow-balls, and anything 
they could find. The soldiers loaded their muskets, but the mob, led 
by Crispus Attucks, a mulatto, rushed on, and Attucks dealt a terrible 
blow at Captain Preston, which the Captain parried. It struck a bay- 
onet from a soldier, which Attucks seized. A struggle ensued, till at 
last a soldier who had been struck down sprang up and shot Attucks 
dead. Five other soldiers fired. Three men were killed, and five 
wounded. 

The tumult in Boston then became fearful. The cry was: "The 
soldiers are risen." The Governor endeavored to allay the excite- 
ment. The soldiers were ordered to their barracks. The next day, 
Preston and several of the soldiers were arrested for murder, for our 
forefathers thought more of their liberties than we do in our davs, and 
soldiers had no right to shoot down the people without an order from a 
magistrate, and certain forms of law. 

This was called the Boston massacre. The victims were buried with 
solemn ceremonies, and for years an oration was delivered as the anni- 
versary of the Boston massacre came around ; so deep was the feeling 
against the attempt of the army to crush the liberties of the people. 

The trial of Captain Preston an^ his soldiers was an important event. 
It lasted six days. They were defended by two of the purest patriots, 
John Adams and Josiah Quincy, jr. Two were convicted of man- 
slaughter, the rest acquitted. 

As the news of this aS"air spread through the continent, the feeling 



400 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

grew more intense. Up to this time the people had been asking theii 
rights as British subjects ; they asked their British liberties. Now they 
became Americans. The vei-y name of British became odious. Every- 
tiiiiig that represented the British Government was odious. It required 
only a trifle anywhere to bring on a collision. 

At Newport, an armed revenue schooner, the Gaspee, had been very 
active in enforcing the revenue laws, and annoyed all the American 
vessels entering Narragansett Bay. Lieutenant Duddington, the com- 
mander, an ignorant bully, made himself doubly obnoxious by compel- 
ling all vessels to take down their colors in his presence, firing into 
them in case of neglect. He insolently refused to show Governor 
Wanton, of Rhode Island, his commission or orders. All was accord- 
ingly ripe for any o]iportunity to give him and his masters a lesson in 
good manners and common sense. 

On the 9th of June, 1772, Captain Lindsay's packet, Hannah, the regu- 
lar packet from New York, came in sight. Lindsay did not lower his flag, 
and Duddington at once gave chase. Knowing every inch of the bay, Lind- 
say ran close in to a point near Namquit, where he knew not one pilot in 
ten could go safely, and soon, looking back, he chuckled to see the Gaspee 
run aground hard and fast. On he sailed, full of triumph, when a new 
idea entered his head. Why not get rid of the Gaspee altogether ? 
On reaching Providence, he told where she lay, and as she could not 
get off" before flood-tide, men's minds were soon made up. John Brown,, 
a leading merchant, had eight long-boats prepared, and at dusk a man 
went around with a drum calling on volunteers to meet. Between ten 
and eleven o'clock at night, the boats, manned by Brown, Captain 
Abraham Whipple, and other brave fellows, numbering sixty-four in 
all, pushed out in silence. As they closed in around the Gaspee, 



OE, OTJR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 401 

they were hailed by a sentinel on her deck, and as no reply came from 
the boats, he roused Duddiugtou, who ran up in his shirt, and ordering 
off the boats, fired a pistol at them ; with the flash of his weapon came 
a flash from the boat, and he fell woQiided to the deck. The assailants 
then boarded the Gaspee, and after dressing Duddington's wound or- 
dered the crew to leave the schooner, taking their commander and all 
they or he owned. As soon as the last of them left the Gaspee, and 
no great time was given, the captors set fire to the schooner, and as the 
flames licked up the masts and I'igging, they pulled off through the 
darkness, while far and near, the people, seeing the light, spread the 
tidings that the boys had burned the Gaspee. 

The next day. Governor Wanton issued a proclamation, offering a 
reward for the perpetrators of the audacious act. Admiral Montague 
came down, and blustered and threatened. Tiie English Government 
sent out a special commission, and offered five thousand dollars reward 
for the leader, and half as much for the arrest of any other person en- 
gaged in the destruction of the Gaspee ; not a man, woman, or child 
could be found in Rhode Island who knew auj'thing about it. Money 
did not tempt the poorest to become an informer. These cases showed 
that the colonies would no longer submit. 

England, too proud to retract, was embarrassed. She made the Colo- 
nial Governors and judges independent of the people, by paying their 
salaries. Governors dissolved or prorogued Assemblies, but this did 
not hel]) matters. The East India Company had its storehouses in 
England full of tea, that Americans liked, l)ut refused to buy. So the 
English Government resolved to send some over to America, as the 
American merchants would not order any. 

This caused a new excitement. Philadelphia led off by a publio 



40*3 THE STORY OF A GREAf NATION; 

meeting, which denounced as an enemy of his country every man who- 
aided or abetted in unloading, receiving, or selling the tea. Merchants 
to whom the tea was consigned were required to pledge themselves not 
to receive it. 

In Boston, similar meetings were held, but the consignees refused. 
The vessels arrived. A mass meeting was held at Faneuil Hall, which 
directed the ships to be moored at a certain wharf, and set a guard to 
watch them. The consignees wished to land and store it till fresh orders 
came from England, but the people insisted that the ships should take it 
back. 

The Grovernor and the custom-house officers would not yield, and re- 
fused to give them a clearance, or let them go without one. An excit- 
ed multitude gathered at the old South Church, still standing. Speeches 
were made to confirm them in their resolutions, and at last darkness 
began to cover the scene. Suddenly, in the gallery, a man disguised as 
a Mohawk Indian raised a war-whoop. It was caught up and repeated 
without. "Hurra for Griffin's wharf!" was now the cry, and the 
meeting hastened down to where the three tea-ships lay. The disguised 
men boarded the tea-ships, and, while the crowd looked on in silence, 
they took out three hundred and forty-two chests of tea, broke them 
open, and poured tlie contents into the waters of Boston harbor. Their 
task did not end till every chest was emptied. When the last chest 
disappeared over the side of the vessel, the word was given to retire, 
for they did not touch a thing belonging to any of the ships. One 
of the men, however, had noticed that one of the party, who evidently 
liked a cup of tea, had filled his pockets. He caught hold of him, cry- 
ing : "No, boys, here's another chest!" and made him empty it all 
out. The crowd then dispersed without further noise or trouble. 



OR, OUR country's achievements, 403 

As they moved away, they passed a house -flhtre Admiral Mon- 
tague was. In his indignation, he raised the window and cried out : 
" Well, boys, you"ve had a line night for your Indian caper, haven't 
you ? But mind, you've got to pay the fiddler yet." " Oh, never mind," 
shouted Pitt, one of the leaders, "never mind, Squire; just come out 
here, if you please, and we'll settle the bill in two minutes ! " 

That ver}' night, men who had come in from the country to attend 
the meetings carried back the news, and it quickly spread. Paul Re- 
vere was sent as an express messenger, to bear the information to New 
York and Philadelphia. Every eye kindled with joy at this solution of 
the great difficulty. The ships for New York were driven off by storms, 
and when they did arrive, the pilots, in obedience to the Committee of 
Vigilance, would not bring the vessels up, so they sailed back to Eng- 
land. Those for Philadelphia, tinding matters no better there, did the 
same. At Charleston tea was indeed landed, but they had to store it in 
damp cellars, where it was soon ruined. 

The tea matter had proved as signal a failure as every other. 

One colony had especial troubles of its own. This was North Caro- 
lina. It had been cursed beyond all others with a needy set of office- 
holders, sent thereto wring money from the people under any and every 
pretext. The most exorbitant taxes were levied, and yet the provin- 
cial treasury was empty. The land abounded in informers, the vilest 
of the vile, but there was no justice to bring to account those who were 
defaulters to the treasury. Driven to desperation, a number of the 
poor people formed a secret society, and, under the name of Regulators, 
entered into a compact, binding themselves by oath not to pay any 
taxes at all, until all exorbitant fees were abolished, and official em- 
bezzlement punished and prevented. They saw no hope except in self- 



404 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

government, and a speedy release from the unclirisUan and plundering 
crew who had poured in on them. 

The wanton seizure of the horse of one of the Regulators, as he was 
riding to Hillsborough, led to a collision. The people rescued the 
horse, a^d several shots were fired Irom among the crowd into the roof 
of the house of Fanning, the military commander. On the 30th of 
April, 1768, the Regulators held a general meeting at Rocky 
River, and drew up a petition to the General Assembly. Fanning, on 
this, seized Herman Husbands and William Butler, two prominent lib- 
eral men, who had not, however, joined the Regulators. They were 
thrown into prison, and treated with all severity. When Husbands was 
brought to trial, his innocence was so clear, that even a packed jury and 
an unscrupulous judge had to acquit him. The heavy charges brought 
by the Regulators against Fanning, led to his trial. The court had to 
convict him on six indictments, so they fined him one penny, and fined 
three poor Regulators fifty pounds apiece. At the next election, Hus- 
bands was chosen to the Assembly, but was expelled. Try on, the 
Governor, then arrested the patriot, and threw him into prison, and 
forced the Assembly to pass a Riot Act by which people could be tried 
in any Superior Court, no matter how distant from their homes — an 
atrocity unheard of in any free country. 

The Regulators gathered in the woods, and resolved to use the last 
resource. Honor and good faith prompted them to join for the rescue 
of Husbands. Tryon was intimidated. The patriot was set free. The 
Regulators remained in arms till it was agreed that the differences 
should be left to an umpire. 

Fanning and Tryon were bent on revenge. Sixty-one Regulators 
were at once indicted, and Tryon raised troops to march into the dis- 



OK, OUR oottntry's achievejients. 405 

affected counties. His progress was markinl by llie destruction of 
wheat-fields and orchards, the burning ol' every house wiiich was louud 
emj)ty, and the plundering of ail stock and produce. Tlie terrified 
people fled like sheep before a wolf At the Great Alamance, the Reg- 
ulators had gathered, and chosen James Hunter as their general, a man 
universally esteemed. He did not wish to fight the Governor, and 
made proposals. The Governor required them to lay down their arms 
and submit absolutely. On their refusal, he opened with his cannon on 
the people. Many of the Regulators retired ; the rest for two hours 
stood their ground, retiring after a time behind trees, till they had 
nearly expended their ammunition. Then, having lost twenty, they re- 
tired, leaving nine of the King's troops dead on the field, and sixty-one 
wounded. Some were taken in the pursuit, and one of these Tryon 
hanged the next day on a tree, without any form of trial. 

This was the first regular battle between Americans and royal 
troops, led by a Royal Governor ; and James Few was the first patriot 
martyr who laid down his life for the cause of self-government and 
freedom in America. Twelve others were soon after hanged, having 
undergone the mockery of a trial. 

"With this blood on his soul, Tryon confiscated the lands of the Reg- 
ulators, and sailed to New York, of which he had been appointed Gov- 
ernor. 

Foreign rule, extortion, fraud, and corruption had triumphed for & 
time in North Carolina. The insolent extortioners and officers taunted 
the Regulators, telling them that Alamance was their court of record I 

Driven from their homes by such miseries, many of the people of 
North Carolina cros.sed the mountains, and settled in the valley of the 
Watauga. Here, in 1772, they founded a republic by a written associ- 



406 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATIOIN' ; 

ation, appointed James Eobertson their Governor, and formed their own 
laws. Thus British misgovernment overshot itself. It led some Ameri- 
cans to set themselves up as a separate State, independent of the au- 
thorit}' of the British King — a lesson all were soon to learn. 

Thus, in the Republic of Watauga, began Tennessee. About the 
same time, a trader named Finley, who had' crossed the mountains from 
Virginia, came back with such a glowing account of the countr}- there 
that Daniel Boone caught his enthusiasm, and set out to explore with 
Finley and John Stuart. In May, 1769, they were in the valley of tliQ 
Kentucky. They were surprised by Indians, who were already hostile, 
and looked with jealousy on any white intrusion. In spite of this, 
Boone returned to Virginia for a band of settlers. They were driven 
back, but a treaty was finally made, and, opening the first blazed-road 
through the woods, he founded Boonesborough, on the Kentucky River, 
in 1775. 

Daniel Boone is the type of the American pioneer. He was the 
founder of Kentucky, the great hunter and Indian fighter of tlie early 
West. His perils, his adventures with the Indians, would fill a vol- 
ume. Of them we shall s])eak more hereafter. 

The hostilities of the Indians on the fi'ontier at this time were such 
that Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, called out the militia, and 
the little army moved in two divisions, one under the Govei'uor, the 
other under General Andrew Lewis. The latter division reached Point 
Pleasant, on the Ohio. Here he was about to cross, when his active 
scouts came in announcing that a large Indian force was drawn up quite 
near them, consisting of Shawnees, Mingoes, Wyandots, and Cayugas, 
led by Cornstalk, a warrior of great renown. Colonels Lewis and 
Fleming were sent out to meet them. The troops advanced in two 



OK, OUU COU^iTUY S ACHIEVEMKNTS. 407 

lines, but had not proceeded a hundred yards before the Indians opened 
on them. Both colonels fell wounded, and their men retreated. They 
were rallied by the gallant Colonel Field, and a desperate battle ensued. 
The Indians had thrown up a Ijreastwork of logs and trees, and from 
this they poured their deadly volleys into the Virginians, repelling their 
brave and repeated charges. The day was far spent, when three com- 
panies, under Captains Shelby, Matthews, and Stuart, ascended Crooked 
Creek, which there entered the Kanhawa, and stealing up quietly under 
cover of the high bank, suddenly' opened on the Indian rear. Suppos- 
ing that Colonel Christian had come up with expected reinforcements, 
the red men at last fled, having fought from morning to night, with a 
steadiness seldom shown by Indians. 

In this bloody and hard-fought battle, seventy-five Virginians were 
killed, and a hundred and forty wounded, while the Indians lost about 
the same number. 

Cornstalk, soon after this, induced his confederate Indians to make 
peace, and a treaty was concluded in 1774. He was an Indian pos- 
sessing many noble qualities, and it is sad to have to state that he was 
shortly after murdered by some white men. 



PART III. 

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



CHAPTER I. 

Ckorge HI. <o?es America — The Continental Congress — Tlie Boston Port Bill — The Queliec 
Act — The Contiueulal Congress meets — Provincial Congress — Battle of Lexington anJ 
'Joncord — Siege of Boston — C'apture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point — Congress organixes 
an Army — George Washington Commander-in-Chief — Battle of Bunker Hill — The Invasion 
of Canada — Failure to take Queljec — Death of Montgomery. 

The news of the proceedings in Boston in regard to the tea, and the 
general opposition throughout tlie country, was received in Engh^nd 
with great indignation, but there was no thought of an altered policy. 
The English Government has never seen any way except to put the peo- 
ple down. 

Boston was to be punished. They resolved to deprive her of her 
trade as far as tliey could. A bill was brought into Parliament, and 
passed almost without opposition, closing the i)ort of Boston. All the 
officers concerned in the collection of his Majesty's customs at Boston 
were removed, and no goods were to be landed or discharged, laded or 
shipped, from that rebellious port. 

By another act, the Governor was authorized to appoint all officers, 
and these officers were to choose jurymen ; town meetings were pro- 
hibited by law. Another act authorized the Governor to send any one 
indicted for murder, or other capital offense, committed in aiding the 
authorities, to another colon}-, or even to England, to be tried there ; 
thus giving to Massachnsetts the wicked plans pursued in North Caro- 



OLli COUXXKy'd ACHIEVEMENTS. 4Ui> 

Jina. While these acts, and a new one for quartering troops, were in- 
tended to crusli down the old English colonies, Parliament endeavored 
to conciliate Canada. That province, after the peace, had been really 
governed by the few British officials, and a few worthless men who had 
accompanied the British army — sutlers, bummers, and people of the 
lowest character. Everj" means was adopted to rob, insult, antl oppress 
the Canadians iu their civil and religious rights. At last, the Govern- 
ment, seeing so much trouble arising in the old colonies, began a new 
course, fearing lest France might step in to recover Canada. The Que- 
bec Act, as it was called, left the Canadians under the French law, to 
which they had been so long accusiomed ; and created a legislative 
council for their Government. They were also restored to the full en- 
joyment of their religious rights, their clergy Avere lel't in possession of 
the church property and the tithes which had previously been paid 
them. At the same time, the boundaries of the province were extend- 
ed to the Ohio. 

While this toleration of the Canadians was just in itself, and secured 
their fidelity, it was regarded in the older colonies with great suspicion 
and indignation. The Catholic religion was very unpopular ; the Eng- 
lish Government had itself constantly inflamed the people against it ; 
the colonies had for years contributed men and money to reduce Cana- 
da, with the avowed object of putting down the Catholic religion there, 
and now to have it established in that very colony by the power of 
England, was too much for them to bear. In this, and its extension to 
the Ohio, they saw only a scheme for their destruction. 

The Boston Port Bill drew out the most eloquent protests of the 
statesmen of Massachusetts. The Assembly of Virginia, of which 
Washington was then a member, at once passed an order deploring the 



410 THK STORY OF A GEEAT NATION; 

act, and appointed a day of fasting to implore tlie Divine interposition to 
avert the civil war which they saw threatening the land. Lord Dun- 
more at once dissolved the Assembly. 

The General Court of Massachusetts were as decided. The Gover- 
nor, General Gage, adjourned the court to Salem, but they adopted res- 
olutions encouraging the people of Boston, and when the Governor de- 
clined to appoint a day for public prayer, appointed one themselves. 
Their decisive act was that ajjpointing delegates to the General Con- 
gress of the Colonies, which was to meet in Philadelphia, in September. 
Governor (lage, learning what was going on, sent his secretary to dis- 
solve the House, but that lunctionary found the doors locked, so he 
bawled out the Governor's proclamation on the steps leading to the 
chamber in which the patriotic Assembly was in session. 

It terminated their acts as a roj'al assembly, but they continued to 
sit till all their business was completed. 

The closing of the port of Boston filled that town with distress, but 
none thought of yielding. From all parts, beginning with generous and 
patriotic South Carolina, contributions poured in to aid unfortunate Bos- 
ton. 

Throughout the countrj' assemblies were held, and delegates chosen to 
the coming Continental Congress. In every village and town, men were 
drilling, and preparing for military service ; those who had acquired ex- 
perience in the late wars with the French and Indians, were looked 
upon as leaders, and gave the influence of real soldiers. The boys and 
girls were busy casting bullets and making cartridges ; the men were 
putting in order the firearms in their hands, or securing new ones. 

The Engli.sli Government was also preparing for war. Looking on Bos- 
ton as the centre of the trouble, they resolved to overawe it by a large 



OR, OUR COUJSTTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 411 

militaiy force. Troops were ordered from Ireland, Halifax, Quebec, and 
New York. As these came in, Gage seized and prepared to fortify Boston 
Neck. When he proceeded to seize some powder iu Cambridge, all New 
England was aroused, and, as the rei)ort spread that tlie British army 
and navy were firing on Boston, no less than thirt}' thousand men in 
arms began to march on the city. Gage was shut up in Boston. His 
power as Governor of Massachusetts was at an end ; for it was not re- 
spected beyond the lines of his soldiers. 

While things were in this state, the Continental Congress met in Phil- 
adelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774. With the delegates of North 
Carolina, who came in a few days later, they were in all fifty-three dele- 
gates, representing twelve colonies, Georgia not having as yet acted. 

They met at Smith's tavern, and prepared to select a place for their 
permanent sessions. The carpenters of Philadelphia offered their plain 
but spacious hall, and from respect for the mechanics it was accepted 
by a large majority. This building became, as it were, the cradle of 
the American Republic. Peyton Randolph, late speaker of the As- 
sembly of Virginia, was unanimously chosen president, really, though 
not in name, the first President of the United States. Among the mem- 
bers were Patrick Henry, George Washington, Richard Henr\' Lee, 
Samuel and John Adams, John Jay, Stephen Hoi)kins, the aged pa- 
triot of Rhode Island, Gadsden, and Rutledge, of South Carolina. The 
most eminent men of the various colonies were now brought together. 
They were known to each other by fame, but had hitherto been stran- 
gers. The meeting was awfully solemn. The object which had called 
them together was the liberties of three millions of i)eople. 

Patrick Henry opened the proceedings of this important body with 
one of his most eloquent and comprehensive discourses. 



412 THE STOEY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

Then the Congress proceeded to lay the groundwork of their iicticm ^ 
to make the last appeal to the rectitude of the people of England. 
They were no revolutionists ; their earliest acts showed, that for the 
sake of peace they would yield even some of their cherished rights, 
But the case of Massachusetts required a distinct and plain statement. 
They resolved " That this Congress approve the opposition of the inhabi- 
tants of the Massachusetts Bay, to the execution of the late Acts of Par- 
liament ; and if the same shall be attempted to be carried into execu- 
tion by force, in such case, all America ought to support them in their 
opposition. 

The Quebec act, and ten others, were declared to be such infringe* 
ments and violations of the rights of the colonies, that the repeal of 
them was essentially necessary, in order to restore harmony between 
the colonies and Great Britain. 

They bound themselves to stop almost all commerce with England, 
and, while it refused to petition Parliament, the Continefltal Congress 
addressed the King, the people of Great Britain, and the people of the 
neighboring provinces who had not joined the movement, but who were 
flow invited to make common cause with them. 

" We ask," said this Congress to George III., " we ask but for peace 
liberty, and safety. We wish not a diminution of the prerogative, nor 
the grant of any new right. Your royal authority over us, and our 
connection with Great Britain, we shall always support and maintain;" 
and they besought of the King, " as the loving father of his whole 
people, his interposition for their relief, and a gracious answer to their 
petition." 

Tlien this famous body adjourned, to meet in May. 

Parliament treated with scorn the temperate demands of the Araeri- 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 413 

ean colonies through their Congress. On Thursday, the 9th of February, 
1775, the Chancellor of England, the speaker of tlie House of Com- 
mons, and most of the members of both Houses of Parliament, pro- 
ceeded in state to the palace, and in presence of the representatives of 
the great powers of Europe, presented to George III. a sanguinary 
address, declaring "that a rebellion actually existed in the province of 
Massachusetts Bay," and they " besought his Majesty to adopt measures 
to enforce the authority of the Supreme Legislature, and solemnly as- 
sured him that it was their fixed resolution, at the hazard of their lives 
and properties, to stand by liim against his rebellious subjects." 

In reply, George HI. pledged himself, speedily and effectually, to 
enforce obedience to the laws, and the authority of the Supreme Legis- 
lature. 

Thus, with all the pomp of the Old World, George HI., with his Par- 
liament, in presence of the civilized world, threw away the scabbard, 
and declared war upon his own colonies, and his own people. 

While Massachusetts, left without a Government, was reorganizing 
under a Provincial Congress and Committee of Safety, England was 
preparing to crush her. Gage was to be superseded. William Howe 
was to be sent over as Commander-in-Chief, and under him, as Major- 
Generals, Henry Clinton and John Burgoyne. Admiral Howe was to 
command the fleet that was to bear to the American shores the over- 
powering force, and to him were given powers as pacificator ; but in 
case of failure, the English authorities made no secret of their intention 
to use the French Canadians, Indians, and negroes, to crush the people 
of America into submission. 

When the Convention met in Virginia, some faint-hearted men look- 
ed at their weakness, their utter want of means to oppose the great 



414 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

and powerful motlier-coiintry. This roused Patrick Henry, who saw 
that the day of conciliation was past. 

" Are fleets and armies,'' he exclaimed, " necessary to a work of 
loye and reconciliation ? These are the implements of subjugation, sent 
over to rivet upon us the chains which the British ministry have been 
so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them ? Shall we try 
argument ? We have been trying that for the last ten years ; have we 
anything new to offer ? Shall we resort to entreaty and supplication ? 
We have petitioned — we have remonstrated — we have supplicated^ 
and we have been spurned from the foot of the throne. In vain may 
w^e indulge tlie fond hope of reconciliation. There is no longer room 
for hope. If we wish to be free, we must fight ! I repeat it, Sir, we 
must fight ! An appeal to arms, and to the God of Hosts, is all that is 
left us ! 

''They tell me that we are weak ; but shall we gather strength by ir- 
resolution ? We are not weak. Three millions of people, armed in the 
holy cause of Liberty, and in such a country, are invincible by anj^ force 
which our enemy can send against us. We shall not fight alone. A 
just God presides over the destinies of nations ; and will raise up 
friends for us. The battle is not to the strong alone ; it is to the vigi- 
lant, the active, the brave. Besides, we have no election. If we were 
base enough to desire it, it is too late to retire from the contest. There 
is no retreat but in submission and slavery. The war is inevitable — 
and let it come ! let it come ! 

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of 
chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what 
course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me 
death ! " 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 415 

These words rang throiigli the country, and for years were ou th? 
lips of all. They embodied the sentiments of a nation. 

Dunmore, in alarm, seized tlie powder of the colony, stored at Wil- 
liamsburg. Virginia rose in arms, as Massachusetts had done. 

It was evident that the slightest thing would now precipitate actual 
hostilities. 

The decisive act was not long delayed. 

In the beautiful little town of Concord, near which Winthrop, the 
father of Massachusetts, had given counsel, and Eliot, the Indian apos- 
tle, spoken his words of Christian doctrine, the Massachusetts Provin- 
cial Congress had gathered the trifling store of ammunition and arms 
which they could raise to defend their soil. Gage resolved to seize and 
destroy the magazine. Eight hundred picked men, grenadiers and light 
infantry, were sent out stealthily from Boston, but their movements 
were watched. General Warren had already sent off one messenger to 
Lexington. Paul Revere, the other, rowed over Charles River, and 
'stood by his horse watching the steeple of the Old South. There a 
'friend stood, watching the movements of the troops, ready to show one 
light if they were to move by land, two if by water. Suddenly the signal 
flashed out — a single light. Revei-e read its meaning at a glance, and rode 
on hard and fast. Two British officers attempted to intercept him, but 
he led them into a mire, and dashed on over the flinty road. His voice 
rang out at every house, the minute-men were roused, the whole line 
of country, through which the British hoped to steal like thieves in the 
night, was on the alert. The ringing of bells and the firing of gnns^ 
told the troops that all their precautions were wasted. The alarm was 
spreading wide and f:ist. It was to be no holiday excursion. 

The people, roused hj Revere, everywhere turned out an«l removed 



41 1) THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the stores and ammunition, in small qoaiitities, to hiding-places in 
woods and thickets. At Lexington, on the village green, the militia of 
the place were drawn up, and John Parlver, captain of the beat, 
ordei'cd his hundred and twenty men to load with ball, but not to fire 
till the enemy commenced hostilities. 

As Colonel Smith, the English commander, advanced, he felt that his 
task was one of difficulty. Sending on Major Pitcairn of the marines, 
to secure the bridges over Concord River, he sent back a hurried mes- 
sage to General Gage for reinforcements. • 

Captain Parker dismissed his men, as the enemy did not appear. 
An escaped prisoner at last announced the approach of the enemy. 
At the roll of the drum seventy men asseinbled on the green, not half 
of them armed. Leading thirty-eight armed men to the north end of 
the green he formed them, just as Pitcairn came up on that bright 
Spring morning, April 19th, 1775. 

Brandishing his sword, the British officer advanced and shouted 
with an oath : " Lny down your arms, you rebels, or you are all dead 
men ; " but as the patriots did not flinch he gave the word to fire. A 
rattle of musketry followed ; Parker, seeing it useless to attempt to 
resist, ordered his men to disperse. In their retreat a second volley 
killed and wounded several. 

Colonel Smith came up as the life-blood of these patriots dyed the 
green turf and cried to Heaven for vengeance. 

He pushed on with his whole force to Concord, where the militia, 
seeing his numbers, relii'cd. Smith cut down the Liberty-pole, and 
began to destroy the flour, cannon, and such other stores as they could 
find. 

While they were scattered in this work, the Massachusetts minute- 



OR, oxjR coujs^tky's achievements. 417 

men and militia were gathering around them. When these were in 
sufficient force, Colonel Barrett formed them and marched upon Con- 
Cord bridge, Major Buttrick in the van. The English posted at the 
bridge opened fire; several of the Americans fell, but a volley from 
the whole of Buttrick's line cut up the English, three lieutenants 
being seen to fall. The English fell back till the grenadiers came up 
to their support. Colonel Smith wag now alarmed. He had not accom- 
plished his work, and if he attempted to remain would probably soon be 
a prisoner with his whole command. He collected his scattered parties 
and prepared for a hasty retreat. About noon he moved out of Con- 
cord ; but though he had entered it without opposition, he now found 
the hills through which his road ran, held by excited patriots. A 
constant rattle of musketry told on his line. Many were shot down, 
others gave out exhausted, the rest hurried on, panic-stricken. Just 
as they were reaching Lexington, Captain Parker's company poured 
in a volley with hearty good-will. At Lexington, which he entered 
after two hoars' fight. Smith, to his great joy, met Lord Percy at 
the head of a thousand men, with two field-pieces, sent to his rescue. 
The fresh troops opened to receive in their centre the remnant of 
Smith's command, who were utterly exhausted. 

Then the retreat was resumed ; but the Americans, now organized 
under General Heath, with troops constantly pouring in, hung on 
their rear, galling them by a rapid and deadlj^ fire. At Bunker's 
Hill Percy formed* his men into line and awaited an attack ; but 
General Heath did not deem it wise. He posted his guard, and held 
the Neck with his little army. 

The boasting British troops had become a defeated fugitive force, 
cooped up in the city, with an nctiial army at its very doors. 



418 THE (STORV OF A GREAT NATION; 

Such was the battle of Lexington, the lirst in the Eevobitionary 
War, for war bad now begun in earnest ; there was no way but to tight 
it out. The American loss in this series of skirmishes was eighty-hve 
killed, wounded, and missing. On the English side, Colonel Smith, 
Captain Lawrence, and sixty-four men were killed, one hundred and 
seventy-eight wounded, and twenty-six missing. 

The night preceding the outrage at Lexington, there were not fifty 
people in the whole colon}' that ever expected any blood would be 
shed : tlie night following, the King's governor and the King's army 
found themselves closely beleaguered in Boston. 

All was changed. Boston was the central point to which the citizen 
soldiery hastened from all parts of New England. Veterans of the 
old French war led on their townsmen. Stark, from New Hampshire, 
was on the march ten minutes after the news came in ; Putnam, of 
Connecticut, though a man of sixty, hastened from his field to the 
camp. , 

The Massachusetts Provincial Congress, while sending to England 
proof that the troops were the aggressors, issued paper money, seized 
forts and arsenals, raised troops, and organized the army. 

Boston was besieged b}' a force of twenty thousand men, who form- 
ed a line of encampment from Roxbury to the Mystic River. Of this 
army Artemas Ward was appointed Captain General, and he proceed- 
ed at once to organize and prepare it for active service. 

Canada was always, in the eyes of the colonists, a point of danger, 
and Benedict Arnold proposed to the Massachusetts and Connecticut 
governments an expedition against it. Before he could gather a 
force for the purpose, the hardy men of Vermont were in the field for 
the same object, under Ethan Allen. Arnold joined them, and finding 



OR, ouu country's achievements. 419 

them unwilling to recognize his authoi-ity, acted as a volunteer. They 
reached the lake, but for want of boats could transport over its placid 
waters only eighty-three of their men. These fornied silently in the 
shadow of the fort, just as day was beginning to break, and, led by 
Allen and Arnold, pushed boldly up the height to the sally-port. The 
sentinel on duty, startled as if men had come up out of the lake, snap- 
ped his musket at the advancing force ; but as it missed fire, he re- 
treated through a covered way. On pushed the Americans close 
upon him, and disarmed another sentinel, after he had wounded one of 
the officers. Reaching the parade they formed in two lines, facing 
the barracks on both sides, and gave three huzzas. The garrison, 
startled from their beds, rushed to the parade, and were at once seized. 
Allen and Arnold were alread}- at the quarters of Captain Delaplaine, 
the commander of the fort, demanding his surrender. The astonished 
British officer, with his clothes in his hand, asked Allen, in his bewil- 
derment, by what authority he demanded a surrender. " In the name 
of the Gi-reat Jehovah and the Continental Congress," replied Allen. 
Delaplaine, half dressed, with his frightened wife looking over his 
shoulder, surrendered. May 9th, 1775. The whole garrison became 
prisoners of war, but what was of more importance, this exploit gave 
America nearly two hundred cannon, and a large quantity of military 
stores of the utmost value to them. 

The next day Colonel Seth Warner took possession of Crown Point, 
which contained more ihaii a hundred pieces of artillery. 

Arnold's troops hp/^ z^w come up, and capturing a small schooner 
he sailed down the lake, and took Fort Rt. Johu, with the King's 
slooj) of war, George III., and a number of batteaux. With part ot 
the stores thus obtained he returned to Fort Ticonderoga. 



420 THK STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

A few uiiclisi;iplmed men had thus, iu ii :noinent, captured the forts 
which the French had so long held against all the power of England. 
The effect was tremendous. It roused enthusiasm, gave the Americans 
war-material, and prevented English operations against New York. 

On the day after the surrender of Ticonderoga, the Continental 
Congress met at Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph was chosen Presi- 
dent, and for Secretary they elected Charles Thomson, who held the 
important office during the whole period of the Revolution. As Ran- 
dolph's presence was necessary in Virginia, John Hancock, of Massa- 
chusetts, a merchant who had been prominent from the first on the 
side of Liberty, was chosen President. 

All felt that the time for conciliation was past, yet once more ad- 
dresses were framed. It was the last effort ; a justification, as it were, 
of what they were now to do as a government. 

Congress voted to put the colonies in a state of defense ; it ordered 
the enlistment of troops, the erection of forts, the purchase of arms, 
ammunition, and supplies. To meet this, it authorized the issue of 
paper money to the amount of three millions of dollars, inscribed 
" The United Colonies." Ma.ssachusetts had already called upon Con- 
gress to assume direction over the forces before Boston, and the Con- 
tinental Congress, as the national government, did not only this, but 
proceeded to select a commander-in-chief of the armies. From the 
outset George Washington, of Virginia, seemed most acceptable. He 
was nominated June 15th, and unanimously chosen. Never had 
choice been wiser. 

The next day Washington returned thanks for the signal honor 
conferred upon him, and begged to decline receiving any pay for his 
services. All he asked was the payment of his expenses, and of these 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 421 

he kept a strict account. Four Major Generals were chosen, Arte- 
.mas Ward, Israel Putnam, Philip Schuyler, and Charles Lee, while 
Seth Poraero}', Eichard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, 
Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Nathaniel Greene, 
were chosen Brigadier Generals. 

Washington hastened his preparations, and, on the 21st of June, 
left Philadelphia to take command of the array in the field. 

An important battle had already been fought. Gage, shut up in 
Boston and unable to obtain any supplies from the country, resolved 
to occupy some of the hills around. The Americans, equally vigilant, 
resolved to defeat any such attempt. As the first rays of the morning 
lit up the bay and the adjacent shores, a sentr}-, pacing the deck of the 
Lively man-of-war, saw on Breed's Hill the lines of a redoubt, which 
had sprung up like magic in the night ; while sturdy men were still 
plying pick and shovel, extending and strengthening these threatening 
works. The ship was at once all excitement, and the captain, sending 
a boat ashore to General Gage, opened fire. 

This work had been thrown up by a small bod}' of troops under 
Colonel Prescott, the veteran Gridley acting as engineer. It was 
now held by Prescott's regiment and a Connecticut detachment under 
Captain Knowlton, some of the force having alread}' withdrawn. As 
the sun rose, every spot in the city from which the hill could be seen, 
was filled with eager spectators. From Copp's Hill and from the men- 
of-war came the occasional puffs of smoke and thunder of cannon, but 
there was no answer from the hill, where the work went steadily on. 
Then the English ships and batteries clustered together, and down 
through the streets of Boston to the Long Wharf, went, with steady 
tramp and all the glitter of burnished arms and regular equipments, 



422 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

two regiments of British troops, with grenadiers and light infantry 
leading the line ; similar bodies were moving down to the Buttery and 
North Battery. 

Tiiey are at last all at the water's edge ; the barges are filled, Gene- 
rals Howe and Pigot, with their brilliant staffs, at the head. Now from 
the Livel}', and the Somerset, and Falcon, there rained on the hill a 
perfect hurricane of balls and shells ; while floating batteries, and a 
transport with a man-of-war, commanded the Neck, ready to open tire. 

Amid the din and roar of this artiller}-, the troops laud on the 
east side of the peninsula, near the mouth of the Mystic. Prescott 
whose tall and manly form had been seen from the city on the 
breastwork during the hottest fire, understands the plan. His di- 
minished force, his imperfect works, make a defense of the hill hope- 
less ; to his J03', the English halt at the first rising ground, and begin 
to eat. His men have no food but what is in their knapsacks. The 
barges move back to Boston. Howe asks more troops. Prescott throws 
Gridle}', witli his few field-pieces and Knowlton's men, towards the 
enemy, with no defense but a fence, part of rails, and part of stone. 
A cheer tells his brave few that aid is at hand. Though General 
Ward thinks it only a feint. Colonel John Stark comes marching to the 
spot, with part of two regiments from his State. Where his practiced 
ej'e sees the greatest need, he draws up his men. Pomero}' and War- 
ren came as volunteers ; Putnam was there too. Thus stood the brave 
fifteen hundred. Howe sees Pitcairn land with fresh troops, and or- 
ders the Copp's Hill battery to fire on Charlestown. The shells soon set 
it in a blaze, and the Somerset, ere long to lie a wreck on Cape Cod, 
sends men to complete its destruction. The large and noble town is in. 
one huge blaze, the steeples towering as great pyramids of fire- 



OR, OUll COUXTUY 3 ACHIEVEMENTS. 



It is half-past two. The British line is all activity. Howe addresses 
his men. The ships and batteries keep up a tremendous cannonade, and 
up the hill-side, through the long grass, in the bright sunlight, niuve 
the three thousand veterans of England. Howe pushes toward the rail 
fence, Pigot moves on the breastwork. There all is silent. The enemy- 
are within eight rods, when Prescott gives the word. A deadly volley 
bursts on the English line ; every shot was aimed and told ; nearly the 
whole front rank is down. For several minutes the irregular but dead- 
ly fire poured upon them. They break in dismaj', and the splendid 
line rolls in disordered masses down the hill ; some to rush to the 
boats, others to halt at the word of command. 

Howe fares no better. From the rail fence comes a fire that sweeps 
whole ranks before it. The King's troops recoil, and down, down the 
slope they reel in confusion. 

The British officers prepare for another assault. More cautiously, 
the two bodies mount the deadly slopes. Again the silence is broken 
by a musket-fire as fatal as before ; but, nerved to it, the regulars press 
on till luimrai nature can stand no more. Howe, almost alone, reaches 
the fence, with companies cut down to nine or ten men, and scarcely 
an ofBcer by him. Again the British retreat ; Clinton hurries over 
from Copp's Hill ; Howe plants his cannon to rake the breastwork, 
and again a charge is made. 

Within the American lines the exhausted heroes stand ; weary, 
spent with hunger, toil, and fighting, many with not a grain of powder 
left. The breastwork is abandoned. A stand is made at the redoubt. 
A deadly volley from it staggers the English line, but it moves on with 
fixed bayonets. Pitcairn falls as he enters the redoubt, which is now 
scaled on all sides, the Americans contesting the ground with the butt- 



424 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION*, 

ends of their muskets, and even with stones. Prescottat last gives the or- 
der to retreat, and the little band, sadly thinned, cut their way through. 
Knowlton and Stark then follow. A fiery ordeal is before them. Bunk- 
er's Hill and Charlestovvn Neck are swept by the enemy's cannon, and 
as they hurry over the Neck the loss is deadly, worse than in the fight. 
But at last they are in the camp, and throw themselves down to rest. 

England has won one little hill on American soil, at the cost of over 
a thousand killed and wounded — more than double the loss of the 
Americans. But the patriots mourned the death of General Warren, 
the head of the Provincial Government of Massachusetts, a man of 
energy, eloquence, and power. 

Joseph Warren, whose name long stood next to that of Washington 
in the affections of America, was born at Roxbury in 1740, the son of 
a farmer, who died when Joseph was only fifteen. After graduating 
at Harvard, young Warren studied medicine and soon attained emi- 
nence. He was one of the earliest Sous of Liberty, and was one of 
the real leaders of the popular movement. He was President of the 
Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, and, four days before his death, 
was appointed Major General, although he never assumed any com- 
mand. He was shot in the head just as he was leaving the trenches, 
and was buried on the field by the enemy. 

Colonel William Prescott, the almost unnoticed hero of Bunker's 
Hill, was born in Groton in 1726, his father and grandfather having 
been members of the Council of Massachusetts. He served against 
Louisburg, and won the battle of Bunker's Hill. At a later date, he 
held General Howe in check for six days, at Throgg's Neck. His 
merit was overlooked, however, and he soon after retired to private 
life. 



OR, OUR country's ACIIIEVEMEiSrTS. 425 

On the 3d of July, Washington, who had hastened forward, reached 
the forces and took command of the Continental Army. His first care 
was to organize and discipline it for actual service. It was posted on 
the heights around Boston, forming a line from Roxburj' on the right, 
to the Mystic River on the left, a distance of twelve miles. 

Gage held Boston, Bunker's Hill, and Charlestown Neck, with a fine 
army of eleven thousand men : but the city, cut ofi" from all supplies 
from the countrj- in midsummer, was very unhealthy. 

Neither party for a time made any movement, Washington from 
want of powder and a wish to organize his array, G-age from inability 
to see where he could strike an effective blow. 

Congress, which had now received delegates from Georgia, was try- 
ing to win the Canadians and Indians, and, but for the old religious 
animosity in the colonies to the faith of the Canadians, would have 
gained them. The Johnson famil}', who possessed great power with the 
Six Nations, induced that powerful body to take up the hatchet for the 
English. 

Franklin, who had labored so earnestly in England for the colonies, 
now returned and became Postmaster General, aiding by his counsels 
the patriotic movement. 

Canada was now, as in early days, a source of anxiety. The colonists 
had never felt safe while it was in the hands of France, so now 
they could not feel eas}' while it remained under the power of 
Great Britain. The liberties given by England to the French Cana- 
dians had excited the complaints of the older colonies, yet now they 
wished to win these Canadians. An address was prepared, offering 
them the same privileges they enjoyed, but this was too late ; too much 
hostility had been shown to them, to induce the Canadians as a body 



426 THE STORY OF A GRKAT NATION ; 

to join the American cause, although numbers actually took part with 
it. Congress therefore determined, as the lirst great movement of ihe 
war, to seize Canada. Two expeditions were prepared ; one, under 
Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, was to move down Lake Cham- 
plain ; the other could not go by sea as in colonial days, for America 
■had no fleet to cope with the English navy. The expedition was there- 
fore sent through the wilderness of Maine. 

Schuyler falling sick, G-eneral Montgomery, with about two thousand 
men from New York and New England, laid siege to Fort St. John, the 
ftrst British post in Canada. Fort Chambly was taken and some 
slight advantages gained, though Sir Gruy Carleton, the British cora- 
raauder, captured Colonel Ethan Allen and a small party which was 
'boldly advancing on Montreal. 

Carleton raised a force to relieve Fort St. John, but Montgomery held 
the Sorel River, and the British commander, finding the defense hope- 
less, fled from Montreal. Major Preston, commander of Fort St. John, 
on hearing that no relief could be expected from Carleton, surrendered. 
The British general fled down the St. Lawrence, but his party was 
stopped by an American force, and though Carleton managed to escape 
in the disguise of a Canadian habitant, the rest of his party surren- 
dered. 

Montgomery occupied Montreal, but his army was thinned by deser- 
tion. He could not, however, hesitate. His only course was to push 
on to Quebec, with a force of only three hundred men, hoping there to 
be joined by the force with which General Arnold was to march through 
the woods of Maine. That energetic commander took the field about the 
middle of September, and with an endurance and hardihood almost 
unparalleled in history, pushed on through every obstacle. By boats, 



OR, ouii countey's achievements. 427 

"where possible ; crossing nolessllian seventeen portages at the frequent 
rapids ; marching through almost unbroken forest, Ai'nold pushed bravely 
on. Enos, his second in command, deserted him with part of the force, 
liut the diminished party, enfeebled by sickness, with scanty food and 
little ammunition, kept on to attack the most powerful citadel in North 
America. 

Though winter was fast closing around them, they went barefooted 
for days together, exposed frequently by day and night to drenching 
storms. Many sank down stiflening in cold and death. They ran out of 
provisions, and were kept from absolute starvation by eating their dogs, 
gnawing their leather shoes and belts. Yet, on the 8th of November, 1775, 
they reached Point Levi, and crossing at Wolfe's Cove, climbed to the 
Plains of Abraham. The little army, drawn up to attack that city of Que- 
bec and its garrison of eighteen hundred men, was only some five hundred 
•eifective men. A flag sent to summon the city was fired upon, and Arnold 
had no alternative but to await the coming of Montgomery, to whom he 
sent dispatches. On the 1st day of December, in the midst of the bitter 
winter weather, the two little armies met. Through driving snow- 
storms, they marched on Quebec, and began the siege, rearing batteries 
■of snow and ice. But their guns made no impression on the stout 
walls. At last it was determined to storm the lower town. 

On the last day of the year, in the thick gloom of the early morn- 
ing, while the snow was falling fast and drifting heavily, Montgomery, 
at the head of his New York troops, pushed on along the shore from 
Wolfe's Cove. Under Cape Diamond stood the first obstacle, a lilock- 
house commanded by Captain Barnsfare, with a few sailors and militia. 
A palisade checked Montgomery's approach. This removed, the gal- 
lant general led his men to the assault, when a volley of grape-shot 



428 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

swept the pass. Montgomery fell dead, aud his aides-de-camp were 
cut dowu, with many of his men. The rest retreated. 

Arnold, on the other side, in assaulting the first barrier, was badly 
wounded, but Morgan, taking command, led his men on. At the second 
barrier a desperate fight ensued, but American valor triumphed. They 
did not long enjoy the advantage, for Carleton, relieved by the repulse 
of Montgomery, sent a force to take Morgan in the rear, and his whole 
force of four hundred and twenty-six men were compelled to sur- 
render. 

Arnold drew off the remains of the two forces, and for a time kept 
up a blockade of the river, but after a while, the urgent necessities of 
the States made it impossible to send any force to Canada, and the 
army fell back in a wretched condition to Crown Point. 

Montgomery, the hero of the campaign, a noble-hearted Irish gentle- 
man, was greatly regretted by the Americans, and even the enemy re- 
spected him. He was honorably buried by General Carleton, but in 
1818, his remains were removed to New York city, where those who 
stop a moment in their busy walk along Broadway, may see his monu- 
ment in the front wall of St. Paul's Church. 

During the operations against Canada, Washington had held the Brit- 
ish force in Boston, unable to take offensive measures for want of pow- 
der, aud the coming and going of his troops. 

American cruisers captured supplies intended for Boston, but the 
English fleet bombarded Falmouth, now Portland, Maine, reducing to 
ashes that fine town, with its four hundred houses and stores. New- 
port, and indeed every seaport, was threatened with a similar fate. 

Some people in America still had hopes that England would now re- 
lent and prefer giving the colonies their just rights to embarking in 



OR, OUR COUJJTRY's ACIirEVEMENTS. 429 

a long, and perhaps disastrous war. Little did they know the stubborn 
character of George 111., or ihe men around him. The Parliament at 
its next session dissipated all such hopes. They resolved to send 
twenty-five thousand men to crush America. As England then could 
not well raise so large a force, they determined to hire them on the Con- 
tinent. Eussia had just been at war with Turkey, and it was jjroposed 
to hire her brutal soldiery, but the British Government finally concluded 
a bargain with the Grand Duke of Hesse Cassel, hiring nearly eighteeu 
thousand men, at exorbitant rates. Though gathered from all parta 
these men were in America always called Hessians. 

By a refined cruelty, a law was passed for seizing all American 
ships at sea, confiscating the cargoes, and forcing all on board to serve 
in the British navy. 

In the colonies, English rule was virtually at an end. Lord Dun- 
more, Governor of Virginia, was a fugitive on board a man-of-war 
plundering and destroying the colony. Norfolk felt the full force ot 
his wrath, and was utterly laid in ruins. 

Governor Wright, of Georgia, was also a fugitive on an English ship, 
as was Governor Tryon of New York. That colony abounded, how. 
ever in adherents to the British cause, who were now called Tories. 
The Johnsons, with the Highlanders settled in the Mohawk Valley, and 
the Six Nations were all on the English side, and soon openly took the 
field to co-operate with the British forces in Canada. Sir John Johnson 
raised two battalions of Royal Greens, and Brant, the famous Mohawk 
chief, rallied his savage braves to destroy his old white friends and 
neighbors. 

Early in 1776, Washington resolved to occupy Dorchester Heights, 
and force Howe to evacuate Boston. On the night of the 4th of March, 



430 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

a furious cannonade was kept up. Bombs fell into all parts of the city, 
aud the British garrison were liept busy in extinguishing the flames. 
When day dawned, the English, to their dismay, found Dorchester 
Heights crowned by two forts, sufficiently advanced to shelter those 
within from musketry. 

The Euglish admiral scanned them, and declared that if the Ameri- 
cans were not dislodged he could no longer remain in the harbor with- 
out risking his whole fleet. 

Howe saw no alternative but to attack the works. His recollection of 
Bunker Hill did not make him sanguine of success, yet he nerved him- 
self to it. But a furious wind sprang up, and Lord Percy, who was to 
land on the flats near the Point, could not embark. Violent storms set 
in, which prevented Howe's operations, thougli they did not i)revenl 
Washington from strengthening his new works. Colonel ]\Iiillin pre- 
pared a new weapon — hogsheads of sand and stones to roll down on the 
eneni}', so as to break and disorder his lines in charg;ing up the hill. 

Howe was in a terrible dilemma. He had not transports enough ti 
carry off his troops at once. If he embarked only a part the rest 
would be captured, so he resorted to threats of destroying the city if 
he were not allowed to retire peaceably. Washington, to save Boston, 
remained a quiet spectator of the retreat of the English. The city pre- 
sented a melancholy sight. All was havoc and confusion, for the sol- 
diery, in spite of orders, committed a great deal of ravage. Nor was 
it only the army that departed. Fifteen hundred Tories, with fheii 
families, and such valuables as they could carry, had no choice but to 
follow the soldiers of the crown whose cause they had espoused. Thus, 
the city was full of disorder, grief, and misery. At last, on the 17th 
of March, all were on board. 



OR, OUR COUNTItY'S ACHIEVEMENTS. 431 

The rear guard was scarcel}- out of (lie L-ity, when General Wasliing- 
tou entered with colors displayed, drums beating, and every mark of 
victory and triumph, amid the shouts and cheers of the patriotic citi- 
zens, who had so long heroically suffered the grinding tyranny of a 
foreign array, the most hateful scourge of a free people. 

Artillery, ammunition, and horses, were left by the English, and 
soon after British ves.sels, ignorant of the fall of the city, entered and 
were captured, giving many soldiers as prisoners, and, the best prize 
of all, fifteen hundred barrels of powder. 

America was filled with exultation at this long desired result. She 
was free from the hated British troops. Nowhere in the thirteen colo- 
nies had the array of England a foot-hold. Congress caused a fine 
medal to be struck. It bears on one side a fine head of Washington, 
with the inscription, Georgio Washington. Supremo Dvci Exerci- 
TVVM, Adsertori Libertatis, Comitia Americana. — The American 
Congress to George Washington, Comraander-in-chief of the Forces, 
Assertor of Liberty. The other side represented Washington and his 
staff" on the heights overlooking the city and harbor of Boston. Be- 
low, troops are marching into the citj-, others marching out, or in 
boats, seeking the English fleet. The inscription is, Hostibtjs Primo 
FuGATis. — The enemy for the first time put to flight. Bostonium Re- 
cuperatum, XVII. Martii, MDCCLXXVI. — Boston recovered, March 
17. 1776. 

Washington was not, however, one to be deluded by false hopes. 
New York, with its strong Tory element, would welcome the British 
forces in spite of the devoted Sons of Liberty, and the English Govcrn- 
ment would make a stromr eff"ort to take and hold the city, which, by 
the Hudson River, commanded comraunication with Canada. 



/ 



432 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Washington had scarcely entered Boston, before he despatched the 
main l)0(ly of his army to New York, leaving General Ward to fortify 
Boston, which the English might attempt to molest, but would not at- 
tempt to occupy again. 

Though the evacuation of Boston left no organized British force on 
American soil, there were many sympatliizers with the English Govern- 
ment, who were ready to take up arms. 

The Highlanders of North Carolina were the first to take the field. 
Early in 1776 a large force assembled under Donald McDonald, whom 
Martin, the Royal Governor of the colony, had appointed a Brigadier 
General. He raised his standard at Cross Creek, now Fayetteville, 
and prepared to overrun the State. An English fleet was expected,, 
and it was confidently hoped that all opposition would be crushed. 

General James Moore, a true patriot and splendid officer, resolved 
to defeat this well-laid plan. By one stratagem and another, he held 
McDonald in inaction till he had assembled the militia. With these 
he occupied important points, so as to weave a complete web 
around McDonald. 

Moore Creek Bridge was the only point where the Tory saw any pros- 
pect of breaking through Moore's line. Upon this his force marched on 
the 27th of February, commanded by Captain Macleod. The bagpipes 
played the tunes that had so long cheered on the Scotch rushing to 
battle, and they counted on an easy victory over the Americans. 
They came down in gallant stj'le to the bridge, beyond which Colo- 
nel Lillington and Caswell had thrown up an intrenchraent after re- 
moving most of the planking of the bridge. 

In spite of this the Highlanders attempted to cross on the timbers, 
but, under the deadly fire of the Americans. Captains Macleod and 



OR, oun country's achievements. 438 

Campbell were cut down, and the whole force thrown into confusion. 
They retreated with the loss of thirty killed and wounded : but there 
was no escape. The North Carolina minute-men closed around them ; 
McDonald and eight hundred and fifty of his men were taken prisoners, 
disarmed, and discharged, while all their fine war material and fifteen 
thousand pounds sterling, in gold, fell into the hands of the patriots. 

A few days before, the Cove of Cork was a scene of activity. A 
fleet had gathered there to take on board nearly seven full regiments 
of well-drilled troops, under command of Lord Cornwallis. The fleet was 
commanded by an able Admiral, Sir Peter Parker, and it was intend- 
ed by this display of force to crush the patriots of the Southern States. 
When, in May, the fleet appeared off Cape Fear, and heard of the 
disastrous defeat of McDonald, General Clinton issued a proclamation 
urging the people to return to their duty ; but it was too late. 

Congress, at Philadelphia, after a consultation with G-eneral Wash- 
ington, had proceeded to vigorous measures. The colonies were urged 
to stop all acts in the King's name, and to organize suitable govern- 
ments by their own authority. Rigorous measures were also adopted 
in regard to Tories, who were to be compelled to declare their senti- 
ments openly and depart, or submit to the new government and re- 
main. 

The advice had been generally followed, and all signs of British 
power ceased. 

Anxious to strike a blow in the South before proceeding to New 
York, where they were to join General Howe, Clinton resolved to at- 
tack Charleston. 

On the 1st of June intelligence reached that city of the approach of 
the British naval and military force. Preparations were at once made 



43-i THE tSTOKY OF A GREAT NATIOTST ; 

to defend the city. North Carolina had just crushed the first armed 
effort of British sympathizers ; South Carolina was now to meet the 
first attack of England's veteran array and navy. The President of 
the Convention issued orders which were heartily carried out, and 
General Charles Lee, sent South for the defense of Charleston and 
the Southern department, gave order and system to the whole defense. 
On Sullivan's island a little fort of palmetto logs was thrown up to 
hold the channel. On one bastion floated the Union flag, on the other 
the crescent flag of South Carolina. Its little garrison was composed 
of some three hundred and fifty men, of the Second South Carolina reg- 
iment, and a company of artillery, all commanded by Colonel William 
Moultrie, who had done good service in Indian wars. Without the 
fort lay another little force under Colonel Thompson. 

The splendid spectacle of an English fleet coming into action was 
soon presented to their eyes, as vessel after vessel came up and took 
position, while, from the transports, troops were landed on Long Isl- 
and, which was separated from that occupied by the Americans only by 
a passage generally fordable. The thunders of cannon and mortar 
soon rang out, as a tremendous fire opened on the fort, but though 
shells came bursting within, the cannon balls sank harmlessly into the 
soft palmetto logs. Then the Sphynx, Acteon, and Syren, were or- 
dered to run up between the island and the city. They ran on a shoal. 
Two got off, indeed, but the Acteon stuck fast, and finding it impossible 
to get off, or endure the fire of the fort, her officers ■ and crew abandon- 
ed her the next day, after setting her on fire. She did not blow up, 
however, before the bold garrison sent off a detachment which secured 
much valuable property from her, and fired some of her guns on the 
EiiglLsh admiral's ship. 



OR, OUR country's ACIIIEVEMEXTS. 435 

So fierce a fire did tliey return to the fieet, that their ammunition 
was nearly exhausted, when General Lee managed to send them a iresh 
supply. Then the firing on both sides was renewed, and kept up till 
nearly ten o'clock ; the English troops that' landed on Long Island had 
been mere spectators of the scene, unable to cross the deep passage to 
Sullivan's Island. 

The English fleet slipped its cables, and quietly dropped down, leav- 
ing the Americans victorious. 

In this glorious defense of Fort Moultrie, Sergeant Jasper made his 
name immortal. The South Carolina flag, riddled by the British fire, 
was at last shot away, and fell outside the works. Jasper jumped over 
amid the hottest fire, and securing the crescent flag of his State, coolly 
fastened it to a sponge-staff, and leisurely planted it in its old position. 

The next day, Sir Peter Parker, considering the damage done hia 
vessels, which were riddled by balls, with masts disabled and shot away, 
and rigging cut to pieces, and a large number of his officers and men 
killed and wounded, thought it his wisest coarse to give up the attempt. 

The great question now engaging the public mind in America was 
their future government ; the authority of England had been finally set 
aside ; no longer were laws enacted or courts held in the name of 
George III., yet they had established no new government that other 
nations could recognize. Independence was now the cry of the patri- 
ots. They felt that they must announce to the world that they were 
an independent people, with a government of their own choice. In 
April, North Carolina instructed her delegates in Congress to concur 
with those of the other States in a declaration of Independence. The 
next month, the Virginia Convention instructed her delegates to pro- 
pose the great measure. Massachusetts, by a formal election, direct- 



43(-) THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION; 

ed her delegates to vote for it : Rhode Island did the same. With 
all this authority in favor of the step, the wise statesmen of the 
Continental Congress did not move hastil}-. At last, on the 7th of 
June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of A'irgiuia, introduced a resolution 
declaring that the United Colonics are and ought to be free and inde- 
pendent States ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the Brit- 
ish crown, and that all political connection between them and the state 
of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved. 

All the members of that noble body were not yet prepared for this 
decisive step. Some still clung to hopes of reconciliation, and the ties 
which bound them to the country of their forefathers. The delegates 
of Pennsylvania and Maryland received formal instructions to oppose 
independence. A long and earnest debate followed. Lee, with John 
Adams, argued most eloquently in favor of independence, while Dick- 
inson, a pure patriot, whose Farmer's Letters had stirred every Ameri- 
can heart, spoke earnestly against it. 

The resolution was finally postponed to the 1st day of July, and 
a committee appointed to prepare a Declaration of Independence. 
This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin 
Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. 

Meanwhile, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New Jersejanstructed 
their delegates to vote for the great measure ; Maryland finally adopted 
the same course. 

On the 1st of July, the resolution was adopted by Congress, all the 
colonies voting for it except Delaware and Pennsylvania. 

The committee submitted the Declaration of Independence drawn 
up by Jefferson. It was discussed, and, with some amendments, was 
passed on the 4th of July, 1776, at two o'clock in the afternoon. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEJIEJfTS, 437 

All day long, Philadelphia had been in a state of wild excitement, 
and a dense crowd had stood around Carpenters' Hall awaiting the re- 
sult of the deliberations. All day long, a man had stood l)eside the bell 
in the steeple — the old bell, still preserved with its inscription, as 
if placed there by Providence. A boy stood below to tell him when 
to ring, but the hours went by, and the old man doubted. At last 
a shout told the result, and the boy, clapping his hands, cried 
out: "Ring! ring!" and the old bell rang out the birth of a 
nation. 

Copies, which had been printed, were posted up, and crowds gathered 
to read them, while from the steps of the old hall John Nixon, in his 
stentorian voice, read it aloud, amid the cheers and plaudits of the 
people. 

The night was lighted up by bonfires and illuminations, while the 
thunder of cannon rang out, and the quiet city of William Penn was 
wild with such an excitement as had never before been witnessed in its 
staid streets. 

V That day the Declaration was signed by John Hancock, President of 
the Continental Congress ; but it was ordered to be engrossed, or care- 
fully copied out, and signed by all the members. Every member ex- 
cept Dickinson affixed his name. Some, not present on that day, 
signed it subsequently, the last being Matthew Thornton of New 
Harap,shire, who, in November, closed the list of signers, numbering in 
all fiftv-six. 

This great paper, the Magna Charta of America, should be known 
by every child of the republic, committed to memory in early youth, 
that its principles and spirit may guide him through life, teaching him 
to lore liberty, *nd respect the liberty of others. 



438 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

A DECLARATION OF THL] KKl'UEriKNTATlVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN 

CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. 

Whea, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one 
peojole to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with 
another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate 
and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God 
entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that 
they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all men are created 
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable 
rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 
That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, de- 
riving their just powers from the consent of the governed ; that when- 
ever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is 
the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new 
government, laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing 
its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect 
their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that gov- 
ernments long established should not be changed for light and tran- 
sient causes ; and, accordingly, all experience hath shown, that man- 
kind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufiferable, than to 
right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably 
the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute des- 
potism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, 
and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been 
the patient sufferance of these colonies, and such is now the necessity 
which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. 



.V, ..r..^,..„^.x^o 439 



OB, OUR COUNTRY ri ACHIEVEMENTS. 

The historj' of the present King of Great Britain is a history of re- 
peated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the estab- 
lishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let 
facts be submitted to a candid world. 

He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary 
for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and press- 
ing importance, unless suspended in their operations till his assent 
should be obtained ; and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected 
to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large 
districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of 
representation in the Legislature — a right inestimable to them, and 
formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncom- 
fortable, and distant from the repository of their public records, for 
the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, 
with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause 
others to be elected, whereby the legislative powers, incapable of anni- 
hilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise ; the 
State remaining, in the mean time, exposed to all the dangers of inva- 
.sions from without, and convulsions within. 

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these Staces ; for 
that purpose obstructing the laws for the naturalization of foreigners ; 
refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and rais- 
ing the conditions of new appropriations of lands. 



440 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

He has obstructed the admhiistratiou ol justice, b\- refusing his as- 
eeut to laws for establishing judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of 
their offices, and the amount and paj'ment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms 
of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. 

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without 
the consent of our Legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior 
to the civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign 
to our constitutions, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving assent 
to their acts of pretended legislation : 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us ; 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any mur- 
ders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States ; 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world ; 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent; 

For depriving us, in man_y cases, of the benefits of trial by jury ; 

For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pretended offenses ; 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring 
province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging 
its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instru- 
ment for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies ; 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, 
and altering, fundamentally, the forms of our governments ; 

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves in- 
vested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 441 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his pro- 
tection, and waging war against us. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, 
and destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries, 
to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny already be- 
gun, with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in 
the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized 
nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high 
seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners 
of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrection among us, and has endeavor- 
ed to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian 
savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruC': 
tion of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress 
in the most humble terms ; our repeated petitions have been answered 
only by repeated injury. A prince whose character is thus marked by 
every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free 
people. 

Nor have we been wanting in our attentions to our British brethren. 
"We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legis- 
lature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have re- 
minded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement 
here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and 
we hnve conjured them, by the ties of our common kindred, to disa- 
vow these u^nrpntions, which would inevitably interrupt our connec- 



442 THE STOKT OF A GKIOAT NATION; 

tions and correspondence. They, too, have been deaf to the voice of 
justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the 
necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them as we hold 
the rest of mankind — enemies in war — in peace, friends. 

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, 
in general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the 
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the au- 
thority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and de- 
clare that these united colonies are. and of rioht ouQ;ht to be, free and 
independent States ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the 
British crown, and that all political connection between them and the 
state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, 
as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, con- 
clude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other 
acts and things which independent States may of right do. And for 
the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection 
of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our 
fortunes, and our sacred honor. 

Expresses carried the Declaration from town to town. Everywhere 
it was hailed with joy. It was read in churches and public gatherings ; 
in the camp and at the fireside. 

After the evacuation of Boston by the English forces under Gen- 
eral Howe, and their departure to Halifax, Washington felt that New 
York would be attacked. After sending on a part of the army, under 
General Putnam, he followed with all his available force, and when he 
had laid his plans before Congress, began to prepare for the defense of 
that important city. Congress voted to reinforce his army with thir- 
teen thousand militia from the northern colonies, and ten thousand 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 443 

more from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. The approaches 
to the city, by the North and East Kivers, were defended by strong in- 
trenchmeuts. Sunken vessels and other obstructions were placed in 
the river, and chains placed across where practicable. Troops, under 
Generals Greene and Sullivan, were placed on Long Island to prevent 
the enemj^'s approach in that way, and the army was protected by a 
series of works thrown up around Brooklyn. 

Such was the position of affairs, when, on the 9th of July, Washing- 
ton received at Head-Quarters, No. 1 Broadway, in the city of New 
York, the Declaration of Independence. At six o'clock that evening 
it was read by his order at the head of each brigade, and was welcomed 
bj' the loud huzzas of the troops. The people, led by the Sons of 
Liberty, received it with tlie wildest enthusiasm, and they rushed down 
to tlie Bowling Green, where stood a leaden equestrian statue of 
George III., richly gilt, and still bright, for it had been erected only 
six years before. Ropes were fastened to this effigy of the monarch, 
whose reign in America had ceased, and it was soon by sturdy hands 
leveled in the dust, and hacked in pieces, to be melted up and run 
into bullets for the use of the army. 

The Declaration was read from the steps of Faneuil Hall, by Colonel 
Crafts, on tlie 17th, and at its close the immense crowd raised a loud 
hurrah, which was kept up till it was drowned in the thunders of cannon. 

At Charleston, the people gathered under the branches of a wide- 
spreading live oak, the famous Liberty Tree, afterwards cut down by 
Sir Henry Clinton, and an expedition against Florida was immediately 
planned. From North to South, there was but one sentiment, one re- 
4clve. 

Every sign of royal power, the King's arms, crowns, and emblems of 



444 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

monarchy Were at once demolished, and names were changed to bury 
them In oblivion. 

The various States then proceeded to alter their old charters, cr adopt 
new constitutions for their future government. The form of govern- 
ment in Connecticut and Rhode Island was so democratic, that it re- 
quired no change. In this work of reorganization. New Hampshire 
and New Jersey led the way, having adopted constitutions before the 
Declaration of Independence, while Massachusetts, moving slowly, did 
not complete her work until 1779. 

A great struggle was now to take place at New York. On the 29th 
of June, 1776, General Howe arrived at Sandy Hook, with ships and 
transports, bearing his army, strengthened in numbers, military stores, 
and material. The very day that New York was exulting in the Dec- 
laration of Independence, and demolishing the statue of the King, Howe 
landed nine thousand men at the Quarantine ground on Staten Island. 
They encamped on the heights, and the flag of England was raised 
again on our soil. Tories flocked to his standard from all parts. 
Those in New York city formed a plot to capture Washington, and 
give him up to General Howe. Some of Washington's guards were 
so base as to be bought up by British gold to betray their commander, 
but the ])lot was discovered, many arrested, and one of the most 
guilty hung. 

In a few days after Howe's landing on Staten Island, another fleet 
entered New York Bay. It was Lord Howe, bringing another army 
and supplies. On the transports, and on Staten Island, were now thirty 
thousand British and Hessian troops. 

On the 22d of August, four thousand men were thrown over to 
Long Island, and landed at Gravesend. The rest of the army and ar- 




INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA, WHERE THE DECLARATION OF INDEPEK- 

DENCE WAS SIGNED. 




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ABDUCTION OF JENNIE McRAE 



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HANNAH ERWIN ISRAEL SAVING THE CATTLK. ■i'age 480) 







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or., OUR couxtrt's aciiievkments. 445 

tillery soon followed, the Americans having no fleet to command the 
bay. 

The two armies were now face to face. Unfortunately, at this criti- 
cal moment. General Greene, who commanded the American lines on 
Long Island, fell sick, and he was replaced by the aged but now incom 
petent General Putnam. In spite of Washington's orders, he neglecteiyi 
to guard important passes. Clinton perceived the negligence. On the 
26th, de Heister and his Hessians pushed up to Flatbush, Cornwallia 
to Flatland. The post at Bedford, left entirely unguarded, W2,;5 seized 
and occupied by Sir Henry Clinton, during the night, while, Putnam, 
deluded by Grant, sent off General Sterling to oppose that British gen- 
eral, who was advancing from the Narrows, and Sullivan was ordered 
up to strengthen the force in front of the Hessians. 

Clinton, securing the pass, soon scattered the American forces there, 
and gained the rear of Sullivan's line. While Heister was pressing 
them hard in front, Clinton suddenly assailed their rear. Hemmed in 
between the two divisions, the Americans fought desperately, continu- 
ing the unequal contest till noon, when the survivors, seeing the strug- 
gle hopeless, surrendered. 

Lord Stirling had held Grant in check till Cornwallis approached. 
To secure his retreat he attacked Cornwallis so gallantly at Gowanus, 
that he would have effected his retreat had not de Heister appeared ; 
and Stirling, with part of his force completely surrounded, was com- 
pelled to surrender, though the remainder of his troops, with consider- 
able loss, crossed a creek and marsh and escaped. 

The battle was a series of skirmishes of detached bodies fighting 
against an enemy three times tlioii- number, with no able general di- 
recting the whole movement of the army. 



446 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

The army of the United States lost a thousand prisoners, and about 
two hundred in killed and wounded. The English loss was about four 
hundred. 

This was a terrible disaster to the new country. Nearly twelve 
hundred of the flower of the army was lost, with two good generals, 
and the rest of the force on Long Island was in imminent danger. 

Howe, encamped before the American works, prepared to attack 
them next day with the aid of the fleet. 

Washington had hastened to the spot, and saw Howe's error in not at- 
tacking his lines at once. The morning of the 28th dawned, but a dense 
fog covered the scene. Washington brought up fresh troops and kept 
up a constant skirmishing, till he saw the English fleet preparing to 
move. Still protected by the fog, he gathered all the boats around 
Brooklyn and New York, and while the enemy, though so near, were 
utterly unsuspicious of the movement, Washington evacuated his lines. 
Regiment after regiraont jjassed over ; Washington and his staff, in the 
saddle all night, remaining till the last company embarked. Then 
they too crossed, and the fog, which had in the hands of Providence 
so protected their retreat, lifted. The English entered the deserted 
American lines, then galloped down to the shore of the East River 
only to see the last American boats reaching the New York side. 

Howe was thunderstruck at thus being deprived of the fruit of his 
victory, the certain capture of the whole force. 

The effect of the battle of Long Island was disastrous and almost 
fatal to the cause of Libertj'. Soldiers deserted by hundreds ; whole 
regiments vanished , officers resigned in disgust. 

It was a critical moment. Admiral and General Howe had come with 
power to treat with the Americans. They had already sought to open 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 447 

negotiations with General Washington, but as their letter was address- 
ed simply to George Washington, Esqr., and when this was re- 
fused, to George Washington, Esquire, etc., etc., etc., the Commander 
of the American Forces refused to receive it, or any other communica- 
tion that did not recognize his rank. He gave Adjutant General Pat- 
terson clearh' to understand that the effort of the Howes "was useless ; 
they had simply power to grant pardon ; the Americans had done 
nothing for which they could accept any pardon. 

After the battle of Long Island, Howe thought that Congress might 
not be as firm as General Washington, so he despatched General Sul- 
livan, aprisonei' in liis hands, to oifor to Congress a renewal of *'.>-) over- 
tures for peace. Congress appointed Franklin, John Adams, and Edward 
Rutledge a committee to wait upon the Howes. They met on Staten 
Island, l)ut the Howes had no authority except to receive submission to 
the crown, while Congress would listen to no terms but independence. 

Washington was now unable to hold New York city, and a retreat 
became imperative. To find out exactly the plans of the enemy, he 
sen<^. the brave Connecticut patriot, Nathan Hale, inside the enemy's 
lines. As he was returning to Washington with the information he 
was captured, tried, and hung as a spy. Every brutality was shown to 
him by the Provost-marshal. He was not allowed a clergyman or 
even a Bible, and the letters which with his d3'ing hand he penned to 
his mother and sisters were brutally destro^'ed. Hale, the martyr, 
met his fate with unflinching courage. His last words were, " I only 
regret that I have but one life to lose for my countr3\" This wanton 
cruelty was long remembered by the Americans as a justification for 
the utmost severity toward the enemy under similar circumstances. 

Howe, at last, with his shij)s in the North and East River sweeping 



448 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

New York island with tlioir fire, began to land his troops at Kip's 
Bay. The American troops posted there to oppose his landing, fled 
without striking a blow, and Wasfcingtoii, alter a vain attempt to rally 
them, dashed his hat on the ground, exclaiming : " Are tliese the men 
with whom I am to defend America?" So reckless was he of his own 
safety that he would have been taken prisoner had not his aides seized 
the reins of his horse and hurried him away. 

Washington now retreated up the island, and part of his array would 
have been cai)tured had not the English halted at Murray Hill, whei\° 
Mrs. Kobert Murray purposely delayed the English oCBcers. 

General Howe occupied New York city, to his intense satisfaction, 
but that ver}' night a iire broke out, which destroyed upwards of a 
thousand buildings, and nearly laid the whole city in ashes. Each 
party accused the other of having set the city on fire, and several per- 
sons \vv\v hung on the spot on suspicion. 

As Washington fell back the English advanced, but a brisk actioa 
took place on Harlem plains, in which Colonel Knowlton drove an 
"^n^lish detachment back to their lines with great spirit, losing his life 
in his gallant charge. 

Washington then evacuated New York island except Fort Washing- 
ton, where he left a garrison. Howe pursued him, held in cheek for a 
time at Tlirogg's Neck by Prescott, the hero of Bunker's Hill. At 
White Plains the two armies again came face to face ; Chatterton"s Hill, 
on Washington's extreme right, was held by General McDougall, with 
about sixteen hundred men. After some skirmishing Howe at last 
attacked this position with three columns of his best troops, comprising 
thirteen regiments. The American troops, except a body of militia, 
fought with steady valor, contesting the ground inch by inch, and more 



o]i, OUR country's achievements. 449 

than once re|)ulsin!i- the wcll-traiiiod and luiincrous body of assailiuits. 
When at last they could no longer hold it they drew off in good 
order and joined Washington's main army. 

The English army lost so severely in this preliminary movement, 
that Howe relinquished 'his idea of making a general attack on Wash- 
ington's intrenched line. He had expected to find an arnn^ complete- 
ly demoralized by the disaster on Long Island, but found that it was 
still determined and resolute. 

Fort Washington was now completely isolated. The troops could 
not be removed in the face of the enemy : but the commander, Colonel 
Magaw, resolved to hold it to the last : although the English command- 
er, when summoning him to surrender, threatened to put all to the 
sword if he refused. The English assailed his position with four 
columns, but their advance was steadily contested. General Knyp- 
hausen, however, with his Hessians, finally gained the height, and Ma- 
gaw, perceiving further resistance useless, surrendered with his garrison 
prisoners of war. Nearly three thousand American soldiers were thus 
lost to Washington, with valuable su])plics, but the occupation of the 
fort had been against his advice. 

The cause of freedom looked desperate. Washington, with a little 
army of about three thousand men, was confronted by an English army 
of ten times his numbers, which daily received accessions of Tories. 

Washington had meanwhile crossed to Haekensack and retreated 
through Newark, New Brunswick, and Princeton to Trenton, where 
he crossed into Pennsylvania. 

General Oornwallis followed him step by step, and entered Trenton 
as Washington's last boats were crossing the Delaware. 

A reinforcement of two thousand Pennsylvania troops under General 



450 TIIK STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Millliu, enabled Washington to guard the passes of the river, and col- 
lect all boats that could be useful to the enemy. General Lee, with a 
division of the army, was still in New Jersey, and while slowly moving 
to join Washington, he was captured in his quarters at some distance 
from his troops. General Sullivan, who had been exchanged, took 
command, and soon joined Washington ; General Gates also came in 
with the remnant of the army of Canada. But all this made up an in- 
signilicant force to face the powerful and exultant army of England, 
which held New York and New Jersey completely in their hands. It 
was a period of deepest gloom for the cause of America. 

Rhode Island, too, was occupied by Sir Henry Clinton and a force of 
British and Hessians, escorted by a squadron of men-of-war. 

Congress, which had retired to Baltimore, endeavored to arouse the 
people to action, but all were disheartened. The glorious results they 
had expected were changed to disasters. 

Still, such a crisis had been foreseen, and Congress had already sent 
envoys to France and Spain to urge those countries to acknowledge 
American independence and give them aid in war material. Ben- 
jamin Franklin, regarded in France as one of the first philosophers of 
the age, exercised by his popularity a most favorable influence. 
France agreed to supply arms indirectly. She allowed vessels to be 
fitted out in her ports to cruise against the English, and, without break- 
ing with the neighboring kingdom, gave every evidence of her good- 
will towards the Americans. 

All this, however, was but matter for hope, and before relief came, 
the cause of America might be desperate. Congress had been raising 
troops for short terms. Washington showed the danger of this, and 
the necessity of raising and maintaining for the i^-^.f, a large force of 



OR, oru country's achievements. 451 

regular troops, whose cxpcrionco should not be lost to the country 
just as they became good soldiers. Seeing the perilous condition of 
affairs, Congress invested him with power to raise sixteen additional 
battalions of infantry, three thousand light horse, three regiments of 
artillery and engineers, appoint officers, call on the States for militia, 
appoint all army officers under the grade of Brigadier-fienenil, and, 
by a stretch of [)ower most unusual, to take supplies when needed for 
the army, if the inhabitants refused to sell, allowing them a reason- 
able price. 

To carry on the war. Congress had issued paper money, of which 
some of our readers may have seen time-worn specimens. This was 
called Continental Currency. The patriotic portion took this readily 
at first, but the Tories and those indifferent to the cause refused it. 
Washington was invested with authority to arrest and confine any 
man that refused to take it. 

With those powers in his hands Washington gave new life to the 
army. The soldiers felt confidence that their wants would be seen to, 
and that justice would be done to them in all cases. They felt that 
they were indeed an army gathered in a noble cause. 

Washington needed now but one thing to give his army new life and 
courage. This was, to strike a blow at the enemy that would rouse 
the drooping energies of the country, and fill the army with confidence. 

With the keen eye of an able general he watched his enemy. 
Howe, with an overpowering force, flushed with victory, looked with 
contempt on Washington and his handful of soldiers beyond the river. 
He feared nothing from them, and lay in perfect security. 

Here was Washington's opportunity. He formed his available forces 
into three divisions ; he prepared to re-cross the Delaware on Christ- 



452 THE STORY Ui>" A GKEAT NATION ; 

mas eve and attack the Hessians who hekl Trenton. The river was 
full of floating ice, a most i)erilous moment to attempt to earrj- over 
troops in the face of an enemy. He himself, with his main body, 
moved quietly up to McKoukey's Ferry, nine miles above Trenton ; 
there he crossed in the intense cold, during a heavy storm of rain and 
hail that drove the Hessians in doors. The passage of the river 
was slow and dangerous, and it was not till four o'clock that he reach- 
ed the Jersey shore. 

Greneral Cadwallader was to cross at Bristol, and move on the 
enemy at Bordentown and Mount Holly. 

Washington formed his troops in two divisions. One, under Gene- 
ral Sullivan, took the river road, and Washington himself, with Greene, 
took the Pennington road. 

The gayeties and merry-makings in the German camp had been 
kept up till a late hour : then all was still in the little town, and 
naught was heard but the driving sleet and snow. Not an ear listened 
to the approach of the two American columns, plodding on over icy 
roads, while men actually froze to death on the march. Suddenly the 
alarm rang out. Greene is in the town ; three minutes more and 
Sullivan's men, with a cheer, pour into the western side. TheHessiarf 
drums beat to arras ; quick as thought the well-drilled soldiers form 
under the eye of Colonel Eahl. But he is hemmed in between the 
Americans and Assanpink Creek, while a battery of six guns under 
Washington's own eye opens on hira. Rahl trains two guns to oppose 
him, but Captain Washington and Lieutenant James Monroe are down 
on the gunners, and though wounded in the charge, capture the pieces 
when ready to fire. 

Rahl drew liLs men out of the town and, forming them in an orchard, 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 453 

resolves to make a desperate effort to regain Trenton. " Forward, all 
who are grenadiers of mine," lie cries, and leads a fierce charge on 
Washington's line. A rattling volley meets them ; Rahl falls mortally 
wounded : his men turn and retreat along the Princeton road ; but 
Hand's riflemen are in their front with their deadly weapons ; other 
troops are on their flank. Bewildered, lost, the Hessians throw 
down their arms. The battle is over. Rahi, supported by sergeants, 
approaches Greneral Washington and delivers up his sword, then is 
conveyed to his quarters to die. 

Trenton was won. Two men frozen to death, two killed and a few 
wounded, was all the Americans lost, to purchase a victory that gave 
them a thousand prisoners, with their artillery, ammunition, wagons, 
and arras. 

Cadwallader had been unable to effect a crossing, so Washington, 
unwilling to risk anj^thing, retired again beyond the Delaware with 
his prisoners and spoils. 

This brilliant victory filled his array with confidence, and in propor- 
tion mortified the enemy. The British drew back from the Delaware 
to Princeton. Cornwallis, about to return to England, was recalled to 
resume his command in New Jersey, and watch the troublesome 
American army. 

On the 30th of December Washington took post at Trenton, where 
lie was iramediatel}' joined by G-enerals Cadwalader and Mifflin, each 
with eighteen hundred Pennsylvania militia ; and Washington, by 
promises of a bounty, induced the New England troops, whose time of 
service would be up in a few days, to remain for six weeks. He pre- 
pared to strike another blow, and formed his array for immediate action 

So ended the year 1776, the year of American independence. 



CHAPTER II. 

Jampaign of 1777 — The Operations in New Jersey — Cornwallis confronts Wasliington at Treo- 
ton — Washington's masterly Movement on Princeton — Tlie Battle of Princeton — Death of 
General Mercer — British Attacks on Peekskill and Danbury — Death of General Wooster — 
Meigs at Sag Harbor — Washington in Winter-quarters at Morristovvn — The glorious Stars and 
Stripes — Movements of the Armies in New Jersey — The British evacuate the State — Lafay- 
ette comes to America — Howe lands his Army at the Head of Chesapeake Bay. — Washington 
meets him at Brandywine — A hijird-fought Battle — Congress leaves Philadeljihia — Howe 
takes Possession of the City — Washington attacks the British at Germantowu — A Victory 
almost gained — Operations on the Delaware — The Battle of the Kegs — Washington in Win- 
ter-quarters at Valley Forge — Burgoyne, from Canada, invades New York — Tieonderoga. 
lost — Schuyler and his Policy — Burgoyne begins to suffer from Want of Provisions — Defeat of 
Baumeandhis Hessians at Bennington — General Stark — St. Leger sent to attack Fort Schuy- 
ler — Battle of Oriskany — Death of General Herkimer — Arnold relieves the Port — Sad Fate 
of Jane McCrea — Burgoyne defeated at Stillwater — Another Battle — Burgoyne attempts to 
retreat — His Surrender — Clinton ascends the Hudson. 

The New Year opened strangely. The English officers, who had ex- 
pected to pass a gay winter in comfortable quarters, with all the amuse- 
ments in which army officers have so delighted, and which make them 
so popular with the ladies, were roused to good hard work, marching 
and fighting. The generals found that they had an enemy who was 
watchful and untiring. Howe despatched Cornwallis at once to New 
Jersey, to restore order, get the army in a strong position, and prevent 
Washington from doing any further harm. 

Cornwallis, getting his troops well in hand at Princeton, where he 
overtook General Grant already on the march, pushed on to Trenton 
with a considerable force, leaving three regiments at Princeton under 
Colonel Mawhood. He was so much harassed by strong parties scut 
out by Washington to im]iede his progress, and obstruct the roads, that 
it was almost night when he finally reached Trenton, and came in view 



OUR country's achievements. Aij5 

of the American army. Washington's lines lay beyond the Assanpink, 
in a strong position, well fortified, and as the British advanced, the- 
American skirmishers retired by the bridges and fords, which weie all 
well defended. The critical moment had come. The two armies were 
face to face, but though Washington's force was made up chiefly of 
militia, and men whose services would expire in a few days, Cornwallis 
summoned up his remaining troops, to make sure of crushing the lit- 
tle American army. 

Within those lines whose fires he could see gleaming along the creek, 
a council of war was held in the house of Miss Dagworthy. General 
St. Clair proposed a bold manoeuvre, which all immediately adopted. 
His plan was to leave the fires burning, and men enough at work to 
keep up the appearance of occupation, while the array moved stealth- 
ily down to Princeton to surprise Colonel Mawhood in Cornwallis's 
rear. 

The baggage was sent off to Burlington, and at midnight the march 
began. Taking the Quaker-road through the woods, as safer, their pro- 
gress was slow, as the road was still full of stumps. It was daylight be- 
fore they came in sight of Princeton, and Mawhood was already on Ihe 
march to join Cornwallis with two regiments. Near the old Quaker 
meeting-house, General Mercer, with the advance of Washington's 
army, and Mawhood came in sight. A hill near at hand was at once 
the object of both. Mercer soon held it, and as itawhood came up 
poured in volley after volley from the true rifles of his men ; but j\Iaw- 
liood was full of pluck. He led a charge of bayonets before which 
Mercer's men broke, leaving their general on the field. He surrendered, 
but WrtS beaten down and bayoneted with wolfish cruelty by the Hes- 
sians. 



456 

"Washington rallied the fugitives, and with his artillery checked 
Mawhood's pursuit. The British commander, however, charged bravely 
again to capture Washington's guns, but was driven back to the hill, 
from which the City Cavalry of Philadelphia, in a splendid charge, head- 
ed by Washington himself, finally drove him. Mawhood, with one reg- 
iment, then retreated towards Trenton ; his other regiments, aftei 
a brief stand at the college-buildings, fled in disorder to New 
Brunswick. 

Cornwallis, completely deceived, and supposing Washington still be- 
fore him, was roused from his mistake by the booming of cannon in his 
rear. At once his camp was in motion. Forming his ami}', he march- 
ed in all haste towards Princeton ; but Washington had destroyed the 
bridges ; so that before he could come up, Washington, alter ])ursuing 
the fugitive regiments of Mawhood's force, left the low country of Jer- 
sey, in which these operations had been carried on, and striking to the 
ranges of hills and mountains beyond, advanced to Morristown, where 
lie established his winter-quarters. 

In this brilliant action, where all his men showed great resolution, 
except the militia who deserted Mercer, Washington suffered slight 
loss, except in officers, while the English loss in killed, wounded, 
and missing, was nearly a thousand. Like the affair at Trenton, 
this achievement filled the country with hope, and gave the American 
commander a very great reputation in Europe as well as in 
America. 

One of the good eflects of Washington's victories was the exchange 
and release of a number of American prisoners who had been held at 
New York. Their sufferings had been fearful beyond description. And 
during the whole war, the treatment of the American prisoners was a 



OB, OFE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 457 

disgrace to England which can never be effaced. Churches, sugar- 
houses, prisons, were crowded witli the uutorLunate captives : then pris- 
on-ships were used ; harsh treatment, decayed food, want of proper ac- 
tommodations, and of all means for maintaining cleanliness, swept away 
these patriots by thousands. The martyrs were buried near Trinity 
Church, and at the Wallabout in Brooklyn, and they merit a higher 
glory in the eyes of their countrymen than if they had died on the- 
field of battle. Such a death seems glorious to all, but it is over in a 
moment, while the lingering death of the martyrs of the prisons and 
prison-ships was prolonged by every device that malignant ingenuity 
could devise. 

Howe lay inactive at New York, with his splendid army, awaiting 
reinforcements. He sent out one exjjedition to destroy some stores at 
Peekskill, and another to Danbury, Connecticut. The aged General 
Wooster engaged the latter force with a handful of brave men, but 
was mortally wounded. Arnold happened to be near, and he gathered 
a small force, but was wounded and repulsed in an attack on the Eng- 
lish, who accomplished their object. 

To retaliate for this predatory warfare, Colonel Meigs crossed over 
from Connecticut, and destroyed valuable English shipping and stores 
at Sag Harbor. 

About this time Washington raised on his camp at Morristown the 
flag which had been formally adopted by Congress, with thirteen 
stripes, alternately red and white, and a blue union with thirteen srars^ 
forming a new constellation — the glorious Stars and Stripes that have 
for nearly a century waved over the land, and floated on every sea, and 
under the skies of every clime. 

Washington hod been busily organizing the troops which Congress 



458 THE STORY OF A GRT:AT NATION ; 



had raised throughout the States. Those at the North were stationed 
at Ticonderoga and Peekskill. Tliose of the Middle and some Southern 
States were collected in New Jerse3^ He thus awaited Howe's move- 
ments. Twenty-four thousand muskets from France came seasonably 
to hand, and toward the end of May, Washington advanced to Middle- 
brook, near New Brunswick. Howe moved out, endeavoring to draw 
him from his strong position, and failing in this, evacuated New Jersey, 
and crossed over to Staten Island. 

New Jersey had suffered terribly from the movements of the armies, 
and the pluildering of the English, and especially the Hessian troops. 
Every count}* showed its pictures of desolation, its ruined homesteads, 
its slaughtered people, women stripped of everything wandering in 
the woods and mountains, houseless children, starving people. 

While Washington was watching Howe, to see at what point he in- 
tended to strike, ready to hasten to thwart it, he met one who was tO/ 
be closely associated with him throughout the war, the Marquis do 
Lafayette. At a dinner given by some French officers to one of the 
sons of George HI., who happened to be in France, Lafayette heard 
of the American struggle. Though told by an enemy, there was 
enough to rouse the enthusiasm of the young and gallant officer. Leav- 
ing his wife in France, he hastened to America to offer his services to 
the new Republic. He asked no pay, and desired onl}' active service. 
His example found followers ; de Kalb, Steuben, Kosciusko, Pulaski — 
officers trained in the wars of Europe, came to give America their ex- 
perience and discipline. 

The summer wore away, and Howe's policy was still in doubt. At 
last, in August, Washington ascertained that the British had entered 
the Chesapeake, and landed at the head of Elk River, evidently with a 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 459 

view to march on Pliiladelpliia. He advanced and took post along the 
Brandy wine, to contest the ])assage of llie fords of that river, especially 
Chadd's Ford, where his main army was drawn up, while General 
Armstrong and the Pennsylvania militia formed his left wing, and Gen- 
■eral Sullivan, with Stephens and Stirling, held the upper ford on his right. 
Howe moved upon him in two columns ; that on the right, only as a 
feint, moved on Chadd's Ford, while the left column, under Lord Corn- 
wallis, moved up so as to cross the stream, and turn Washington's 
right flank. A dense fog concealed his movements. This movement 
was discovered late, and Sullivan moved down to attack Cornwallis. 
His left was on the Brandywine ; both flanks were protected b}' woods, 
and his artillery well placed. As the daj' was declining, there was a 
glitter over Osborne's Hill, and down swept the English force in three 
columns. The cannon thundered along both lines, and the fiercest con- 
flict yet seen in the war was soon raging. While the English came on 
to the charge again and again, with desperate courage, they were steadily 
■hurled back from the American lines. For an hour the}- fought muzzle 
to muzzle. At last Stephens' brigade wavers and falls back, Sullivan's 
yields, bul^ Lord Stirling and Conwaj' hold their own against Cornwal- 
lis's whole force. General Sullivan and Lafayette gallop up after en- 
deavoring to bring the other troops again into action. Sullivan's aids 
are killed by his side, Lafayette is wounded. Even they feel that they 
must draw off the brave fellows or lose them. Washington had been 
watching Knyphausen, expecting an attack at Chadd's Ford. Leaving 
General Wayne to hold the Hessians in check, he hastened to support 
Sullivan with all the force he could draw off under General Greene. He 
met his gallant men in full retreat, and, opening to receive them, General 
Greene formed his men in a strong position and kept Cornwallis at bay. 



4^)0 THK STOKT OF A GKEAT NATTOJf ; 

Knyphausen at last attacked Wayne and Maxwell. For a time the 
Americans here sustained the onset as bravely as men could wish, but 
tidings came of the rout of the right wing. Then a retreat was or- 
dered. It became a flight, for, abandoning artillery and stores, they 
retreated to the rear of G-eneral G-reene. 

The battle of the Brandy wine, fought to save Philadelphia, and fought 
under great disadvantages, cost Washington nearly thirteen hundred 
men in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

He fell back to Chester and Germantown. That he could save Phil- 
adelphia was now clearly impossible. Congress removed from that 
city all its stores and magazines, and prepared to hold its sessions 
elsewhere. 

HoAve, after sending the butcher Grey to surprise G-eneral Wayne 
at Paoli, which he did with the blood-thirsty spirit of a tiger, occupied 
Philadelphia, and proceeded to remove the obstructions with which the 
Americans had studded the Delaware, and which would prevent the 
fleet from coming up to Philadelphia. While his army was thus weak- 
ened by detachments, Washington, who was at Skippack Creek, moved 
on the 30th of October to attack the British forces at G-ermantown. A 
column under Sullivan and Wayne, entering by the main street, was to 
attack the British centre and left ; another under Greene and Stephens,, 
marching down the Lime-kUn road, was to attack their right, while two 
columns of militia turned their flanks. General Greene was unable to 
arrive in time, so that Wayne attacked the British right before he came 
up. Sullivan and Conwa_y defeated the enemy's left, and drove it 
steadily through the village ; and the enemy's right was utterly defeated 
by Generals Wayne and Greene ; but the victorious arm}' became con- 
fused in the fog, so that parties fired into each other. The Englieb 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 461 

colouel, Musgrave, who had occupied Chew's house in their rear, hekl 
out, and the tiring of cannon there gave the impression that the Eng- 
lish had gained their rear just as Greneral Grey came up to thoui in 
front. A rapid retreat took place, but without disorder, Washington 
retiring with all his artillery. The battle was a sanguinary one, 
though productive of no decisive result, the loss on each side being 
nearly a thousand. 

Washington then retired to Skippack Creek, and Howe, feeling that 
he could not risk any more such engagements, drew all his forces into 
the city of Philadelphia. The reduction of the forts below him on 
the Delaware was his great object, but it was no easy matter. 

Colonel Donop, with twelve hundred Hessians, was sent to attack the 
Rhode Island Colonel Grreene, at Red Bank, while five men-of-war 
were to aid in the operation. So ably did Greene defend his post, 
Fort Mercer, that the assailants, after a desperate conflict, retreated in 
disorder, leaving their commander, Donop, mortally wounded, a prisoner 
in the hands of the Americans, and losing nearly four hundred men. 
The men-of-war fared as badly, two, the Augusta and Merlin, ground- 
ed, and were set on fire and destroyed by the Americans. 

Fort Mifflin, situated on Mud Island, a low reedy spot about seven 
miles below Philadelphia, was next attacked. It had a garrison of 
three hundred men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Smith of Baltimore. 
There were guard-boats and galleys in the channel, and Washington 
sent what relief he could spare. 

On the 10th of November the English opened fire from batteries on 
land and floating ones, as well as from the men-of-war. A perfect 
storm of shells and balls rained on the devoted fort. Smith fell 
dangi-rously wounded. Fleury, the engineer, was struck down ; the 



462 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

commander of the artillery was killed. The garrison was thinned by 
the deadly fire. Towards midnight Major Thayer, the commander, set 
the ruins on fire and retired to Fort Mercer. 

Two days after, Cornwallis marched against that post, and as noth- 
ing could be done to save it, the American forces withdrew. 

The galleys and other vessels then endeavored to pass above Philadel- 
phia. Some succeeded under cover of night, others were burned to 
prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. 

The English were now complete masters of Philadelphia, and the 
Delaware down to the sea. This result had been purchased at a serious 
loss of men and time, and really was of little advantage, for Washington 
was encamped at Whitemarsh, fourteen miles from Philadelphia, in a 
strong position carefully fortified. 

Howe felt that he could attempt no further operations till he brought 
Washington to an action. To draw the American general from his 
lines, he marched out of Philadelphia with his army on the night of 
the 4th of December, every precaution having been taken to make the 
movement a complete surprise on General Washington. 

But the council of war had been held in the house of Lydia Darrah, a 
Quakeress, whose patriotism, though not evinced, was true and deep. 
Alarmed at this secret council of the British officers, she stole to the 
•door of the room were they were deliberating on the night of the 
2d. and heard enough to see Washington's danger : then crept back 
to bed. When the council broke up, they rapped at her door that 
she might let them out. She let them knock some minutes, and then 
came out as if roused from a deep sleep. 

The next morning she asked leave to go to Frankford for flour for 
her family, and having reached the mill she left her bag, and then 



OK, OUR country's ACillEVEMENTS. 463 

hastened on with all her might towards the American outposts, quiver- 
ing in every limb with anxiety. At last she saw an American officer ap- 
proaching. She begged him to dismount and walk with her. Panting 
with her exertion she told him all she knew, and bade him hasten to Gen- 
eral Washington, but not to betray her, as she was in the enemy's hands. 

While, with a heart relieved and full of thankfulness, the good woman 
plodded homeward, Colonel Craig galloped to the camp. Washington 
at once prepared, and when Howe came up with his forces he found 
the American lines manned, the artillery ready to open upon him, all 
in fact ready to give him a warm reception. After a little skirmish- 
ing he returned to Philadelphia, unable to explain how his plan got 
wind. Lydia Darrah was not suspected, for, as one of the officers told 
her, " I know you were asleep, for I knocked three times at your 
door before I could rouse you." And she very truthfully declared 
that no other of her family was up that night. 

Washington soon after broke up his encampment here, and fell 
back with his exhausted army to Valley Forge, twenty miles from Phil- 
adelphia, where he passed the winter with terrible privation and suf- 
fering, which have made the camp famous as the darkest hour in the 
struggle for American independence. His army reached Valley Forge 
on the 19th of December, and at once began felling trees to build log 
huts on the slopes where they were to encami). Washington's head- 
quarters were at the house of Mr. Potts, an old house still standing. 
Around him on regular streets, like a little city, were the huts of the Con- 
tinental soldiers. Howe, in Philadelphia, enjoyed comfortable quarters 
^nd abundance of supplies. Washington, through the dilatory action 
of Congress and the frauds of those who had undertaken to furnish 
supplies, saw his army almost perish with hunger and cold. For want 



4(^4 THE STOKY OF A GKEAT NATION ; 

of horses, the men had to yoke themselves to wagons. As winter ad- 
vanced the sufifering increased. For a weelv at a time the troops were 
without any kind of flesh-meat, and the farmers around, disaffected 
to the new government, refused to sell them grain or cattle. Sickness 
broke out among them and numbers died. Never did a cause look 
more gloom}', but Washington never despaired. Isaac Potts, in Avhose 
house he lodged, once came upon the general's horse tied to a sapling, 
and in a tliicket near by he saw Washington on his knees in prayer, 
his cheeks wet with tears. 

We turn now to the Northern department. After the disastrous 
invasion of Canada, the scanty American force, with a small body of 
Canadians who had joined them, fell back to Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. 

The English had meanwhile sent out German and English troops to 
Canada, and a large army now occupied that province under General 
Burgoyne. Canadians, with Indians and Tories from New York, 
brought by the influence of the Johnson family, swelled his ranks. 
He resolved to take the offensive and to sweep down to New York, 
annihilating the American forces on his way, and thus crushing out the 
rebellion in that colony. 

Towards the latter part of June, 1777, he encamped near Crown 
Point and there gave a war banquet to his Indians, addressing them 
in a speech intended to inflame their zeal, although in words he enjoin- 
ed on them humanity and all the usages of civilized men, denouncing 
all scalping or murder of those not engaged in hostilities. 

At the approach of the enemy, the Americans posted at Crown 
Point retired to Ticonderoga : General St. Clair held that fort with 
about two thousand half-armed men and boys. He was not aware 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 465 

of the lara;e force under Burgoyue, or its reinforcements. He at- 
tempted to defend Tieonderoga, although he had not force enough to 
man his lines. 

Burgoyne took possession of Mount Hope and Mount Defiance, 
planting batteries to command St. Clair's position. St. Clair by night 
sent off his stores in batteaux to Whitehall, and then marched for the 
same place. Burgoyne soon discovered the movement, although a fire 
had been kept up on his works to mislead him. He overtook the 
boats at Whitehall, and the Americans destroyed them, with the mills 
and stores there, to prevent their falling into his hands. General 
Frazer, with a force of Hessians and English, pursued St. Clair's rear, 
and overtook them at Hubbarton in Vermont. The Americans, about 
twelve hundred in number, under Colonels Scth Warner and Francis, 
iaced the enemy : but at the first volleys the militia fled, leaving seven 
hundred men to bear the brunt. The battle raged furiously for some 
time, and the Americans, though Colonel Francis was killed while 
checking a retreat, held their ground till General Riedesel came dash- 
ing up with his Hessians. Then the remnant of the American force 
retreated to Rutland and Castleton, pursued b}' the Hessians. The 
English had won the day, but at the cost of two hundred men killed 
and wounded ; the American loss, including prisoners, being more than 
three hundred : but the heaviest disaster was the loss of Ticondei'oga, 
a hundred and twenty-eight cannon, stores, and provisions. 

At the same time Colonel St. Leger, with a force of English, Tories, 
and Indians, was moving by way of Oswego on Fort Schuyler, now 
Rome, where Colonel Gansevoort commanded a small garrison. To 
relieve this place, a force assembled under brave old General Herki- 
mer, but they were rash and disregarded his calm advice. While 



466 THE STORY OF A RREAT NATION ; 

pushing on towards the fort they were suddenly attacked by a party 
in ambush, under command of Brant and Sir John Johnson. The 
Americans were at first thrown into confusion as the Indians burst on 
them from their coverts, with deadly volleys and yells of fury, but 
they speedily recovered and fought like veterans. Brave old Herki- 
mer had his horse killed under him, by a ball which pierced his own 
leg. But he made his men seat him on his saddle at the foot of a 
large beech tree, and, lighting his pipe, he continued to give his orders- 
with the utmost composure till the enemy retreated. For nearly an 
hour the woods resounded with the crack of rifles, the cheers of the 
Americans, the yells of the Indians and Tories. Both fought with the 
utmost desperation, most of the combatants being old friends and 
neighbors, with scarcely a stranger among them. It was almost a 
hand to hand fight, and was suspended only when a furious storm 
came on The British then drew ofif, but Herkimer formed his men in. 
a better position. He had seen the Indians rush on his men after firing, 
and cut them down. Now he put two men at a tree, one to fire at a 
time. When the British renewed the attack, and, after seeing the 
flash of an American's rifle, rushed up to despatch him before he could 
load again, the}^ caught the rifle-ball or the hatchet of the second 
American. So severely did the Indians suffer by this new style that 
they drew off, and Major Watts rushed forward to the attack with his 
Royal G-reens, a Torj^ regiment raised in the valley. The sight of these- 
men stung the Americans to madness. As these traitors advanced, 
the Americans poured in a deadly volley, then burst from their coverts 
like so many furies, and attacked them with bayonets, knives, or with 
the butts of their muskets. Amid this came the thunder of cannon 
from the fort. Gansevoort was coming. The English, to deceive them, 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 467 

sent a party with their coats turned ; the Americans were abont to 
open and receive them when the fraud was detected. So fierce was 
the attacli on his party, that they were all killed or driven back in 
panic ; and the Indians, terrorstruck, tied with them. The sortie from 
the fort, under Colonel Willett, completed the rout of St. Leger, who 
lost all his camp equipage, clothing, stores, private papers and baggage, 
with five British flags. 

Yet St. Leger rallied his men and even sent an officer to demand 
the surrender of the fort. It was indignantly refused ; and Colonel 
Willett hastened in person to Albany for relief. General Arnold 
inarched to relieve the fort, and using a half crazy fellow named Hon 
Yost Schuyler he filled St. Leger's Indians with such terrible ideas of 
his immense force, that St. Leger's besieging force, to the great as- 
tonishment of Colonel G-ansevoort and his garrison, suddenly broke 
up their encampment and fled in haste, leaving tents, artillery, and 
baggage behind them. 

Thus ended the siege of Fort Schuyler. 

Brave General Herkimer was carried to his home, but his wound 
proved fatal. He died a few days after, revered to this day in the val- 
ley of the Oriskany, where he fought so nobly. 

Burgoyne had now control of Lake Champlain and Lake George, 
but his further progress was delayed by want of -provisions. He ex- 
pected to live off" the country, but was soon disappointed. The 
Americans had provisions stored at Bennington, in Vermont. That 
State, with the rich pastures in the valleys of the Green Mountains, 
abounded in horses, with which, too. he hoped to mount his dragoons. 

A body of nearly five hundred men, Hessians, Tories, and Indians, 
sallied out from Fort Edward, under the command of Lieutenant-Colo- 



468 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

nel Baume, guided by Grovernor Skene. All was gay as a holiday ex- 
cursion, but when tidings came that the Americans had mustered, 
eighteen hundred strong, at Bennington to meet him, the matter began 
to look serious. Still Baume felt himself strong enough, and he push- 
ed on over the dusty road in the hot August sun. At Van Schaick's 
Mill, near North Hoosick, he captured some flour, and was joined by 
a few Tories, who increased his hopes of success. 

John Stark, at the call of the General Court of New Hampshire, 
left his farm to take command of the suddenly raised forces of the 
State. On the 13th of August, hearing of the enemy's approach, he 
sent out Colonel Gregg with two hundred men. As this party came 
upon Baume's force it fell back till Stark came up, and formed his 
men in line of battle ; Baume, seeing a considerable force thus check- 
ing his advance, halted on a high ground overlooking a bend of the 
Walloomscoick Creek. Stark, to draw him from this ground, as 
well as to obtain reinforcements, fell back. Militia came pouring in. 
The Rev. Mr. Allen of Pittsfield came at the head of his flock. 
" General," said he, " the people of Berkshire have often been summon- 
ed to the field without being allowed to fight, and if you do not give 
them a chance, they have resolved never to turn out again." " Well," 
said Stark, " do you wish to march now while it is dark and raining?" 
"No, not just this moment," was the reply. "Then," said the gene- 
ral, " if the Lord shall once more give us sunshine and I do not give 
you fighting enough, I'll never ask you to come out again." 

During the nighf the rain ceased, the day dawned bright and clear, 
■and both prepared lor action. 

Stark sent two parties, one under Colonel Nichols, the other under 
Colonel Herreck, to attack Baume's right and left wings from the rear. 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACTIIEVEMEXTS. 



469 



About three o'clock, the rattle of musketry told that the attack had be- 
gun. Then Stark, in front, sprang (o his saddle, and gave the Avord, 
"Forward." On to the hill-top swept his main body, full in view of 
the advance of Baume's force, a Tor}' ])arty intrenched just over the 
river, while the Hessian intrenchment, now wreathed in smoke, lay be- 
yond. " See there, men," cried Stark, " there are the red-coats. Be- 
fore night they are ours, or Molly Stark will be a widow ! " The mili- 
tia answered with a shout that sent a thrill through every Tory heart, 
as Stark swept down, and the battle began in earnest. The Tories 
were driven from their intrenchment, and hurled back over the creek 
into the Hessian lines. The Indian allies of the British, disliking the 
look of affairs, fled with loud yells. Then the stubborn fight began. 
Baume's troops fought desperately, keeping their columns unbroken, 
till every charge of powder was gone. The Americans as bravely 
charging upon them, regardless of their cannon and del'enses. For a 
time, the dragoons with their sabres endeavored to cut their way 
through, but a.t last were compelled to yield. Almost the whole party 
surrendered as prisoners of war. 

Burgoyne, in his first instructions, had directed Baume to sweep 
through Vermont, and join him at Albany, bringing horses by the 
thousand. But Baume's letters led him to think there might be a little 
trouble, so he sent Lieutenant-Colonel Breyman, to reinforce him. Just 
as Stark, having secured his prisoners, was going to let his men plunder 
the camp of the vanquished, Breyman came upon the field. Stark re- 
called his men, and with Colonel Seth Warner, who came up with fresh 
troojis, renewed the battle with the fresh foe. Both sides fonght des- 
perately, as long as daylight lasted. Then Breyman retreated to- 
wards Saratoga, pursued by the Americans. 



470 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION ; 

With a loss of thirty killed and forty wounded, Stark had captured 
seven hundred and fifty prisoners, four cannon, ammunition- wagons, 
muskets, and killed more than two hundred of the enemy. 

This deprived Burgoyne of a thousand men, and, with St. Leger's 
defeat, disheartened the Tories and Indians. America was filled with 
exultation. Stark, who had been so ill treated by Congress that he had 
left the army, was made a brigadier-general without the asking, and a 
new spirit was aroused in all. 

Disappointed in his hopes of drawing relief from Vermont, or the 
Mohawk valley, Burgoyne saw no alternative but to push on. Yet, 
before him was a really great general ; not a showy, noisy man, but one 
clear of head, cool, careful, and practical. General Schuyler had col- 
lected the militia, and, while risking skirmishes, avoided a battle with. 
Burgoyne's veterans, delaying his progress by destroying bridges, cut- 
ting up the roads, digging pit-falls, and creating every obstacle tliat in- 
genuity could devise. On the 13th and 14th of September, Burgoyne 
reached the plain of Saratoga, and encamped within nine miles of 
Schuyler's camp at Stillwater. Towards this Burgoyne advanced cau- 
tiously ; Arnold, who was sent out with fifteen hundred men, failing to 
check his advance. 

On the 19th of September, Burgojnie made his first attack on the 
American lines, where Schuyler, sacrificed to the clamors of a few, had 
been succeeded by General Gates. The Americans lay ai'ound Bemis' 
tavern, their line well defended by breastworks and redoubts. Gener- 
al Gates commanded the right in person, between the river and the 
high ground, while General Arnold held the height with his left. Be- 
tween the armies were two deep ravines closely wooded. Burgoyne's 
force moved throniih these obstacles to the attack. Down on his right 



OK, OUB COUXTTIy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 471 

came Morgan's rifles, and General Arnold in support : but as Gates 
would not send reinforcements, they were unable to turn General Fra- 
ze'r's flank. 

Arnold, ever ready in resource and boldness, raai'ched across under 
cover of the woods, and suddenly burst down like a torrent on Biirgoyne's 
centre. His left and right wings dared not leave their positions to aid 
their commander, and though General Phillips and General Eiedesel 
did come up, the battle lasted furiously for four hours, until darkness 
put an end to the action. Then the Americans drew off, and the Eng- 
lish remained in possession of the field, having lost about six liundrcd 
killed and wounded out of thirty-five hundred. The American loss 
was much less. 

Yet Burgoyne had not reached, much less attacked, the American 
lines ; his provisions were nearly exhausted ; he heard nothing of Sir 
Henry Clinton, who was to have co-operated with him from New York ; 
a retreat to Canada was almost impossible. Every day skirmishing was 
kept up, weakening his men, while it gave courage and experience to 
the American troops, whose numbers were constantly increasing. In 
vain Burgoyne despatched messengers to Sir Henry Clinton ; in vain 
he looked with anxious eyes for the expected relief. 

On the 7th of October, receiving no information, he resolved to make 
an attack on the American left. Phillips, Riedesel, and Frazer moved 
out in gallant style, with the Indians and Tories on their left. Again 
Morgan began the battle, and the Americans attacked Burgoyne's line 
simultaneously on both flanks and in the centre. Burgoyne ordered up 
fresh troops to cover the retreat, which he now saw to be inevitable. 
It was too late. The grenadiers and Germans, under Ackland and 
Riedesel, on the low ridge, had alreadj^ given way before the onset of 



472 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the men of New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut. The gallant 
G-eneral Frazer, bringing up the Twenty-fourth to cover their retreat, 
was killed by a ball from a tree, sent by Morgan's deadly rifles. la- 
stead of menacing Grates' lines, Burgoyne began to fear ibr his own. 
Back he hastened, leaving six cannon on the field, which was strewn 
with his dead and wounded. 

Well might he fear, for Arnold, who had headed his men in the des- 
perate attack on Burgoyne's centre and left, was determined to 
strike a blow to show how unjustly Gates had treated him. Encourag- 
ing his men to the wildest enthusiasm, he pushed on to the enemy's 
line, and when Patterson's brigade, caught in an abattis, was driven 
back, he led up Jackson's regiment and furiously attacked Lord Bal- 
carras in his intrenchment, and, failing to carry it, stormed and held 
the part of Burgoyne's intrenchment held by Colonel Breyman — Ar- 
nold's horse being killed under him just as he was entering the works, 
by a ball which fractured the general's leg. 

During the night Burgoyne abandoned his linse, and fell back to a 
new position. His retreat had begun, bis doom was sealed ; Gates 
sent off detachments to cut off his retreat, by demolishing bridges and 
impeding the roads. 

Burgoyne halted at Fish Creek and called a council of war. There 
was no alternative. On the 16th of October a convention was signed, 
by which this once formidable urmj capitulated to General Gates. 
Two lieutenant-generals, two major-generals, three brigadier-generals, 
a loug line of inferior officers and men, making up five thousand seven 
hundred and sixty-three men, with all their artillery, arms, and 
ammunitions, were surrendered on the plains of Saratoga. 

The Engli.sh forces lel't in Ticouderoga and Crown Point, retired in 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS, 473 

all haste to Canada. The citizen soldiers, gathered to meet this well- 
appointed army, in spite of the pompous proclamations of its general 
menacing them with all the terrors of war, beheld regiment after regi- 
ment lile out and lay down their arms, after a series of engagements 
in which the boasted superiority of English regulars had been proved 
a delusion. 

Burgoyne had waited in vain for a movement from New York under 
Clinton. That general had not been utterly remiss. But all these 
British generals were beginning to find that America was a large 
country, and that to hold much territory, required very large armies. 
When Clinton should have moved from New York up the Hudson 
River, he found that he had not men enough to do so safely, and leave 
a force to hold New York. Every day he looked anxiously seaward 
for ships with fresh troops from England. There, as usual, dela.ys took 
place, and it was not till October that Clinton could begin his cam- 
paign. On the Highlands, on the western bank of the beautiful Hud- 
son, about tifty miles above New York, the Americans had planted Fort 
Clinton and Fort Montgomery, to prevent the enemj^ from passing up. 
Under the guns of the fort a boom was stretched across the river, 
with an immense iron chain in front, and a heavy wood-work called a 
chevaux-de-frise sunk behind it. Above this again lay a frigate and 
some galleys, to prevent an}- attempt to force a passage. Below, on 
the opposite site, frowned Fort Independence. General Putnam had 
his head-quarters at Peekskill, just below, and with a force of two 
thousand men commanded the river. 

Clinton sailed up with three thousand men in the ships of war un- 
der Commodore Hotham, and landed near Peekskill. Putnam fell 
back to the heights in the rear of Peekskill, calling on Governor 



^174 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Clinton for reinforcements, and utterly neglecting to strengthen his 
forts. Clinton, leaving part of his force to anuise the old general, 
threw his army across to Stony Point, and at once marched around 
behind the Dunderberg mountain to attack Fort Clinton and Fort 
Montgomery. He had nearly reached them before he was discovered. 
Parties which had been sent out were met and driven in by the 
British columns, which now moved simultaneously on the two forts. 
The little parties of Americans under Bruj'u, McClaghrey, Fenno, 
fought desperately but in vain ; in vain did the little garrisons of the 
forts keep up a cannonade and musketry fire from their works. They 
were too kw. Sir Henrv Clinton advanced on Fort Clinton throuo-h a 
long abattis, and under a severe fire. At his word, his men, with fixed 
baj'onets, without firing a shot, charged and carried the works. So too, 
at Fort Montgomerj^ Lord Rawdon led on his grenadiers to the 
charge, and though Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell fell at the head of 
his division, they too, carried the works before them. 

The English fleet was in the river, to aid if necessary, but by a 
single blow, the elaborate American defenses were swept away. The 
fleet destroyed the boom and chain ; the American vessels endeavored 
to escape up the river, biit, failing, were set on fire. The other forts 
were abandoned, and to heighten the panic and dismay, the English 
wantonly destroyed Continental Village and Esopus. The victory 
was complete. The British were masters of the Hudson. 

In the action at the forts, the Americans lost about two hundred 
and fifty men, but the English did not secure many prisoners, as most 
of the garrisons escaped when the enemy entered the works. Had 
Clinton at once sailed up with his force and occupied Albany, the victory 
at Saratoga would have been useless, but he returned to New York. 



OR, OTTR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 475 

General Burgoyne was received with great courtesy by General 
Schuyler, whose beautiful house he had recently destroyed. Struck 
with Schuyler's generosity the British general said : " You show me 
great kindness, though I have done you much injury." " That was 
the fate of war,"' nobly replied Schuyler, " let us say no more about it." 

Burgoyne's troops were marched to Boston to be sent to England, 
but troubles arose and they were removed to Virginia, and there de- 
tained as prisoners (ill they were formally exchanged. Gates, instead 
of reporting his victor}' to Washington, as his Commander-in-chief, dis- 
patched an officer to Congress. A vote of thanks was passed to him 
and his army, and a medal was struck to conimeimu'ate his success. 

Among the incidents connected with Burgoyne's campaign is the 
fate of Jane McCrea, which excited univoi-sal commiseration. This 
beautiful young lady was the daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman 
at Jersey City, but on the death of her father there, went to reside 
with her brother near Fort Edward. Here her affections were won 
by a young man named David Jones, who sided with the English Gov- 
ernment, and, proceeding to Canada, became a lieutenant in the divis- 
ion of Burgoyne's army commanded by the brave General Frazer. 
As the English army approached Fort Edward young McCrea prepared 
to retire to Albany, for he was a staunch Whig : but Jenny, with her 
Tory lover and man}' Tory friends, felt no alarm, and lingered with 
some friends, though her brother sent for her. She at last promised 
to join him next day. That morning some Indians stealthily approach- 
ed the house. All fled to the cellar, but the Indians, dashing in, seized 
Mrs. McNeil and Jenny, and dragged them off towards Burgoyne's 
camp. A negro boy, seeing this, ran to Fort Edward to give the 
alarm ; a party was sent out, which fired on the Indians, but they 



476 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

escaped. When the pursuit ceased, the Indians stripped Mrs. McNeil 
to her chemise and led her to the camp, where she almost immediately 
met Genera) Frazer, who was related to her. While i-eproachiug him 
witli sending' Indians to attack innocent settlers, the other Indians 
came up, and to her horror she beheld Jane McCrea's scalp dangling 
from the belt of one. She charged him with having massacred her 
young friend, but the Indians denied it. 

As it was long currently reported and believed, the Indians them- 
selves quarreled about her at the pine-tree long pointed out to travelers, 
and finally murdered her, carrying off her scalp. They pretended that 
she was slain b)^ a ball from the American party, but in such a case 
an Indian would scarcely carry off in triumph her scalp. Burgoyne 
summoned the Indians to council, and demanded the surrender of the 
man who bore off the scalp, to be punished as a murderer ; but he 
finally pardoned him for fear of losing all his Indians. 

Young Jones, horrified at this picture of war, and heart-broken, 
wished to throw up his commission, but was not permitted to do so. 
He purchased the scalp of his betrothed, and, with his brother, desert- 
ed from the English army soon after, and retired to Canada. There he 
lived many years, keeping up in sorrow and solitude the anniversary 
of the death of the beautiful Jane McCrea. 

During all the period from the Declaration of Independence, and 
virtually before that act, the Continental Congress had governed the 
country, but without any definite understanding with the States, or 
document stating its powers. Wise men had been devising plans for 
this general government. In November, 1777, Articles of Confeder- 
ation were adopted, and submitted to the States for their ratification. 

These Articles of Confederation should be known. Under them. 



OK, OUR countky's aciuevemekts. 477 

each State was to have not less than two iioi- more than four members 
in Congress ; the delegates from each State having together one vote 
in all deliberations : and these delegates were paid by the State 
which they represented. 

This Congress had the sole right of determining peace and war, 
sending and receiving ambassadors, treating with foreign countries, 
establishing a post-office, coining money. They had the right to make 
requisitions on the States for their quota of troops: and to appoint all 
army officers except regimental ones, and all navy officers. 

When Congress was not in session, a connnittee of the States, consist- 
ing of one delegate from each, controlled the affairs of government. 
Congress elected a president, who could not serve more than one year 
in three. 

The Union was declared perpetual, and no alteration was to be made 
in any State unless agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the legisla- 
ture of every State. No two or more States were to make any treaty, 
confederation, or union among themselves, without consent of Congress. 
These articles wore now submitted to the States. 

We will close the history of this eventful year by an account of a 
curious panic which occurred among the British troops in Philadelphia. 
David Bushnell. of Connecticut, anxious like many of the patriots to rid 
his country of the British fleet in the Delaware, turned his ingenuity to 
the invention of a torpedo to effect this desirable object. He made kegs 
of powder to float down the stream, so arranged, b}^ machinery, that on 
striking any hard substance, they would explode. He sent several 
down, but unfortunately, that very night, the English ships were hauled 
into docks to avoid the ice ; but one of the kegs, meeting some obstacle, 
exploded. It filled all Philadelphia with alarm. For several days the 



478 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION; 

English soldiers and sailors watched the river with the most unwinking 
gaze. Everything that could excite suspicion was fired at. It so hap- 
pened that a sudden rise of the river, occasioned by a thaw, flooded a 
cooper's yard above the cit}', and down the river went the casks, bob- 
bing up and down. As this fleet was descried by a sentinel, he fired 
an alarm gun. Down to the docks poured the soldiers, who, seeing so 
many kegs, supposed them all Bushnell torpedoes sent down for their 
destruction. A fire was opened on them from every dock and ship, 
and kept up vigorously till the tide had borne them all down, or they 
had been so riddled that they sank. 

"The cannons roar from shore to shore. 

The small arms loud did rattle ; 
Since wars began I'm sure no man 

E'er saw so strange a battle. 
The rebel dales, the rebel vales 

With rebel trees surrounded, 
The distant woods, the hills and floods 

With rebel echoes sounded:'' 

sung Francis Hopkinson in liis ballad " The Battle of the Kegs," written 
on the occasion, and long immensely popular. 

In March, 1776, Congress despatched Silas Deane, a commercial and 
political agent, to France, and at a later day sent commissioners to other 
countries of Europe, from whom aid might be expected. From France 
especially, an alliance was hoped ; the supplies of arms indirectly given, 
the accession of a nobleman so illustrious as the IMarquis de Lafayette, 
and the unconcealed friendship manifested b}' the French ministry, all 
filled America with hopes of direct aid, and especially with the hope 
that France would acknowledge the independence of the United States, 
setting an example that other countries would readily follow. 



OR, OUR OOXTNTRY S ACIIIEVEMKNTS. 



479 



But though Dr. Frankliu, Sihis Deane, and Arthur Lee, as comrais- 
;sioners, met Vergennes in December, 1776, thej^ could not induce 
the French government to take a step which must bring on a war with 
Englaiid. 

America offered her a share in the cod fisheries, exchiding all other 
nations, half of Newfoundland, and any islands in the West Indies that 
might be reduced, but still France hesitated, although she continued to 
aid the United States through a fictitious mercantile house in the 
West Indies. 

When the reverses of war made the American cause look less hope- 
ful, France was still less inclined to act rashly. 

The surrender of Burgoyne gave a new aspect to affairs. Although 
Washington, on whom great hopes were founded, had as yet achieved 
no striking success, this victory of the northern arn\y excited universal 
astonishment. England began to hope that the United States, disgusted 
with French dela}', would accept terms which England migiit honorably 
offer ; while Louis XVI. felt that he must now act, if at all. 

Lord North introduced into Parliament conciliatory bills about tax- 
ing the colonies ; allowing the colonies themselves to apply the jiroceeds 
of the tax, as though America would, for a moment, entertain any 
snch proposals. 

On the 16th of December, Gerard, secretary to the French Council of 
State, inlbrmed the American Commissioners that, after a long and ma- 
ture deliberation, his majesty had determined to recognize the independ- 
ence of, and to enter into a treaty of commerce and alliance with, the 
United States of America ; and that he would not only acknowledge 
their independence, but actually support it with all the means in his 
power. 



480 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

France saw that if North, coming at last to understand the real state 
of the case, acknowledged the independence of the United States, and 
formed an alliance with her late colonies, France would be exposed to 
great dauger. Her interest was to prevent any such alliance, and thus 
pursue the friendly course she had hitherto adopted. 

Thus closed the year 1777, full of fresh hopes for American freedom 
although this cheering intelligence did not for some months reach he^ 
shores. 

We have seen how one Pennsylvania woman, Lydia Darrah, 
served her country, while the English occupied Philadelphia. Another, 
Hannah Erwin Israel, showed undaunted courage. 

Soon after the fall of the city, the British seized her husband and 
brother on the information of Tory neighbors, who reported that Mr. 
Israel had declared openly that he would sooner drive his cattle as a 
})resent to General Washington, than receive thousands of dollare in 
British gold for them. 

The two prisoners were conveyed on board the Roebuck frigate, 
lying in the Delaware, and orders were at once given to dispatch a 
squad of soldiers to drive off and slaughter all Mr. Israel's cattle, 
which were then in full sight, grazing in the meadows. 

Mrs. Israel, a young and beautiful woman, only nineteen years of 
age, slight in person, and retiring in disposition, was roused by the 
wrongs of her country and her own. She was on the lookout, gazing 
cowards the vessel in which those dear to her were confined, when she 
saw boats push towards the land, full of soldiers. lu a moment she 
divined their purpose, and resolved to baffle it. Taking a boy eight 
years old, she started for the meadow, and began to drive the cattle- 
towards the barnyard, some distance back, where she knew the soL 



OK, OUR COUNTRY "S ACHIEVEMENTS. 481 

diers would not dare to venture, lor tear of being surrounded by the 
iarniers. Before she got the herd well started, the soldiers reached 
the tield, and called on her to stop, threatening to ilre. 

" Fire awaj^ ! " cried the heroic woman, and the volley rattled around 
her, but providentially missing her, while it startled the cattle to that 
they dashed madly off. 

Little Joe fell to the ground in terror, but Mrs. Israel, catching him 
up, ran on, and putting up the bars secured her cattle, leaving the sol- 
diers to return emptv-handed. 



CHAPTER III. 

Campaign of 1778 — Alliance with France — North's Bills of Conciliation — Their Rejection— 
Britisli Cruelty — Battle of Monmonth — Conduct of Genera! Lee — Arrival of Admiral d'Es- 
taing's Fleet — Operations in Rhode Island — D'Estaing engages the British and sails off — ■ 
Retreat of Sullivan — Savage Cruelt}' of the English — Massacre at Wyoming — Massacre at 
Paoli — At Little Egg Harbor — The English capture Savannali — Clarke reduces Illinois. 

On the 6th of February, 1778, a treaty of commerce between France 
and the United States of America was signed by Franklin, Deane, 
and Lee, representing the LTnited States of America, and Gerard, rep- 
resenting the French Government ; a treaty of defensive alliance was 
also signed, in case England should declare war against France for thus 
recognizing her colonies. France agreed to maintain the liberty, sov- 
ereignty, and independence, absolute and unlimited, of the United States, 
as well in matters of goverament as of commerce. 

America thus took her place among the powers of the earth, by the 
acknowledgment of one of the gre;ite.-;t powers of Europe. 



482 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

In March, France communicated to England the commercial treat}' 
B}' April, North's conciliatory bills reached America and were widely- 
scattered. They were sent to Washington, who laid them before Con- 
gress, urging that nothing short of independence should be thought of 
for a moment. Congress did not delay to express the opinion of the 
country. On the 22d of April, less than a month after the bills reached 
America, Congress unanimously resolved that the offers of the British 
ministry could not be accepted. 

How could they, indeed? Never had the British shown, on Ameri- 
can soil, more bitter hatred, or more unrelenting and merciless cruelty. 
Washington and his little army lay at Valley Forge, enduring priva- 
tions that make us shudder to read, while the English in Philadelphia 
received plentiful supplies from the ilirmers who thought less of patriot- 
ism than of a good market. At last Washington sent General Wayne 
into New Jerse}', to obtain provisions and horses. One of Wayne's 
parties was surprised at Quentin's Bridge, and man}' killed on the spot^ 
others driven into a creek and left to drown, while many, after surren- 
dering, were bayoneted without mercy. The people of New Jersey, 
regarding the whole affair more as a murder than warfare, have alwa3"s 
called it the massacre at Quentin's Bridge. Another party was surpris- 
ed by night at Hancock's Bridge, and bayoneted in their beds, witli the 
citizens of the place, no resistance being made, and no quarter given. In 
the little battle at Crooked Billet, where General Lacey, though sur- 
prised, gallantly drew off his men, with merely the loss of his baggage, 
the British soldiers not only bayoneted and hacked the wounded, but 
actuall}^ gathered buckwheat straw around them, and set them on fire, 
as they lay, too weak to try to extinguish the flames. The cruelties of 
the Indians at Coble's Hill, in Schoharie county, where Brant began 



OK, OUR COUNTUY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 48S 

his work of blood, do not exceed in savage ferocity those of the civil- 
ized soldiers of the English army. 

Such were the acts of the men who now offered what they called Coa- 
cilia,tion Biils. 

Ten days after Congress rejected the insidious proposals, news reach- 
ed Congress of the llual step taken by France. The treaties were im- 
mediately ratified, and the news, as it spread through the country, was 
received with the wildest enthusiasm. Louis XVI., and his minister 
Vergennes, were now regarded with an affection and respect that 
George III. and his ministers had so utterly failed to obtain. 

Valley Forge put on a garb of joy. The event was celebrated with 
appropriate religious ceremonies, and the day closed with an entertain- 
ment, enlivened by music and patriotic toasts. 

Congress, in an address to the people, warned them against the in- 
sidious offers of England, and roused their patriotism to new efforts 
and new sacrifices, Wv^rthy of the admiration of Europe, which would 
now watch them ■\fith a deeper interest than ever. In June, the Earl 
of Carlisle, with Eden and Johnstone, the English Commissioners, ar- 
rived, and sent their proposals to Congress. Its reply was prompt and 
firm. " The acts of the British Parliament, the commission from your 
sovereign, and your letter, suppose the people of these States to be 
subjects of the " crown of Great Britain, and are founded on the idea 
of a dependence which is utterly inadmissible. 

" Congress are inclined to peace, notwithstanding the unjust claims 
from which this war originated, and the savage manner in which it has 
been conducted. They will, therefore, be ready to enter upon the con- 
sideration of a treaty of peace and commerce, not inconsistent with 
treaties already subsisting, when the King of Great Britain shall dem- 



484 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

oustrate a sincere disposition for that purpose." The baffled and dis- 
appointed commissioners, after endeavoring to buy some of the patriots, 
returned to England. 

According to one of the actors in the Revolution, Johnstone, in an 
interview with Mrs. Ferguson, of Philadelphia, desired her to mention 
to Joseph Reed, a member of the Continental Congress, that if he 
would promote the object of their commission, he might have any office 
in the colonies in the gift of his Britannic Majesty, and ten thousand 
pounds in hand. Spurning the idea. Reed told Mrs. Ferguson that he 
was not worth purchasing, but such as he was, the King of England 
was not rich enough to do it. 

The alliance between the United States and France might result at 
any moment in a war between England and the French king. If a 
French fleet blockaded the Delaware, the English army at Philadel- 
phia would be captured as certaiiJy as Burgoyne's had been. 

Sir Henry Clinton succeeded Howe, at Philadelphia. All the mer- 
rymakings, festivities, mischianzas, and tournameifts, with which the 
British officers had amused themselves and their Tory friends in that 
city, ceased. Anxiety became general. 

Clinton resolved to retreat across New Jersey to New York, but 
kept his own counsels wisely, endeavoring to mislead Washington as 
to his plans. Unfortunately, General Lee, next in command to Wash- 
ington, and long jealous of his chief, had, while a prisoner in the hands 
of the British, betrayed the cause of America, by recommending 
plans for its subjugation. He now continued the same treacherous 
course by thwarting Washington's plans. The American commander 
bad at once divined Clinton's design, and proposed crossing at oncss 
into Jersey to prevent it. Lee argiiorl against it, and so plausibly, that 



OR, OUR COUNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 485 

most of the generals sided with him. However, Washington began to 
interrupt and break up the roads that Clinton must talie. At last, 
the English general's course was seen. He sent off in ships, the pro- 
vision-trains, heavy baggage, German troops, and loyalists. 

A little before dawn, on the 18th of June, the British army left Phil- 
adelphia, and commenced crossing the Delaware river at Gloucester 
Point, three miles below. Steadily the boats plied to and fro, the 
muskets glittering in the sunlight, as detachment after detachment 
landed. By ten o'clock, Pennsylvania, to her joy, beheld the last of 
her oppressors reach the Jersey shore. In a few hours Clinton was 
encamped at Haddonfield with his force, and an immense baggage train 
stretching for miles. 

Washington's forecast was justified. Although he had yielded to the 
opinion of his generals, he made every preparation for a rapid move- 
ment. Everything was ready. Eager for action, Wayne and Greene 
moved out of Valley Forge, and crossed the Delaware at Coryell's 
Ferry. Morgan, with his rifles, hastened on to reinforce Maxwell, who, 
with the sturdy Jersey militia, was disputing the road with Clinton, of- 
ten compelling him to halt, and draw up in line. 

Again Washington held a council of war. Lee earnestly opposed 
attacking the enemy, and again his influence prevailed. Clinton was 
pushing on to New Brunswick, his long line of troops and baggage- 
wagons stretching out for twelve miles, halting to build bridges and 
repair the roadways. 

His first object was the Raritan, but Washington was in his path ; 
so he struck towards Sandy Hook, by way of Monmouth. 

In spite of the decision of a new council of war, Washington 
resolved on a general engagement. As Lee opposed it, he gave 



486 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATIUJVT ; 

Lafayette command of the advance : but Lee, soliciting the post, 
obtained it. 

Clinton saw before him the Heights of Middletown. Grain this and 
lie could defy Washington. On the night of Saturday, June 27, the- 
American commander ordered Lee to attack Clinton as soon as he 
moved, and thus prevent his gaining the heights ; he was instructed 
to send out parties to watch the enemy's movements. Success depend- 
ed on celerity and vigilance, Lee showed neither. 

Before he moved, Dickinson's New Jersey militia engaged the en- 
emy, and reported to Washington. Again the aides-de-camp dashed 
down with orders to Lee, and Washington put his army in motion ; the 
men prepared for hot work under the broiling sun, throwing off their- 
packs and coats. 

While Lee lay idle, or pushed on uncertainly, Clinton, sending Knyp- 
hausen ahead with the baggage, came down from the high ground on. 
which he had encamped, and, to cover the baggage, attacked Wayne,, 
who had advanced upon him. He prepared also for a general attack 
on Lee. That officer now found himself confronted by the best English 
troops, and, to the disgust of his men, ordered a retreat. This was 
done in great confusion and indignation, no one knowing why or 
whither. 

Washington, pressing on, with his men full of ardor, came on retreat- 
ing soldiers. Unable to believe their story, he threatened to have 
them whipped. He soon found it too true. He rode forward in a fury 
of passion never before witnessed. He halted the troops as they came 
up and formed them in line for action. At last, Lee rode up, and 
Washington demanded the meaning of his conduct. Quick, furious 
words passed. 



OR, OUK COUSTKT S ACHIEVEMENTS. 487 

Washingtou formed his advance again, and asked Lee whether he 
would retain command or not. " Your orders shall be obeyed," said 
Lee ; ■' I shall not be the first to leave the ground." 

Clinton, having driven in Lee, called back all the troops he could. 
Then the battle began. Lee endeavored now gallantly to hold hia 
ground ; but under a terrible cannonade the English moved steadily 
on. The Americans, after a stubborn fight, gave way ; a stand waa. 
made at a hedgerow, and the American artillery sweeps their line. But 
the cavalry and a bayonet charge again break the Americans. Here 
a woman roused the patriots to still greater exertion. Mary Pitcher 
had accompanied her husband into action. He fell beside his cannon, 
killed by one of the enemy's balls. It was about to be abandoned, 
when Mary, who had come up with a pail of water for her husband, 
saw hiin dead. She seized the rammer and vowed to avenge his death. 
She handled her cannon all day with skill and courage, which won her 
a sergeantcy and half-pay for life. But no effort could hold the posi- 
tion. Lee fell back on the main army, and Washington formed in a 
wood}' height, Stirling on his left and Greene on his right. Wayne, 
posted in an orchard on a height behind a barn, met the first onset of 
the British veterans, as he had done in the morning. On came the 
grenadiers under Motickton, but, as they crossed the hedge, Wayne's 
deadly fire sent them l)ack. Then Monckton roused his men for a 
bold decisive charge, and Wayne, telling his men to pick the officers, 
lay as silent as the foe who came .so gallantly on. At last the sheet of 
lire bursts forth ; Monckton is down, every officer is down, but the 
grenadiers I'lilly uronnd their commander. A furious struggle ensues ; 
but the grenadiers are luirled back, and Monckton is borne to the rear 
of the American line to die. 



488 THE STOEY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

Clinton's attack in all points failed. He threw his main body on 
Lord Stirling, but the American left stood like a rock, and Clinton, 
shattered by the artillery, fell back ; then he formed again and moved 
npon the American right. There Greene met him manfully, and du 
Plessis Mauduit with his artillery took him in the flank, so that Clinton 
gave up and fell back to a strong position, with woods and morasses on 
bis flank and a narrow pass in front. Washington prepared to attack 
him, but night came on, and during the darkness Clinton stole rapidly 
away, leaving his wounded on the field, and hurried on to Sandy 
Hook. 

With his men overcome by heat and exertion, Washington deem- 
ed it unwise to pursue the enemy and risk another action. Lee had 
deprived him of the opportunity of capturing the whole British force. 

While the British ships bore Clinton's well-beaten force to New 
York, Washington marched northward, and, crossing the Hudson, en- 
camped at White Plains. 

Such was the hard-fought battle of Monmouth, on one of the hottest 
summer days, where men dropped dead from heat alone. 

Lee demanded a trial, and was found guilty- of misbehavior before 
the enemy, and disrespect to his Commander-in-chief In consequence 
he was suspended from his command for a year, and never rejoined 
the array. 

Clinton had moved none too soon. Early in July, at the very time 
that he reached New York, a fine French fleet, commanded by the 
Count d'Estaing, appeared off the coast of Virginia. He had sailed 
from Toulon in April, intending to prevent the English from escaping 
out of Philadelphia. Contrary winds had delayed him. Finding that 
the bird had flown, he sailed at once to Sandy Hook. Here, none but 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 489 

Tory pilots could be fouad, and they persuaded him that a large Brit- 
ish fleet lay inside, and that the bar was dangerous. Lord Howe 
drew up his little fleet inside Sandy Hook, and gathered all the ves- 
sels he could find in the bay so as to give the appearance of a large 
fleet, and d'Estaing, completely outwitted, sailed off. 

The next operation was the reduction of Rhode Island, in which 
d'Estaing, b}' sea, and General Sullivan, with a detachment from G-ene- 
ral Washington's array, were to co-operate. D'Estaing with his fleet 
occupied all the channels, but Sullivan had been delayed. On the 9th 
of August, while fretting at this loss of time, sails were seen in the 
horizon, and ere long, Howe's fleet, which had received a considerable 
reinforcement, appeared iu sight. The impatient French admiral, 
though Sullivan was just ready to begin the operations, and the Eng- 
lish garrison, under General Pigot, was a certain prize, sailed out to 
meet Lord Howe. A great deal of manoeuvring followed, and before 
they could come to action a violent storm came on which dispersed 
both fleets. Howe sailed back to New York and d'Estaing to New- 
port, both with fleets in a shattered condition. Sullivan had already 
begun the siege, but the storm did great damage to his tents, arms, 
and ammunition. When d'Estaing returned he was ready to attack 
the English lines, but to his dismay the French admiral announced his 
intention of proceeding to Boston. In vain General Greene and 
General Lafayette endeavored to alter his determination, but all was 
fruitless. He sailed oft", and his conduct excited general indignation. 
Sullivan, deserted by the fleet, had to abandon the siege and commence 
a retreat. Pigot pursued him, and a very hard-fought battle ensued 
at Quaker Hill, in which the loss was severe on both sides. Sullivan at 
last repulsed his assailants, and was thus enabled to reach the main-land 



490 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

just before Clinton arrived with four thousand men and a light fleet to 
the relief of Newport. Finding that Sullivan had escaped him, Clin- 
ton sent G-rey with the fleet to ravage the coast : and in carrying out 
the savage order, this man of blood, as he had already shown himself, 
destroyed all the shipping in Acushnet River, burned Bedford and 
Fairhaveu, and committed great ravages in Martha's Vineyard. 

Washington, with the prudence and moderation which were so char- 
acteristic of him, did all in his power to smooth over the disagreement 
at Newport, and calm the general resentment. It was all the more ne- 
cessary, as Grerard had just arrived as Minister Plenipotentiary from 
the French King, the first ambassador to the new republic. 

And now ensued a series of bloody tragedies, far different from the 
battle-fields, where disciplined armies meet according to the usages of 
war between civilized nations. Indian massacres and massacres that ri- 
valed those of the furious savage, were now to leave an ineffaceable 
stigma on the British name. 

Wyoming, in the valley of the Susquehanna, was a spot whose beau- 
ties have been written in prose and verse, so that its name is familiar 
to all. Its fertile soil, its rich beauty, its adaptation to every want, 
had drawn to its bosom a band of industrious settlers, and nowhere in 
the land were there a finer set of American yeomen. As the Indians 
had shown some hostility, forts were thrown up, and in August, 1776, 
Congress ordered two companies to be raised for the defense of the 
valley. In 1778, tidings came of a British expedition intended to lay 
waste this beautiful tract. The people called in vain on Congress and 
Connecticut, to which State they were still reckoned to belong. Con- 
gress did at last make an effort, but so ill-managed that it was useless. 

On the morning of the 30th of June, 1778, Colonel John Butler, with 



OR, «:>IUi COtTNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 491 

■jbiir hundred Torie? and six hundred Indians, chiefly Senecas. under 
Orengwatoh, entered the head of the valley and posted themselves in 
ambush. 

The river was lined on both sides with little forts, to which the peo- 
ple retreated for safety. From Fort Jenkins, the first of these, is- 
sued forth this joyous morning seven men and a boy to their daily 
toil, utterly unsuspicious of danger. 

Towards evening the work of death begun ; the little party were sur- 
rounded, but bravely defended their lives ; all were killed or taken 
but the boy, John Harding, who threw himself into the river, and lying 
under the willows that fringed the bank, with his mouth only above 
the water, escaped notice. 

The rattle of musketry and the yells of the savage foe gave the 
alarm through the valley. The settlers rallied, and put themselves 
under the command of Colonel Zebulon Butler, a cousin of the Tory 
leader. Forty Fort became the post of the Americans. John Butler 
demanded its surrender, but it was sternly refused. Zebulon Butler 
would have held his post till aid came, but the younger men were eager 
to go out and meet the enem}', whom they could see j^lundering and 
ravaging. At last the gates were thrown open, and the little force of 
three hundred, old men and young, men of rank and plough-boys, all 
shouldering their muskets, marched out. Near the blazing Fort Winter- 
moor, which the Tories had fired, the two parties met. The Tories and 
Indians lay flat on the ground, awaiting the American approach. Ad- 
dressing his men in words fitted to rouse their courage, Colonel Zebulon 
approached to within a hundred yards of the enemy. Here the firing be- 
gan, and for an hour raged furiously. Then the Indians gained a swamp 
and threw the American left into disorder. In its endeavor to re-form 



492 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION; 

the coafusiou increased, and Grengwatoh rushing forward with his 
Senecas, the Americans met this hand to hand charge fighting desper- 
ately. But the right was also broken. There was no hope but in a 
prompt retreat, and the Indians gained their rear to prevent this. 
The only place of crossing the river was far below. Many fell in the 
attempt to reach it. In this bloody conflict Henry Pensil, a Tory, 
slew his own brother, who begged for mercy. Others were 
butchered by neighbors and men who had often received favors 
at their hands. Those who fell into the hands of the Indians under- 
went every form of cruelty that their ingenuity could devise. Esther, 
a woman chief, with her own hand tomahawked sixteen prisoners who 
were ranged in a circle, surrounded by Indians. Two others in the 
circle, Lebbeus Hammond and Joseph Elliott, burst through the war- 
riors and escaped almost miraculously. When night put an end to 
the pursuit and massacre, two hundred and twenty-seven American 
scalps were dangling from the waists of the Tories and Indians, whom 
the English authorities had sent on this work of blood. Only five 
prisoners remained alive. 

Many, seizing a little provisions from their homes, fled to the woods, 
in hopes of reaching other settlements, bearing everywhere the terri- 
ble tale of the Wyoming massacre. 

Colonel Denison, with a small body of those who escaped, regained 
Forty Fort, but when Colonel John Butler demanded its surrender, 
he yielded, no longer able to hold out. Colonel Zebulon and his 
Continentals havuig retired, John Butler declared distinctly that they 
were to be given up to the Indians. 

The Tory leader, after destroying the houses and driving off the live 
stock, retired from the valley. 



OR, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 493 

This was not the only Indian raid on the American frontiers. Daniel 
Boone, with a party of twenty-seven, was captured, and carried off by 
the Indians to Chillicothe, and then to Detroit. He was linally adopted 
by tlie Shawnees, but in June, 1778, effected his escape, and making a 
journej' of a hundred and sixty miles, Avith no provision except one 
meal, which he had concealed in his blanket, reached Boonesborough, 
just as the Indians were preparing to attack it. He found the fort utterly 
unfit for defense. His wife and children, whom he j^earned to see, were no 
longer there. Thinking him dead, ]\Irs. Boone had gone back to her 
father's house in North Carolina. Boone at once called the people together 
and told them of their imminent danger. Every man sprang to work. 
The fort was put in repair, with new bastions, and stout gates ; stock 
was brought in, provisions and ammunition obtained, a garrison formed, 
and parties sent out on a scout. 

It was none too .soon. On the 8th of August, a party of Canadians 
and Indians, commanded by Captain Duquesne, demanded their surren- 
der. The answer came back : " "We are detenu ined to defend our fort 
as long as a man of us lives." Yet Duquesne lured out Boone and eight 
others under pretense of treating for peace, and basely endeavored to 
seize them after articles had been signed. Then the attack began in 
earnest, but so ill did the enemy manage that they soon lost courage, 
and on the 20th of August retired. 

Then Boone plodded his solitary way to North Carolina, where his 
wife and children welcomed him as one risen from the dead. Some- 
what later. Colonel Hartley- led an American force into the Indian 
country on the Susquehanna, where he ravaged their towns, but this 
only drew the Indians down on Cherry Valley. 

A small Continental force was there under Colonel Alden, a New 



494 THE iSTOKT OF A GREAT NATION; 

Englaod officer, little used to Indian fighting. The post was surprised 
by Walter Butler, and his Indian and Tory demons. A general massa- 
cre took place. Whole families were swept away, the assailants sparing 
neither age nor sex. Thirty-two of the inhabitants, principally women 
and children, and eleven Continental soldiers were killed, and all the 
houses were burned, with their barns and stores of grain and hay, leav- 
ing nearly tw'o hundred people to perish or starve, without food or 
shelter ; some of them families always zealous for the royal cause. 

The English regulars were now jealous of their Indian allies, and 
soon showed that they could equal them in cruelty. A party of Kew 
Jersey Light Horse lay at Old Tappan, or Harrington, on the Hackea- 
sack River. Against them, Cornwallis sent the butcher General Grey, 
while other detachments assailed other parties. The dragoons were 
surprised in their beds, and while incapable of resistance, and begging 
for compassion, were butchered in cold blood. Similar cruelty was 
shown in the surprise of Count Pulaski's legion, at Little Egg Harbor, 
in October, where the English were led by a deserter. 

The English Government approved and encouraged these atrocities, 
hoping to terrify the Americans into submission, but the result was just 
the reverse. It filled the whole country with a deep-seated liatred of 
the British nation ; and many who had still hesitated, and had hitherto 
clung to the British side, seeing that their lives and property were at 
the mercy of these cruel mercenaries, heartily joined their fellow coun- 
trymen. Congress formally announced its intention to retaliate for 
these cruelties if they were not stopped. 

Admiral Byron, who had succeeded Lord Howe, attempted to bring 
d'Estaing to action, but the French admiral, escaping out of Boston, 
sailed to the West Indies. An Enijlish fleet, bearing a considerable 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMEKTS. 495 

military force, followed him, and Sir Henry Clinton, seizing the oppor- 
tunity of the absence of a French fleet, dispatched Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Campbell with Commodore Hyde Parker to attack the Southern 
States, and on the 23d of December, Campbell occupied Tybee Island, 
and calling on Governor Prevost of Florida for aid, prepared to at- 
tack Savannah. 

General Robert Howe, the American commander, could muster only 
seven hundred men, but he marched from Sunbury and took up a 
strong position to defend Savannah. Campbell amused him with a 
feigned attack in front, while a part of his force, under Sir James 
Baird, guided by a negro, turned his right flank and attacked him 
from the rear. Then Campbell began the attack in front with 
vigor. Howe's right wing was captured almost entire, while the centre 
managed to retreat with severe loss. The left wing, in attempting to 
retreat through a swamp, lost many, who perished in the treacherous 
ooze. The cit}-, with all its stores and arms, and most of the Ameri- 
can force, were thus captured. 

In less than ten days the enemy was firmly established in Georgia, 
where the people, recent settlers, had not moved promptly with the 
other colonies in the struggle for freedom, and had of late shown little 
inclination to respect the orders of Congress ; now they flocked by 
hundreds to the King's ofQcers, and made their peace at the expense 
of their patriotism. Thus Georgia became, in a few months, one of 
King George's most loyal possessions. 

Previous to this disaster, Washington had ordered General Lincoln 
to take charge of the Southern Department, and as the campaign for 
tbe year was clearly over, prepared to go into winter-quarters on 
both sides of the Hudson, his line extending from Danbury to the 



496 

Delaware, completely eucircliug New York, and so arranged, that 
each detachment could be easily supported. 

We have mentioned the operations of the French fleet, but have 
said nothing hitherto of the efforts of America on the sea. 

The Colonies had never maintained any nav}', or possessed men-of- 
war. During the operations against Canada, New England had fitted 
out vessels, but such vessels were utterly unfitted to cope with the 
mighty navy of England. 

What was done on the sea was the work of single vessels, either 
fitted out as men-of-war, under the authority of Congress, or pi-ivateers. 

The first naval action of the Revolution took place oS" Machias, in 
May, 1775. 

The Margaretta, an armed schooner in the King's service, lay there, 
protecting two sloops which were loading with lumber for Boston. 

The news from Lexington had aroused the people, and such at- 
tempts were made to seize the captain of the Margaretta that he drop- 
ped down the river. Joseph Wheaton and Dennis O'Brien resolved 
to seize her. They surprised one of the sloops, and were joined by 
Jeremiah O'Brien, an athletic, gallant man, well known in the place. All 
present volunteered when he took command, and the sloop, with a gen- 
tle breeze from the northwest, sailed down on the schooner, her crew 
strangely armed with some twenty fowling-pieces, thirteen pitchforks, 
and a dozen axes. 

Captain Moore saw danger in its approach, and at once hoisted sail ; 
but, in rounding a bold point of land, the schooner carried away her 
boom. But ho got a new one from a passing vessel and stood out to 
sea. The sloop kept up the chase and soon overhauled the Margaret- 
ta. Moore opened a heavy fire on the sloop, killing one man, but the 



OR, OUR COITNTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 497 

fire was returned, killing the Margaretta's helmsman and clearing her 
deck. The sloop now ran so close to the schoonei' that her bowsprit was 
fast in the shrouds, and the Maine marksmen wei-e jtonring in deadly 
volleys. Moore fought well, sending grenades into the sloop till he 
was shot down. With his fall the battle ended. The schooner sur- 
rendered, the English flag was lowered, and the first naval victory 
was gained for the United Colonies of America. 

Thus was a well-equipped English vessel taken by a motley crew of 
men from the fields, with fowling-pieces and pitchforks. 

During Arnold's operations on Lake Champlain, in October, 1776, 
quite a naval action took place between two little fleets on the lake. 
Arnold had three schooners, a sloop, and five gondolas, poorly armed, 
-and equipped by men ignorant alike of seamanship and gunnery. 
Greneral Carleton brought down seven hundred men from Montreal and 
also equipped a fleet. 

Arnold anchored his little fleet across the narrow channel, between 
Valcour's Island and the shore south of Plattsburg. Early on the 
morning of the 11th of October the enemy appeared, and sweeping 
around the island, bore down on Arnold's fleet from the south. Their 
force consisted of a ship, a snow, three schooners, and smaller craft, 
well manned by sailors and marines from the royal vessels in the St. 
Lawrence. 

The action began, and notwithstanding the odds against the Ameri- 
cans, was desperately contested till darkness closed the combat. In 
this battle the Royal Savage, one of Arnold's vessels, was so badly 
cut up that she was run ashore and fired, and a gondola sunk soon 
. after. 

Seeing it impossible to sustain another action, Arnold resolved to 



498 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION 



escape with his vessels, all of them badly crippled. He passed unper- 
ceived through the English fleet and nearly reached Crown Point, 
when a southerly wind stopped his course. A sudden change enabled 
the British vessels to move first, and they bore down on Arnold's 
squadron. Near Split Rock the battle was renewed. The Washing- 
ton soon struck, and General Waterbury and his men were captured. 
The Congress fought till she was a perfect wreck, when she was run 
up a creek and fired, with five gondolas. Of the little fleet only two 
schooners, a sloop, two gallej's, and a gondola escaped. 

The skill, bravery, and obstinate resistance of G-eneral Arnold and 
his men, in this new style of warfare, against a vastly superior force 
of experienced men, was hailed as a great achievement on the part 
of Americans. It was clear that they could become good sailors a* 
well as good soldiers. 

Congress, on the 13th of December, 1775, established a navy. The 
frigate Randolph, a fine new vessel of thirty-two guns, under Captain 
Biddle, was one of the first to take the sea with the flag of the United 
States. 

After making many captures, he sailed from Charleston in February, 
1778, with a squadron, comprising the Randolph, General Moulti'ie, 
Polly, Notre Dame, and Fair American. The object was, to engnge 
the Carysfort, an English frigate, which, with two smaller vessels, had 
been cruising off Charleston. He failed to find the British squadron, 
but fell in with the Yarmouth, a sixty-four gun vessel commanded by 
Captain Vincent. The action opened, and the Randolph kept up a 
tremendous fire, pouring in three broadsides to the Yarmouth's one, 
and the smaller vessels doing their part well for about twenty minutes. 
when Captain Nicholas Biddle of the Randolph was wounded in the 



OR, OTJR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 499 

thigb, aud almost at the same instant the Randolph blew up. Of her 
whole crew none escaped but lour men, whom the Yarmouth picked 
up five days after, floating on a piece of wreck. During this time they 
had managed to sustain life by some rain-water, which they caught in 
a blanket. 

After this disaster, the rest of the American squadron made good 
their retreat. 

Late in September, 1778, the United States frigate Raleigh, of thirty 
guns, commanded by the gallant Captain John Barry, sailed from Boston, 
convoying two vessels. She was soon chased by two English men-of- 
war, the Experiment, of fifty guns, and the Unicorn, of twenty-two. On 
Sunday afternoon, September 27th, the Unicorn overhauled Barry 
and the battle began. Barry kept up the fight till night-fall, gaining 
such advantages over the Unicorn that she would have struck had 
not the Experiment come up. Against this desperate odds Barry 
struggled for half an hour, when he resolved to make for land. He 
ran his ship aground on Fox Island, in Penobscot Bay, but before he 
could get o(f his sick and wounded and fire her, the English captured 
her, with a few men still in her. Barry's courage and ability were 
highly approved in this well-fought action. 

Arnold was not the only New England officer who showed naval 
ability. During the operations in Narraganset Bay, the English, to 
close the East Passage, stationed there a fine stout schooner, the Pigot, 
well armed and equipped, and commanded b}' Lieutenant Dunlap of 
the Royal Navy. As she barred the entrance she proved a great annoy- 
ance to the American army, so that Major Talbot resolved to capture 
her. He fitted out the Hawk, a small sloop, and with sixty men 
drifted down at night past the forts, then hoisting sail stood for the 



500 THE STOEY OF A GEEAT NATION ; 

Pigot. Just as the sentries discovered her, the Hawk's jibboora tore 
away the boarding-netting of the schooner Lieutenant Helms and fifteen 
men of the Rhode Island line boarded the Pigot : at one point, the 
crew of the Hawk at another. The British crew fled below. Dunlap, 
roused from his berth, attempted to defend his vessel, but he was dis- 
armed and secured. Without the loss of a man on either side the 
Pigot was captured, and on the 29th of October, 1778, the Hawk and 
her prize sailed into Stonington. Congress promoted the gallant Tal- 
bot to a Lieutenant-Colonelcy for his naval exploit. 

While the main armips were contending on the Atlantic coast, an 
important blow had been struck in the West. Lieutenant-Colonel 
George Rogers Clark, under a commission from Patrick Henry, led 
•an expedition to reduce the Illinois country. Recruiting a little army 
among the frontier men from Pittsburg to Carolina, he started down 
the Ohio as far as the Falls, where Louisville has since been 
built. 

From this point he began his march on Kaskaskia, and by night on 
the 4th of July completely surprised it, bursting into the fort and se- 
curing the commander, Rocheblave, without losing a man or shedding 
a drop of blood. He at once convened the inhabitants, and by the in- 
fluence of the Rev. Mr. Gibault, the priest of the place, won them all 
to his side, and thus was secure from Indian attack, as the red men 
still were greatly attached to the French. Many of the French set- 
tlers even entered his ranks, and he thus was able to take posses- 
sion of Cahokia and Yincennes. 

Many of the Indian tribes came in to treat of peace, although some 
gained to the English side showed hostilitv. Towards these Clark 
duiea wirn greu\, lesoiuiiou and twldness. lie opened friendly inter- 



OR, OUR COUITTBT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 501 

bourse with Leyba, the Spanish commander on the other side of the 
Mississippi, ibr that was then Spanish territory. 

The English were thus completely baffled, but when an expedition from 
Pittsburg against Detroit, under General Mcintosh, failed, Grovernor 
Hamilton, the English commander at Detroit, resolved to make an 
effort to regain the Illinois country. 

He advanced on Vincennes, then held by Captain Helm and one 
man. Planting a cannon in the open gate of the fort. Helm called 
out, " Halt!" as Hamilton approached. The British commander de- 
manded the surrender of the ])lace. " No man shall enter until I 
know the terms," was Helm's firm reply. Hamilton answered, "You 
shall have the honors of war," and then the fort surrendered with its 
garrison of two. 

Hamilton next advanced towards Kaskaskia, but did not dare to at- 
tack Clark, although he had eight hundred British and Indians. He 
■even dismissed most of his Indians, sending some to ravage the front- 
ier. Clark at once marched on Vincennes, and, after a vigorous 
fight, captured it, with Hamilton and all his remaining force. The 
British commander was sent to Virginia, where he was treated with 
great severity, in consequence of his cruelty to American prisoners 
and his instigation of Indian atrocities. 

With a little reinforcement Clark would have reduced Detroit also, 
and completely annihilated English influence in the West. As it was, 
his coolness, bravery, and singular judgment in dealing with the 
Fn'uch and Indians, made his campaign a complete success. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Campaign of 1779 — Operations in the South — Georgia — Invasion of South Carolina — Battle 
of Stono Ferry — The British invade Connecticut — Storming of Stony Point — Sullivan's Expe- 
dition against the Six Nations — Penobscot— Paulus Hook— Commodore Paul Jones — The 
great Figlit between the Bon Homme Richard and the Serapis — Siege of Savannah by d'Es- 
taing and Lincoln — Spain joins France — Continental Money. 

The opening of the new year saw the British under General Pre- 
vost in full possession of G-eorgia. General Lincoln strained every 
nerve to save South Carolina. He appealed urgently to the patriot- 
ism of the citizens. He at last gathered, at Purysburg, on the Savan- 
nah, a force of three thousand men, equal in numbers to Prevost's force, 
but totally undisciplined men, most of them being raw levies. 

With all his superiority Prevost hesitated to enter South Carolina, 
as the country was a dangerous one for military movements. At last, 
however, he sent Major Gardner to seize Port Royal. General Moul- 
trie was at once sent to confront him. About four o'clock in the 
afternoon of the 3d of February, he came in sight of the enemy. 
With his men formed in a strong position across the road, he awaited 
Gardner's approach. For three quarters of an hour a sharp action en- 
sued, the militia, utterly uncovered, standing their ground manfully. 
At last a well-directed ball dismounted Gardner's only field-piece, and 
the enemy began to move off, leaving part of their wounded, and 
losing in the pursuit several men and arms. 

This little affair roused the courage of the Americans, but Prevost 
had agents actively at work among the Tories in South Carolina. 
Gained by his promises, a party of Tories under Colonel Boyd began 
their march towards Augusta to join the British, marking their path- 
way by robl)ory, violence, and devastation. 



OUR country's achievements. SOS- 

Colonel Andrew Pickens took the tield to meet him, and also to in- 
tercept the Toiy Colonel Hamilton of North Carolina. "While watch- 
ing the latter, Boyd managed to cross the Savannah. Pickens gave- 
chase, and while Boyd's men were bns}' at Kettle Creek slaughtering a> 
drove of cattle which they had just captured from the plantations,, 
Pickens came down in perfect military order. The fire of the senti- 
nels startled the Tories from their false security. Boyd was no coward. 
He rallied his men and retreated in tolerable order, but Pickens press- 
ed steadily on. When, after an hour's struggle, Boyd fell dangerously 
wounded, his whole party, forty of whom were killed and many wound- 
ed, fled in all directions ; a small party reached the British camp. 
Others surrendered and begged for mercy. Some of these were tried 
for treason, and five leaders among them were executed. This blow 
completely disheartened the Carolina Tories, who made no further at- 
tempts on any large scale to aid the British. The hopes raised by these 
successes were blasted by the utter defeat of General Ashe, with the 
North Carolina militia and Georgia Continentals. He allowed himself 
to be surprised and routed by Prevost at Briar Creek, on the 3d of 
March. This event deprived General Lincoln of one-fourth of his 
forces, secured the British the possession of Georgia, and opened com- 
munication between them and the Tories and Indians. 

To cover Augusta, where the Georgia legislature were to meet,. 
Lincoln moved up the river, leaving General Moultrie to watch Pi-e- 
vpst, who he did not suppose would make any important move. Pre- 
vost, however resolved to capture Charleston before Lincoln could 
come to its relief. He drove Moultrie before him, that gallant officer 
in vain appealing for militia to enable him to engage the enemy. 

On the 11th of May, Prevost, by rapid marches, crossed the Ashley 



504 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOW ; 

River, and summoned Charleston to surrender. Governor Rutledge 
gained time by negotiations, and meanwliile, Lincoln, convinced at last 
■of Prevost's design, was hastening to relieve the capital oi" South Caro- 
lina. Prevost, who had intercepted a letter Irom General Lincoln, be- 
;gan his retreat, making his way to the islands on the coast, where ves- 
ie\s could reach him. 

On the 20th of June, Lincoln attacked seven hundred British troops, 
iFell posted at Stono Ferry. The Highlanders, outside the enemy's 
works, met the American attack with great gallantry, and were almost 
annihilated. Then Lincoln attacked the strong English lines, but rein- 
forcements, which Moultrie was too late to intercept, gave the British a 
superiorit3^ and Lincoln withdrew. 

This action, however, hastened the withdrawal of the British forces 
from South Carolina : but they bore with them plunder of all kinds, 
taken from the country through which they passed. They pillaged 
everything, and in this exceeded anything of the kind in the whole 
war. Slaves were carried off in droves, and then sent to the West In- 
dies and so]d. 

This was now the policy of the British Government. They seemed 
to have felt that they must lose America, but they determined to 
leave it, if possible, a desert. The war was to be carried on by rav- 
aging and plunder. 

So in May, Sir George Collyer, commanding the British fleet, 
took on board eighteen hundred men under General Matthews, to rav- 
age Virginia. Anchoring his vessels in Hampton Roads, Collyer landed 
General Matthews at Portsmouth. From this place, small parties were 
sent out to ravage and plunder naval and military stores ; vessels of all 
kinds, and property of every kind were carried off or wantonly destroyed. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 505 

In a few days, a fertile coimtiy beeauK' one vast scene of smoking 
ruins. When the people remonstrated, they were told : " We are 
commanded to visit the same treatment upon all who refuse to obey the 
King." 

Washington, meanwhile, had been unable to undertake any import- 
ant movement. His army was small. Congress did little to increase 
the force, or even to clothe and pay the officers and men actually in 
service, manj^ of whom were suffering greatly. People generally 
seemed to think that the French would do everything, and a general 
apathy prevailed. Not even militia organizations were kept up to pre- 
vent the constant English raids and incursions. 

While things were in this condition, Sir Henry Clinton, on the 1st 
of June, moved up the Hudson, and attacking the unfinished American 
works at Stony Point, captured them, taking the whole garrison prison- 
ers of war. He at once put Stony Point and Verplanck's Point in 
a strong state of defense. It was his intention to attack West Point, 
but Washington was on the alert to preserve that position, which com- 
manded the river. 

Unable to effect his object, Clinton resolved to ravage and plunder 
Connecticut, as he had done Virginia. Again Sir G-eorge CoUyer's fleet 
sailed out of New York, this time bearing a force under Major-General 
Tryon, and General Garth. 

On Monday, the 5th of July, these forces landed at East and West 
Haven, ami prepared to attack the city of New Haven. Some Yale 
students and other young men drove back Qartli's advance, but the 
British general advanced to West Bridge. There he met so stubborn 
an oppposition that he retired, and, crossing higher up, entered New 
Haven by another road. Tryon met a sturdy opposition to his landing, 



500 THE STORY OF A OREAT NATION ; 

but finally disembai'ked, and marched ou New Haven. The British gen- 
eral threatened to burn the city, but after jihuidering the inhabitants of all 
their valuables, and destroying much fui'uiture that they could not re- 
move, and all the jniblic stores, they marched down next day to Rock- 
fort, and re-embarked. 

Ou the 8th, they landed at Fairfield, and, meeting little opposition, 
entered the town, from which most of the ])eople had fled. Those who 
remained were subjected to the worst brutalities, and then the town 
was set on fire. Two meeting-houses, eighty-three dwellings, forty- 
seven storehouses, with the schools and county-house, were all de- 
stroyed. 

Norwalk was the next point of attack. As Tryon marched on this 
place. Captain Stephen Betts, with only fifty Continentals, met him, 
and handled him so roughl}" that he did not venture to cross the 
bridge and enter the place till Garth came up. Here the work of 
destruction was renewed. More than two hundred houses and stores, 
with barns, mills, and shipping, were ruthlessly destroyed. 

Such was the notorious expedition against Connecticut, of which the 
people of America have ever retained the most intense indignation. 

While the British were engaged in these disgraceful operations, 
Washington, after personally reconnoitering Stony Point, determined to 
wrest it from the liands of the enemy. He confided this important ex- 
pedition to one of his best generals, Anthony Wayne. 

That general made it one of the most memorable exploits in Ameri- 
can wars, and as long as the history of the country is read, men will 
commemorate Wayne's capture of Stony Point. 

The place which bears the name is a rough little promontorj^ .j'ltting 
out into the Hudson, about forty miles above New York. The river 



OE, OUPv COITNTKY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 507 

washes nearly the whole rocky side, and a deep marsh covers the rest. 
Through this marsh there was but one passage-way, though, where it 
skirted the river, a sandy beach was seen at low tide. 

Wayne cautiously approached the British position, and forming his 
men into two columns, moved on, with forlorn hopes of Pennsylvania 
troops at the head of each column. To distinguish his men in the night 
attack, each soldier stuck a piece of white paper in his hat. At half- 
past eleven o'clock at night, the two columns, in perfect silence, ad- 
vanced. At a little stream they separated, one to take the eastern 
side, the other the western side of the works. Between them. Major 
Murfey, with some North Carolina light troops, made an open attack. 
The English, alarmed by an outpost at the water's edge, manned the 
works. Grape and musketry poured down on Murfey's advancing col- 
umn, but from the American line not a sound was heard. Through 
the marsh and water, over abattis and obstructions of every kind, 
Wayne's grim, resolute men, with fixed bayonets, pushed steadily on. 
The darkness is lighted up b}" volley after volley, but they never stag- 
ger or waver. They reach the parapet, and creeping through or clam- 
bering over, are inside the works. Both columns at the same instant rais- 
ed the api)ointed cry: "The fort's our own!" Colonel Fleury, the 
first to enter the fort, struck the British standard with his own hand. The 
garrison maintained a desperate hand-to-hand fight, but at last, seeing 
their numbers thinning, and the Americans in complete possession, they 
surrendered. General Wayne, wounded in the head, had fallen outside 
the works, and was now brought in bleeding, but victorious, to receive 
the submission of the British commander. 

The guns were at once run out and pointed at Fort Lafayette, and 
the English vessels in the river. They were startled at this first notice 



508 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION; 

of a change of owners in Stony Point, and the ship' mad; all haste 
to escape down the river. 

Wayne's exploit deprived the enemy of nearly seven hundred men, 
besides ordnance and stores to an immense amount. 

This achievement arrested Clinton in his devastation of Connecticut, 
He hastened back to New York, and dispatched troops to relieve Col- 
onel "Webster in Fort Lafayette ; McDougal, when dispatched bj' 
Wayne to reduce that post, having moved too late. Washington, find- 
ing Stoin' Point alone of no importance to hold, evacuated it, when 
Clinton again posted a strong garrison there. 

Not far off, on the 22d of July, a stubborn fight occurred betweeo 
Brant with his savage warriors and a small force. Brant had plunder- 
ed and burned Minisink : Colonel Hathoru, of Warwick, with others, 
rashly pursued him. The adroit Indian divided his antagonists by a 
stratagem. Eighty occupied the summit of a hill. These Brant now 
attacked. Sheltered behind trees and rocks, the Americans kept up 
a constant and telling fire, from ten in the morning till late in the 
afternoon. Then a brave fellow who held the key of the position fell. 
Brant saw his advantage and pushed in, attacking the little American 
party on all sides. They fled, and, pursued by the savage foe, were 
slaughtered without mercj^ as were the wounded, who had been re- 
moved and placed under the care of a surgeon. 

One only received quarter, who, it is said, made a Masonic signal 
of distress, which Brant, himself a Freemason, respected. 

In the Northward again, the clang of battle resounded. Colonel 
Maclean, from Halifax, stationed himself on the Penobscot. A fleet 
was at once fitted out under Commodore Saltonstall, bearing four 
thousand militia, under Generals Lovell and Wadsworth, to dislodge 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 509 

him. A British fleet impeded the landing, but Lovell at last began 
the siege of Maclean's works. He erected his battery, and for a fort- 
night kept up a most vigorous cannonade, and preparations were made 
to assault the fort. But suddenly intelligence came that Sir George 
Collyer was approaching, with a large naval force. Lovell abandoned 
the siege, and embarked all his troops. As he stood out to sea, Col- 
Iyer's fleet hove in sight. Flight was no longer possible. The Warren, 
a fine new frigate, and fourteen other vessels, were either taken or 
blown up. The transports managed to land the troops on the wild, 
uncultivated coast, and many men perished, as without provisions they 
endeavored, through the dense woods of Maine, to reach the towns 
and villages. 

Such was the disastrous result of a well-appointed expedition fitted 
out by Massachusetts. 

A brilliant feat of arms, however, cheered the American heart. 
Wayne's exploit at Stony Point had aroused the emulation of oSicers 
and men. 

The British in New York had a post at Paulus Hook, now Jersey 
City, which proved a great annoyance. Mnjor Henry Lee, a dashing 
Virginia ofiicer, popularly known as "Light Horse Harry," proposed 
to Washington to surprise it. The English position consisted of re- 
doubts and block-houses well supplied with artillery, and protected by 
abattis and marshes. The ground was then far different from what the 
present city shows. The post could be approached by land only by 
way of the New Bridge over the Hackensack. 

On the morning of the 18th of August, with the summer sun pour- 
ing down on the valley, Lee moved from Paramus with two hundred 
Maryland troops, and at New Bridge was joined by three hundred 



510 THE STORY OF A GEF.Al NATION ; 

Virginians and some dragoons. With these he advanced, but the Vir- 
ginians, from various reasons, withdrew. "With his remaining petty 
force he reached the enemy's works, through the marsh and under a 
brisk fire. But his rush was so impetuous, that before the British 
had time to fire a single piece of artillery he gained possession of the 
main work, while Captain Forsyth captured a house known as " Num- 
ber Six," with several officers and soldiers quartered there. 

Without discharging a single musket, Lee had taken the place and 
had the whole garrison prisoners, except a few Hessians who had 
thrown themselves into a small work. 

Across the river he could see New York, roused by the alarm-guns, 
all in excitement. In a short time troops would pour in upon him. 
So, securing his prisoners he began his retreat, and though pursued, he 
repulsed the enemy at English Neighborhood Creek and returned in 
safety with all his prisoners, having lost only two men killed and three 
wounded, and deprived the enemy of two hundred. 

Far more important was the expedition set on foot late in the sum- 
mer against the Six Nations. These Indians had, from the settlement 
of New York by the Dutch, been friendly to the colonists, and had never 
made war upon them, till civilized England instigated them to deeds 
of blood and massacre on their old friends and neighbors. 

We have seen how terribly they carried out the fearful work at 
W3^oming, Cherrj" Valley, Mohawk Valley, and Minisink. The whole 
country demanded their chastisement. Pennsylvania, New York, and 
Connecticut, the last as proprietors in a measure of Wyoming, called 
upon Congress to act. Washington had already decided upon a plan 
of action, and when Congress proposed it, at once offered the com- 
«oa.»*d of the expedition to General Gates, who declined : Sullivan 



OR, OUR COUKTEX'S ACHIEVEMENTS. 511 

took bis place. Two bodies of troops were to move upon the In- 
dian country ; Sullivan's corps, from Easton, b}- waj^ of Wyoming, 
while New York troops, under General James Clinton, where to 
move from Canajoharie by way of Otsego Lake. Sullivan was de- 
layed by various petty obstacles, but Clinton, damming up the 
outlet of Otsego Lake, was enabled to float down the Susquehanna 
the batteaux he had collected, and also to overflow and damage the 
Indian fields on the river. 

The forces united on the 22d of August. On the 27th they ravaged 
the Indian fields at Chemung. Two days after they came upon the 
Indians, who had taken up a strong position near where Elmira now 
stands. They lay in a bend of the river ; protected in front by a 
breastwork of logs. They concealed this by bushes, hoping to escape 
observation till Sullivan's army was passing, when they would make a 
sudden attack. They were discovered, however, and skirmishing was 
kept up till the whole army arrived. The hills on the flank of the 
Indians were the essential point to carry. G-eneral Poor charged up 
the hill on their left with great coolness and bravery. Every rock 
and tree and bush shielded its man, from behind which rang out the 
sharp crack of the deadly rifle. The Indians yielded only inch by 
inch, darting from tree to tree as they were pressed back, but keeping up 
their fire ; Brant, in the thickest of the fight, rousing his men by word 
and example. As he saw Poor steadily pressing to his left flank, he 
made a desperate effort to rally his men and force Poor back. On 
thej^ came, yelling and whooping like infuriate demons, but they could 
make no impression on the American line, which soon turned the left. 
Then from the Indian line rose the retreat halloo, and they fled 
precipitately, leaving their packs, scalping-knives, and tomahawks. 



512 THE STOUT OF A GREAT NATION; 

Many of the Indians fell in the deadly battle, m<.<"6 in the 
pursuit. 

The nearest Indian village was destroyed, then Newtown, now El- 
mira, with all its crops. Through the Seneca country pressed the 
American army, resolved to punish theii^ savage foe. French Cathar- 
ine's, Appletown, Kandara, Ganuudasaga, were all given to the flames. 
The last was the chief town of the Senecas, a place of some sixty houses, 
surrounded by thrifty orchards of apple and peach trees, and fine gar- 
dens, showing the progress of these Indians, whom England had called 
from their progress in civilization to replunge in barbarism. 

After destroying other towns, Sullivan, when at Kanaghsa, sent out 
Lieutenant Boyd with twenty-six men on a scout. He was intercepted 
by a large body of Indians. With desperate energy he attempted to 
cut his way through, but twenty-two of the party were killed, Boyd and 
Sergeant Parker being made prisoners. Brant would have spared 
them, but Butler, the Tory chief, gave them to the Indians to torture, 
and thej'' expired amid the most excruciating torments. 

Having completely ravaged the Indian country, Sullivan marched 
back to Wyoming. 

Colonel Van Schaick had already this year, with a small body of men, 
attacked Onondaga, killing and capturing some fifty men, and destroy- 
ing fifty houses and great quantities of provisions. While Sullivan was 
in the Seneca country. Colonel Brodhead, from Pittsburg, ascended 
the Alleghany and ravaged the Indian villages and fields, although 
there the Indians made some attempt at resistance. 

These severe blows, although they did not deprive the Indians of 
many warriors, left them nearly helpless, and convinced them of the 
power of the Americans. In this way they were attended with no 



OR, OTJR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 51 S 

jiiile advantage, and experience bad shown, that it was the only way 
1o produce an impression on these haughty warriors. 

The little American navy, though unable to cope with the gigantic 
fleets of G-reat Britain, rendered, nevertheless, signal services, and con- 
tinued to show the world, by exploits on sea as well as on laud, that the 
people of America were in earnest and determined to be free. England 
was mistress of the seas, and few nations dared to cope with her on her 
own element. Yet here were the United States fearlessly confronting 
her. In 1776 the American cruisers, darting out from the numberless 
ports ©n the Atlantic seaboard, swept away more than three hundred 
English vessels. Roused by this, the King sent out the next year 
seventy-seven men-of-war to cruise along the coast, yet, in the face of 
this great naval force, the Americans captured four hundred and 
seventy -six English merchantmen, some of them of very great value. 
Occasionally, indeed, a privateer would be taken, to the great exultation 
of the British and Tories, but they could not, by all the cruelties of 
their prison-ships on the East River, or their Sugar-Houses in New 
York city, deter bold and patriotic men from sallying forth on the 
ocean to cripple the maritime strength of the oppressor. 

Among the officers appointed to command in the navy was Captain 
John Paul Jones, a man of great naval experience, and devoted heart 
and soul to the cause of American independence. 

Through the exertions of Dr. Franklin, a little fleet was fitted out 
in France in 1779, and put under command of Paul Jones. It con- 
sisted of the Bon Homme Richard, an old East Indiaman mounting 
thirty-four guns, the Alliance, a new American frigate carrying thirty- 
aix guns, the Pallas, Vengeance, and Cerf. This fleet swept along 
the coast of Great Britain and spread terror throughout the country, 



514 THE STOET OF A GEEAT NATION; 

where the fate of South Carolina and Connecticut was, they suf)po3edv 
to become that of many a thriving town and village. As they had 
robbed, plundered, burned, and desolated in America, so Americans 
might justly burn and plunder in England. 

Un the 23d of September, 1779, Commodore Paul Jones, cruising 
off Flamborough Head, England, discovered a large fleet of vessels. 
He instantly recognized^ it as the Baltic fleet, coming up convoyed by 
two British men-of-war ; the Serapis, of forty-four guns, and the Coun- 
tess of Scarborough, of twenty-two. Commodore Jones signalled his 
ships to form a line and bear down on the enemy, but Captain Lan- 
dais, of the Alliance, disobeyed his orders. Then Jones went into, 
action with the two English vessels. 

It was now night, and the moon came out clear and bright, on a sea 
almost as smooth as glass. The cliffs of the English coast were full 
in view, lined with anxious spectators. 

"What ship is that?" hailed Captain Pearson of the Serapis. 
" Come a little nearer and I will tell you," was Jones' reply. " What 
are you laden with? "asked the Briti.sh commander. "Round, grape, 
and double-head shot," was the answei- of the gallant American 
commander. The broadside of the Serapis then thundered out. Paul 
Jones replied, but two of what ho considered his best guns burst, kill- 
ing several. Abandoning these useless guns, he kept up the battle 
with those of less weight. The Serapis poured in her broadsides 
with the regularity of a British man-of-war ; Jones, after one or twa 
broadsides, ran ahead, but the Serapis luffed across his stern, pouring 
in a heavy broadside and passing around and ahead. The Richard 
ran into her, and in a moment threw out grappling-irons, but before 
the A.nierica,ns nould l)oard the Serapis, the latter contrived to get 



OR, OUR COITNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 515 

free. In the next manoeuvre the two ships came side by side, and the 
Richard again threw out her grappling-irons, and the anchor of the 
Serapis hooked fast on the Richard. 

With the muzzles of their guns fairly touching, the cannonade kept 
up furiously, the balls tearing through both hulls. They fought at the 
guns below, they fought from deck to deck, they fought from the tops 
and rigging. Seldom has history recorded such a tight. All working 
of the ships ceased, as they lay head and stern, and drifted slowly to- 
ward the land, till at last the Serapis cast out her anchor three miles 
from shore. With a rush the British seamen attempted to board. 
Back, bleeding and discomfited, they were repeatedly hurled, and from 
the tops came grenades and well-aimed shots that finally cleared the 
tops and deck of the Serapis. Below, the British had the advantage : 
they were tearing the Richard's lower deck to pieces and driving the 
Americans up. 

The battle had lasted nearly an hour when the sails of the Serapis 
took fire, and soon the tops of the Richard were in a blaze. Both 
parties stopped the fight to extinguish the flames. Then the battle 
was renewed. The fire broke out anew, but they extinguished it only 
to renew the desperate fight. At last, one of the Richard's topsmen 
climbed over to the maintop of the Serapis with a bucket full of gren- 
ades, and began to light and drop them among the English sailors. One 
at last fell among the cartridges. A fearful explosion ensued. More 
than twenty were killed and forty wounded. 

Just then the Alliance came up and poured in a broadside, doing as 
much damage to the Richard as to the Serapis, and filling the Ameri- 
can vessel with such confusion that the English prisoners were releas- 
ed, and the gunner, supposing himself the highest officer left, called 



516 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

out Quarter ! The Commodore soon restored order put the prisoners 
at the pumps, and filled his crew with new hope of victory. He trained 
uew guus to bear .on the Serapis, and at last, at half past one, Cap- 
iain Pearson struck his colors with his own hand, no British tar, with 
all their reputed gallantry, daring to expose himself to the deadly fire 
of the American ship. 

Lieutenant Dale passed on board and took possession, while Pearson 
and his oEBcers went on board the Richard, and surrendered their 
swords to Commodore Paul Jones. But the haughty Englishman could 
not forbear to insult his conqueror : " It is with great reluctance," said 
he, " that I am obliged to resign my sword to a man who may be said 
to fight with a halter about his neck." Commodore Paul Jones showed 
his greatness of mind by replying : " Sir, you have fought like a hero, 
and I make no doubt your sovereign will reward you for it in the most 
ample manner." 

While the Richard and Serapis were engaged, the Pallas had attack- 
ed and captured the Countess of Scarborough. The victory was won, but 
the Richard was on fire and sinking. With great difficulty her crew 
and the wounded were removed to the other vessels of the squadron. 
She was a complete wreck, much of her timbers being completely swept 
away by the cannon of the Serapis. The sun rose on the glorious ship 
settling down in the sea ; at ten o'clock her bows sunk, and she dis- 
appeared. 

Nearly three hundred men were killed and wounded on each of the 
ships, so desperate had been the action. Its fame rang through Eu- 
rope and America. The King of France presented Commodore Jones 
^ith a splendid sword ; the Empress of Russia invited him to her 
navy and made him Rear- Admiral. Congress showed its appreciation 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 517 

of his gallantry by the thanks of tlie nation and l:)y striking a gold 
medal. 

Admiral d'Estaing, with the French fleet, after refitting at Boston, 
sailed to the West Indies, where Dominica, St. Vincent's, and Granada 
were captured, and all the English possessions thrown into great alarm. 
An English fleet was sent out to meet him, and a sharp but indecisive 
action followed. The French Admiral was about to sail home, wnen he 
received so strong an appeal from General Lincoln, and Governor Rut- 
ledge, of South Carolina, that he sailed once more for the United 
States, to co-operate with the American forces in reducing Savannah. 

General Prevost, who held that city, was early warned of his dan- 
ger, and sent to New York for aid. Experienced engineers strengthen- 
ed the defenses of the city, and did all that was possible to make the 
approach to the city dangerous to a fleet. 

D'Estaing landed Dillon's regiment of the Irish Brigade, and other 
troops, amounting in all to more than three thousand men. On the 15th 
of September, General Count Pulaski, with his legion, joined them. 
Then d'Estaing summoned the garrison to surrender. 

Prevost asked time, and this enabled him to be reinforced by Colonel 
Mai tl and. 

When General Lincoln arrived with his army from Charleston, the 
siege of Savannah was begun. The garrison made repeated sorties, 
but the mortars and siege-guns began their work, seriouslv dama2;ino; 
the town and burning many houses. The English fortifications were 
not, however, much injured. Finding that the siege would be long, 
d'Estaing, unwilling to remain longer on the coast, resolved to 
abandon the siege unless an assault could be made. On the 9th of Octo- 
ber, the bombardment was opened from all the batteries, and under 



518 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

cover of this fire, the two columns of attack were loriiied, one under 
General Dillon, to march along the foot of the bluft' on the north side 
of the town, the other, commanded by Admiral d'Estaing and General 
Lincoln, to attack the Spring Hill redoubt, where the Augusta railroad 
station now stands. 

At tlie same time, General Huger, with a body of militia, was to 
move on the south side of the town, to draw off the enemy, and, if pos 
sible, enter the town. 

Dillon's column got entangled in the swamp, and lost severely by 
the enemy's lire without being able to come into action. 

The column under the French Admiral and the American General 
moved splendidly on upon the Spring Hill redoubt, where Prevost had 
gathered his choice troops. Under a murderous fire they scaled the 
ramparts, and the French fleurs-de-lis, and the crescent of South Caro- 
lina, were planted on the redoubt. They are shot down ; but in a mo- 
ment they are up again. Again a gallant Carolinian falls. Sergeant 
Jasper caught his State fiag, and again reared it, but received his death- 
wound. 

For nearly an hour a fearful struggle was kept up, but fresh English 
troops came up, and the gallant men were forced back, through ditch 
and abattis, down the bluff. Disheartened by the fearful slaughter of 
their men, the allied commanders ordered a retreat. While this assault 
was made. Count Pulaski had charged at the head of his legion in the 
rear of the enemy's line, when he was struck in the groin and fell mor- 
tally wounded. His Lieutenant seized his banner and continued to 
lead on the charge, but the English now turned all their force upon him, 
he too retreated, bearing off his dying commander. 

General Huger's movement produced no result. 



OR, OUR COU]SrTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 510 

Greiieral Lincoln wished to continue the siego, but d'Estaing would 
not consent to remain. He had lost severely, and was less disposed 
than ever. Accordingly, the siege was raised, the French re-embarked, 
the Americans crossed the river, and returned to South Carolina. lu 
loss of life, the attack on Savannah was one of the severest battles of 
the war. The French lost in killed and wounded seven hundred, and 
the Americans two hundred. The English loss was comparatively 
small. 

During the siege of Savannah, Colonel John White, of Georgia, per- 
formed an exploit worth recording. Twenty-five miles from Savan- 
nah, on the Ogeechee, was an English post imder a British captain, 
with more than a hundred men, and five armed vessels. Late at night, 
White, with six men, kindled fires, so as to look like a large encamp- 
ment, and made noises to conve}' the same impression. Then he sum- 
moned the English officer to surrender instantly. The captain sup- 
posed that he was about to be attacked by an overwhelming force, laid 
down his arms, and Colonel White marched a hundred and forty-two 
British prisoners to Sunbur3^ General Washington had counted also 
on d'Estaing's co-operation in a great movement against New York, 
the key to the English position in America, as an attack upon it requir- 
ed a naval force. But the failure of the siege of Savannah, and 
the subsequent dispersion of the French fleet in a storm, put an end 
to all his hopes from that quarter. 

The operations of the year were accordingly closed and Washing- 
I'ton prepared to go into winter-quarters. He selected these so as to 
secure wood, water, and provisions, as well as to keep the enemy in 
check. The army formed two divisions ; the northern, under General 
Heath, was to jnotect We.st Point and the adjacent country; 



520 THE STORY OF A CxREAT NATION ; 

Washington himself, with the principal division, retired to Morristown, 
in New Jersey. 

If in this campaign Washington had effected little, the English had 
accomplished nothing towards the snbjugation of America. Thej- had 
scattered their forces and ravaged withont mercy defenseless towns : 
but, after this, they had never stepped out of their works or beyond 
their lines. 

Washington's army was small. The people, after the first enthusiasm 
of the Revolution had subsided, had grown careless and indifferent ; 
Congress was irresolute, and the Continental Currency issued by it 
had become almost worthless, and was largely' counterfeited by the 
English Governnient. 

It was a period of despondency for the best patriots in the land, 
and for none more than for the illustrious Washington. 



CHAPTER V. 

Campaign of 1T80— Sir Henry Clinton sails south, besieges and takes Charleston — Tarleton 
begins his career of cruelty — Lord Cornwallis iu the South— Sumter and Marion — Gates 
sent South by Congress — His rashness — Defeated at Camden — DeKalb — General Greene — 
King's Mountain — Patriotic women — Lord Stirling on Staten Island — Battle of Springfield 

Elated by the success of Prevost in repulsing the allied attack on 
his works at Savannah. Sir Henry Clinton resolved to seize the oppor- 
tunity afforded by the absence of the French fleet from the coast, to 
attack South Carolina. Admiral Arbuthnot, with a powerful fleet, 
convoyed a number of transports, which now bore to Charleston a for- 
midable force, with ample sujjplies of military stores and provisions. A 



•or, our country's ACHIEVEMENT::^. 531 

succession of storms nearly destroyed this armament, and actually 
caused great loss, but it finally reached Savannah. The British array 
then moved on Charleston. That city was held by General Lincoln, 
with about one thousand men. His call for militia and for reinforce- 
ments from the North was but slowly responded to, yet he resolutely 
prepared to defend the town with the troops at his command. He 
strengthened his works, planted cannon, sunk vessels in the channels, 
and in other ways made them dangerous for the enemy's ships. Mean- 
while Sir Henry Clinton gradually surrounded the town and approach- 
ed the lines. On the night of the 1st of April, he threw up two re- 
doubts within eight hundred yards of the lines held by the Americans. 
In a few days his siege-line was complete, and the fleet passed Fort 
Moultrie to support the army, suffering great damage from the fire of 
the fort, and losing one transport. 

Clinton and Arbuthnot then demanded the surrender of the city, 
but Lincoln had received reinforcements — Continentals, under General 
Woodford, and North Carolina militia. He rejected the summons. 

Then the siege began, and a fierce fire was kept up on the town 
from the land batteries and shipping. On tlic 14th of April, an out- 
post of Americans, under General Huger, was surprised by Colonel 
Tarleton, whom a treacherous negro had guided. 

A few days later, the already powerful force was swelled by a re- 
inforcement ; Cornwallis landed with three thousand fresh troojis. 
Lincoln saw now no hope, except in escaping to the open country. 
The people of Charleston, fearful of the vengeance of the British 
General, begged him to defend the place to the last. On the 21st, 
Lincoln proposed to surrender the town and its dependencies, on con- 
dition that the garrison and such of the inhabitants as wished to retire, 



522 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; . 

might be permitted to withdraw, with their arms, field-artillery, ammu- 
nition, baggage, and such stores as they could carry, and that inhab- 
itants unwilling to remain under British rule, should have a year to 
dispose of their property. The English commander at once rejected 
these terms. 

So the siege went on, the English steadily pushing ahead their 
works, and on the 8th of Maj'^ again summoned the citj'. Again Lin- 
coln proposed terms, but Clinton demanded alterations, which Lin- 
coln refused. That night the tiring commenced once more, with greater 
fury than ever. The doomed city was like one yast conflagration. 
Shells streaming through the air in lightning curves, or bursting in 
the streets and houses ; the city on fire in five different places ; cannon- 
balls and shells hissing continually among the terrified people ; here 
an ammunition chest would blow up, and then, with a shock like an earth- 
quake, some temporary magazine would explode. 

Day bi'ought no cessation to the terrible bombardment, and night 
was again made lurid by its deadly glare. At last the Americans 
were fairl^y driven from their guns, by the deadly fire through the 
embrasures. 

"Worn down with fatigue, Lincoln, at last, on the 11th of May, un- 
conscious that a French fleet, under da Ternay, was rapidly a])proaching 
to his relief, and seeing no hope of aid, renewed negotiations. The 
English commanders, anxious to enter the place, agreed upon terms, 
and articles were signed the next day. 

Fifteen hundred Continental soldiers, with a large militia force, be- 
came prisoners of war, and cannons, muskets, and military stores 
fell into the enemy's hands. 

This terrible blow gave the British possession of all the country 



OR, OUR COTJNTRYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 528 

from North Carolina to the Grulf. Cliuton's first movements were 
ail earnest of what the South had to expect. He at once planned 
three expeditions, one towards the Savannah ; another upon Ninety- 
Six, a place on the Saluda, to dislodge the American force and rouse 
the numerous Tories there ; while a third expedition, under the san- 
guinary Colonel Tarleton, was sent towards North Carolina, to over- 
take a small force under Colonel Buford, which had been marching 
to reinforce Lincoln. After a sharp fight at Waxhaws, Buford was 
defeated and his men slaughtered without mercy, quarter being refused, 
and the wounded fairly hacked to pieces. They learned to their sor- 
row what " Tarleton's quarter " was. 

The other expeditions were no less successful. Sir Henr}- Clinton 
aflfered pardon to all who submitted and asked it. Many yielded ; the 
number of Tories increased. Even an address of congratulation to the 
King found many signers. Emboldened by this, Clinton threatened 
to treat as rebels all paroled prisoners not in the military service, who 
refused to renew their allegiance to Great Britain, and enroll them- 
selves as militia under the King. 

Then came a period of fearful agony. Many heroically refused, 
and appealed to the terms of capitulation. Thej' were seized and 
carried off to St. Augustine and elsewhere, and confined in loath- 
some dungeons. Such was the fate of the venerable Christopher 
Gadsden. The soldiers were confined in prison-ships and in filthy 
quarters, where numbers of them perished. 

In consequence of this cruelty and violation of faith on the part of 
the British commanders, many fled, and a partisan warfare sprang up. 
Sumter, among the hills that line the Catawba and Broad ; Marion, amid 
the swamps of the Pedee ; Pickens aad Clarke on the Savannah, rallied 



524 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION. 

around them brave and daring men, who thirsted to avenge their 
country's wrong on the vile oppressor. Civil war raged in all its fury. 
Deadly as the strife with the Tories was at the North, in the Caroli- 
nas it was still more fearful. Assassination was of daily occurrence. 
No one was safe on the public roads ; no planter secure in his home. 
The agents of the Government deluded tlie slaves by offers of emanci- 
pation, and stimulated their worst passions against their masters. 
Whole families were strangled by their slaves. 

The sparsely settled condition of the country, which abounded in 
large plantations, made it an easy country to overrun with the force at 
the command of the enem3^ It was, in this respect, far different from 
the more densely settled parts of New England, New York, and Penn- 
sylvania. 

Yet this very condition of affairs made the career of the patriot par- 
tisans possible. Colonel Locke, with only four hundred men, in June, 
after a fight showing more courage than discipline, dispei'sed a force 
of Tories at Ramsour's Mill, under Colonel John Moore, numbering 
thirteen hundred men. 

Sumter was the next to take the field. On the 12tli of July, Cap- 
tain Christian lluck, an unprincipled Tory leader, whose name was 
belied by his whole godless life, encamped in a lane on the plantation 
of James Williamson, in what is now Brattouville. They had been rav- 
aging far and wide, and thinking that the terror of their name had 
^driven off all the patriots, they slept in ])erfect security. Midnight had 
scarcely struck when Captain Bratton cautiously approached, and be- 
fore" day dawned entered one end of the lane, and Captain McClure the 
other, with some of the very best and bravest of Sumter's Utile force. 
Like avenging furies, they sprang upon the sleeping desperadoes. 



OR, OUR COUNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 525 

Huck fought with eiiergj', but the surprise was coiuplete. The Tories 
lost many, and were scattered to the winds ; a few, under Huclv himself, 
escaping to Rocliy Mount, pursued almost the whole distance by the 
patriots. . This victory encouraged the Americans and disheartened the 
Tories. "■ • 

Bratton's plantation was quite near the scene of this gallant action,, 
and his own wife had just been visited by Huck, who demanded where 
her husband was. Disdaining any evasion, tht' noble woman promptly 
replied: "In Sumter's army." Huck endeavored to force her by 
threats of violence to disclose her husband's place of concealment, lit- 
tle dreaming that that gentleman was so soon to pay him an unceremo- 
nious and unwelcome visit. Mrs. Bratton firmly refused to comply of 
to express any submission to (jreat Britain ; she refused, even when a 
sharp reapiug-liook was held to her throat by a brutal soldier, to force 
her to renounce her fidelity to her native Sta<e. 

Encouraged by his first success, Sumter attacked the British posi- 
tion at Rocky Mount, and succeeding in firing their garrison-houses, 
compelled them to hoist the white flag ; but, as a storm came on, extin- 
guishing the flames, they renewed the fight, and as his war+ of artil- 
lerj' made it impossible to reduce them, he withdrew. 

In a deep, rocky valley, through which a stream rfi.ns roaring along, 
there juts on one side a hanging rock whieli gives nau.o to the place. 
Here Lord Rawdon had posted five Inmdred regulars and Tories, un- 
der Major Garden. While Sumter was at RDcky Mount, Major Davie 
had approached Hanging Rock, and surprised a foraging party of three 
Tory companies, which he utterly defeated, killing and wounding nearly 
all, and capturing a large stock (if horses and arms. Then Sumter 
came up, and in three coluuius moved on the enemy's position. He 



526 THE STORY OF A OBEAT NATION*, 

fell in with a division of the British, about half a mile frniii llicir 
camp. With a cheer and rush he was on them ; they did not wait to 
contest the ground. Flinging away guns and arms of all kinds they 
fled. A braver corps I'allied, and made a stand in a wood, pouring a 
deadly volley into Sumter's advance, and gallantly charging with the 
bayonet ; but the sharp-shooters in Sumter's corps soon brought down 
the officers. Then the British lost heart and fled. Sumter, supplying 
himself with ammunition, which he greatlj' needed, for he had gone 
into the fight with only ten rounds to each man, pressed onto complete 
his victory ; but his men scattered to plunder the British cam]). Thus 
precious time was lost, and before Sumter, charging in three columns 
on the British line, drawn up in a hollow square, and protected hj can- 
non, could force them to surrender, reinforcements came up. The vic- 
torious partisan, to his mortification, had to withdraw. 

Tliough his success had not been complete, he had inflicted severe 
loss, and checked the British career. 

A few days before this, a scene occurred at Green Spring, which 
may here be related. A parly of jiatriots halted for the night at 
Green Spring. Before daj^break, the clatter of a horse's hoofs jjut them 
on the alert ; the vidette soon recognized Mrs. Dillard, at whose house 
they had received some refreshments the day before. 

A Tory party, under Ferguson, bad halted at her house soon after, 
and a spy informed the leader as to the patriot force. To warn them she 
slipped out of the house, bridled a colt, and, without a saddle, had 
galloped to warn her friends. She had scarcely disappeared on a differ- 
ent road homeward, when the dragoons and mounted riflemen dnshed in, 
supposing that they liad completely surprised the Americans, till a tre- 
mendous volley in front and on both flanks told them they must fight 



OR, OUR country's achievements. 5'i7 

desperately, as they did for twenty minutes, wliea tliey broke and re- 
treated, leaving many dead on the field. 

Francis Marion was as successful as Sumter in his operations, and, 
by hardihood and daring, no less than by the republican simplicity of 
his life, astonished the enemj' and secured their respect. 

Washington was not insensible to the condition of the Southern 
States. He sent Baron de Kalb from Maryland with such troops of 
the line as he could spare. This brave, upright officer advanced with 
caution, gathering and disciplining the militia from Virginia and North 
Carolina. He moved with caution, as he found difficult}' in obtaining 
provisions, and did not wish to expose his raw troops rashl}'. Wash- 
ington wished G-eneral G-reene to take full command in the South, but 
Congress, led away by Gates' Saratoga renown, appointed him to the 
command. General Gates joined de Kalb'sarmy late in July. Aban- 
doning the cautious course adopted by de Kalb, he pushed on towards 
the English through a barren countrj-. 

On the 13th of August he reached Clermont, with an army of four 
thousand men. Lord Rawdon, who commanded the British force, 
was at Camden, and saw that he must strike a decisive blow or retreat. 
The latter step would be disastrous, as he would have to leave his 
stores and his sick, and might never reach Charleston at all, if there 
should be a general rising of the people. 

Cornwallis hastened to join him, and resolved to fight. About ten 
o'clock on the night of the 15th, Gates moved out (o attack Corn- 
wallis, and Cornwallis marched out to attack Gates, neither of them 
aware of his opponent's movement Suddenly, on a gentle slope in the 
midst of an open forest of pine, the heads of the two armies met about 
two o'clock. The American cavalrv was driven back in some confusion. 



528 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOX ; 

and both armies prepared for a general action. Each army had its flanks; 
protected by an impassable swamp. Gates placed de Kalb and his regu- 
lars on his right, the centre and left being militia. Against these 
Cornwallis threw his veterans. The militia gave one irregular volley, 
and then, throwing away their arms, fled from the field. One North 
Carolina regiment alone stood its ground beside de Kalb's brave men. 
That capable general held his ground, and even drove Lord Eawdon 
back : and when Gates fled from the field, he endeavored to hold the 
positions abandoned by the militia, against the whole British force. 
Ably supported by Generals Gist and Smallwood, he kept the enemy 
at bay for nearly an hour, with the Maryland and Delaware troops, 
who had won laurels on northern fields. Gathering up for a decisive 
charge, de Kalb put himself at the head of a regiment. On they 
swept, but de Kalb fell, pierced by eleven wounds. His Aide-de-camp, 
de Buysson, tried to save him from the brutal enemy, who continued 
Id strike at him, and was wounded in the attempt. They then stripped 
the dj'ing general even of his shirt. 

No longer sustained by the presence of their general, the brave 
American corps gave way, and a small body, under Gist and Small- 
wood, effected their retreat. The Delaware regiment was nearly an- 
nihilated, the whole army was scattered to the winds ; the whole ar- 
tillery, military stores, and ammunition were lost, and the killed, 
wouaded, and pri'soners amounted to at least twelve hundred. 

Thus, by the rashness and folly of Gates, the English were estab- 
lished in full possession of the Southern States. 

Sumter, who had driven the enemy from the Wateree, was startled 
on the 18th b}^ tidings of the rout of Gates' whole army. He at once 
retreated, but Tarlcton was already on his trail, moving rapidly, and 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 5-2\) 

preventing any tidings from rcaeliing him. Spent with marching and 
the heat, Sumter's men threw themselves down to rest at Fishing 
Creelv. While Sumter, without hat, coat, or waistcoat, was sleeping 
beside a wagon, and his men cooking or resting, Tarleton, who had 
crept up unobserved, killing the videttes, burst into the camp, and 
before the Americans realized their danger, their cannon and their 
stacked muskets were in the hands of the enemy. Flight was the 
only resource, and in the panic many were killed. With scarcely any 
loss, the British killed, wounded, or captured nearly five hundred of 
Sumter's men, and took all his artillery and arms, utterly breaking up 
his force. 

Cornwallis, who had been in a critical position and in great perplex- 
ity, was new master of the situation. Gates' o.rmy routed, Sumter para- 
lyzed, Marion closely pu"sued, he felt so sure of South Carolina, that he 
pressed on to occupy North Carolina, leaving orders to the officers in 
his various posts, to punish with severity all who, after accepting 
British protection or giving parole, had taken up arms. Numbers of 
persons were seized and put to death, multitudes imprisoned, while 
their families were driven penniless from their houses, which were seized 
as confiscated property. The land was filled with blood and misery. 

Cornwallis met no opposition on his march into North Carolina, ex- 
cept from Colonel Davie, who not only checked his progress, but bold- 
ly surprised Tarleton 's legion at Wahab's plantation. Dividing his 
men, he put his riflemen in a cornfield, and with his cavalry dashed up 
to the house. The enemy fled without a blow, but were met by a 
murderous fire from the rifles, which killed or wounded sixty of them. 
Then Davie, seizing nearly a hundred horses and more than as many 
stands of arras, rode off in safety. 



530 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

At Charlotte this same able officer, with a handful of men, kei)t 
Cornwallis at bay for a considerable time, and again struck terror into 
Tarleton's legion, who at last refused to attack the Americans. 

After occupying Charlotte and endeavoring to tirganize the Tories, 
Cornwallis moved on Salisbury, but was suddenly brought to a halt 
by a great disaster to the royal cause, which entirely changed his plans. 

Major Patrick Ferguson, a brave and active officer, had been sent 
to the borders of the Carolinas, to encourage the Tories and check 
the movements of the American partisans. He was in command of a 
force of nearly fifteen hundred regulars and Tories. 

The American partisan officers resolved to cut him off. Far and 
wide messengers went, and brave fellows pre[)ared for the work. 
From Carolina and Tennessee they began to move towards the spot, 
under Colonels Shelby, Sevier, Campbell, McDowell, Cleaveland. 
Ferguson sent at once in haste to Cornwallis, and began to retreat. So 
rapidly, however, did the foe come on, that he saw any attempt at flight 
would be useless. Eeaching King's Mountain, a range extending for 
several miles, he took post on a stony ridge rising about a hundred 
feet above the surrounding ravines. Here, in the scattered wood, he 
resolved to await the attack. The Americans came up on the 7th of 
October ; Shelby and Campbell in the centre began the attack, while 
the others enclosed the hill. Then all dismounted and at once pushed 
up the slopes. The American centre were met by Ferguson's regulars, 
and in a bayonet-charge forced back. At it they went again with des- 
perate valor. Cleaveland, on the right of the enemy, reached the sum- 
mit, when Ferguson, turniug on him, forced hira back. Then again meeU 
ing the centre, he held him at bay till Sevier, on the American right, 
gained the hill and drove the left wine: before him. 



on, OUi; country's AClIIEVE.IIK^Tb. 531 

Surrounded on all sides, Ferguson rushed fi'om regiment to regiment, 
encouraging some, directing others, and showing the most undaunted 
valor, till a well-aimed rilleball brought him down. Then Captain 
Abraham de Pejster, a New York loyalist, took command, but soon 
found resistance hopeless. Alter an action of little more than an hour, 
the British commander raised a white flag. 

Eleven hundred and twenty-five men were killed, wounded, or cap- 
tured in this battle, one of the most obstinately contested in the war. 
The Americans, roused to fury by the cruelty and oppressions of the 
British and Tories, were determined to carry the day ; although they 
were comparatively untried troops, and fewer in number than the 
enemy. 

This victory crushed all Tory mfluence in North Carolina. Corn- 
wallis, who heard of Ferguson's defeat and death almost as soon as he 
received his call for aid, retreated in all haste to Winnsborough, and 
waited there for reinforcements, which he called for most earnest!}'. 

Sumter was constantly hovering around the English forces, cutting 
off foraging parties, intercepting supplies, and keeping all in con- 
stant alarm. They felt that they must at any sacrifice punish his au- 
dacity. Major Wemyss was sent to surprise the daring American, 
but was himself received so warmly that his party was nearly cut to 
pieces, the British officer being left wounded and a prisoner in Sumter's 
hands. 

Then Tarleton was again sent, and Sumter met him at Blackstock's 
plantation. Tarleton came on with his usual dash, but before he could 
charge, or even see Sumter's line, his rear was attacked and nearly 
captured. Wheeling to charge these assailants they fell back across a 
brook and up the slope of a hill, followed by Tarleton, who thought he 



532 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION J 

was sweeping all before him, when from- fences and buildings came a 
murderous fire from unseen foes. He tried to dislodge the Americans, 
who were closing around him, and but for the gallantry of one of his 
officers, who by a brave charge opened a way for Tarleton to retreat, 
that officer would have been captured. 

This closed the operations of the year in the South. That section 
'had displayed courage, devotedness, and heroism in the highest degree; 
and had suffered in every way from the relentless foe 

The previous winter had been so severe, that no operations of im- 
portance were undertaken on either side, at the North, for several 
months. Washington, awaiting the result of Lafayette's mission to 
France, to secure a land force to co-operate with the Americans, lay 
encamped at Morristown, in a strong mountain country. 

The English had no foothold in New Jersey, yet they kept up a 
post on Staten Island, and though Lord Stirling, earl}' in the year, at- 
tempted to break it up, his expedition effected nothing. 

In June Sir Henrj' Clinton resolved to use Staten Island as the base 
nf operations, and to push forward force enough to seize and hold the 
Short Hills, the key to Washington's position. It was to be one of the 
decisive movements of the war. New York Bay was alive with boats 
and crafts of all kinds, bearing to the island the Coldstream Guards 
and the flower of the British host. 

G-eneral Knyphausen, with Generals Stirling, Mathew, and Tryon. 
were in command. By night the troops passed over to Elizabethtown 
Point. With day they advanced on the town, Simcoe's Queen's Ran- 
gers in the van, with drawn swords and glittering helms, followed by 
regiment after regiment, all in new uniforms, splendidly armed and 
equipped. 



OB, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 533 

Colonel Dayton gave them a slight check, wounding General Stirling, 
but Kuyphausen pressed on through Elizabeth. As soon as he took 
the Springfield road his object was seen. A beacon-fire was lighted 
at Prospect Hill and a signal caunou fired. Washington, at Morris- 
town, at once put his army in motion, and far and wide the militia re- 
sponded to the call, gathering at their appointed mustering-places. 
Beyond the village of Connecticut Farms, Dayton made a stand, and 
for three hours held the enemy in check, at the defile near the Farm. 
Meeting-house, and even drove the enemy back. 

The few Continentals and militia here engaged finally fell back to the 
heights toward Springfield. Again Knyphausen pressed on, and again 
the sturdy Americans charged rapidly, attacking the eneraj' simulta- 
neously in the centre and both wings, but they were again forced back 
by the steady discipline of the mass of regulars. But they held the 
bridge over the Rahway, and drove the enemy from it. 

Washington was now so near, that Knyphausen, seeing his plan de- 
feated, began to retreat. He plundered all the houses in Connecticut 
Farms, and then wantonly set them on fire, although there had been no 
firing from any part of the village. The wife of the Rev. Mr. Cald- 
well, a Presbyterian clergyman, was murdered b}' one of the English 
soldiers, as she sat on the side of a bed surrounded by her children j 
and this fiendish act was perpetrated just after the unfortunate lady 
had given refreshments to some English officers. Her body was saved 
with difficulty from the burning house. 

Pursued by the militia, the English retreated that night during a ter- 
rific thunder-storm, the darkness lit up by the flaming houses, and by 
the lightning. On reaching the Point, they crossed over to Staten 
Island, all except five hundred, who remained in an intrenched camp. 



534 

Here they were attacked Tby General Hand, in a brief, indecisive 
action. 

The movement was, however, too important in Clinton's eyes to be 
readily abandoned. Making a feigned movement up the Hudson, he 
threw a still larger force over on Staten Island, and thence to Eliza- 
bethtown Point, taking command himself in person. 

Again through the pleasant town of Elizabeth moved a well-appoint- 
ed British force, with cavalry and fine artillery. At the ruined houses 
of Connecticut Farms they divided into two columns, one taking the 
road through Vauxhall and Milburn, the other the Springfield road. 
The former was checked at the bridge in front of Springfield, by Colo- 
nel Angell, the latter at another bridge by Major Lee. But these 
checks were only momentary. The British finally crossed the liver, 
and the Americans fell back to the heights behind Springfield 

The country was all aroused, and Washington was sending reinforce- 
ments, and a brigade to cut off the retreat of the enemy. Clinton saw 
the strong position of the Continentals, and the increasing militia. He 
was again baffled. The Short Hills were not to be captured but at a 
fearful cost of life. Foiled completely in his object, he prepared to re- 
treat, but wreaked his vengeance on Springfield, giving to the flames 
nineteen dwellings, and the Presbyterian church. 

During the action, the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, chaplain to Dayton's regi- 
ment, seeing that the men needed wadding, galloped to the church, 
and brought out an armful of psalm books, and as he handed them 
around, he shouted : " Now, boys, put Watts into them ! " He could 
not bear to see the murderers of his poor wife trium]»h. 

As Clinton retreated, a body of regulars and militia pursued and 
galled his force by constant attacks in the rear and flanks, till at last 



OK, OUR cou^-tky's achievements. 535 

the fugitive Britons escaped into tlicir fortified lines at the Point, and 
by a bridge of boats reached Staten Island. 

The American loss had been slight; the British lost a general, and at 
least five hundred men in killed and wounded. 

Washington, supported by the gallantry of New Jersey, had thus 
battled the generalship of Sir Henry Clinton, but he was full of anxiety. 
The power of Congress was declining, its requisitions on the States were 
disregarded, each State seemed to think only of itself, and seemed re- 
luctant to obey the general government. So low had the public credit, 
and the Continental money fallen, that the army was kept together and 
clothed by subscriptions among the patriotic, and by the self-sacrifice 
and industry of the women, who formed societies, and all labored to 
supply the necessary garments. 

Among those most prominent in this good work, was Mrs. Sarah 
Bache, daughter of Benjamin Franklin. She had taken an active part 
in organizing a society of ladies to furnish the soldiers with clothing, 
and, on the death of Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Bache and four other ladies 
formed a sort of Executive Committee. The house of her father, where 
she still resided, became a patriotic workshop. Here shirts and other 
garments were cut out and made up ; mone}' was also collected. She 
was ardent, patriotic, and eloquent, and in her applications she showed 
aach persew^erance and tact, that she wrung contributions from the mo^ 
a-eiuctant 



PART IV. 

THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION". 



CHAPTER I. 

EfiEective aid from France on Sea and Land — Zealous and successful Efforts of Lafayette io 
Favor of America — A Fleet under Admiral de Ternay brings over a French army under the 
Count de Roehambeau — It lands at Newport — Hopes of America — Washington calls earn- 
estly for Troops to enable him to strike a Decisive Blow — A Traitor — General Arnolil in 
Treaty with the Enemy to deliver up West Point — The Arrest of Major Andre reveah; a»d 
Defeats the Treachery — Arnold escapes to the English — Andre tried and executed. 

The settlement of the country, and its rapid development and 
strength, were followed hj acts of oppression on the part of the British 
Government. The struggle which began at Lexington, had now lasted 
several years. England had spent millions upon millions, and had 
achieved so little that she seemed to look only to the injury she could 
inflict on ?ier once prosperous colonies, while America, exhausted by 
tiie struggle, with her cities and fields ravaged and laid waste, seemed 
unable to make the last eftbrt for freedom. 

In fact, ail wore despondent. LiUayette had studied the whole situ- 



OFE country's achievements. 537 

ation, and, risking capture by English cruisers, had gone to France, to 
plead at the throne of Louis XYI. the cause of the country whose in- 
terests were so dear to him. 

There his enthusiasm and importunity overcame all obstacles. His 
private means were spent in obtaining suitable equipments for the offi- 
cers in his own immediate corps, and articles of prime necessity to all. 

With the King and his Ministers, he employed such cogent arguments 
that he finally induced the court to enter into his views. France re- 
solved to send an army of her best soldiers across the Atlantic, to co- 
operate with Washington, while the fleets with the white-lilied flag of 
France held in check those that floated the Union Jack of England. 

So much did Lafayette ask, and so much did he obtain, against the 
advice of prudent old statesmen, that the prime minister, the Count de 
Maurepas, said one day at the council-board : '"How fortunate it is for 
his Majesty, that Lafayette has not taken it into his head to strip Ver- 
sailles of its furniture to send to his dear Americans ; for the King 
would be unable to refuse it." 

When the great step hod been decided upon, Lafayette hastened 
back to cheer General Washington with the glad tidings. 

The French officers had caught the enthusiasm of Lafayette ; every 
one was ready to take his place in the army sent to aid in securing 
liberty in the Western World, while many, still smarting under the loss 
of Canada, were eager to meet their old foes in America, and help to 
deprive England of a richer territory than she had wrested from 
France. The regiments for the .American expedition were at last 
selected ; an experienced general chosen ; then the equipments were 
rapidly prepared. 

On July 12, 1780, a French fleet of twelve vessels and thirty-two 



588 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOX ; 

transports, under the Chevalier de Ternay, entered the harbor of New- 
port. It bore a French army, comaianded by the Count de Rocham-- 
beau, and numbering four thousand men, Thej^ had sailed from Brest, 
on the 2d of May, and passed around by the Azores, engaging on the 
way an English squadron, under Captain Cornwallis. An English fleet, 
under Admiral Graves, sailed from England on the same day, to inter- 
cept de Ternay, but was driven back by a storm and did not overtake 
him. Rochambeau, who was received by G-eneral Heath, landed his 
troops and military stores, and encamped so as to cover Newport. 
The long voyage had caused much sickness in his fleet, and many at 
once required medical care. The French were not, consequently, in a 
londition to make any important movement. 

Washington had strained every nerve to have his army in a condi- 
tion to compare favorably with that of his ally, before they began their 
campaign together. His great object was to take New York, where 
the English had so long been in undisturbed possession. A plan for 
the capture of the city was drawn up, and conveyed to General Ro- 
chambeau, by Lafayette, who had returned from France just before the 
sailing of the French corps. Rochambeau was to march to West- 
chester County, New York, and join Washington, while the French 
fleet engaged that of the enemy under Arliuthnot. Graves arrived, 
however, with his fleet, and the English were in this way far superior 
to the French on the water. 

Clinton, with his usual energy, resolved to lose no time, and instead 
of waiting to be attacked, if de Guichcn's fleet arrived from the West 
Indies to reinforce de Ternay, he resolved to attack Newport. The 
English fleet at once sailed to blockade that port, and Clinton embarked 
with eight thousand of his best men to operate on land. Tidings o' 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 530 

his movement moved faster than he did, and at the call of General. 
Heath, the militia of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island,, 
took the field. New England was in arms, and as Clinton sailed up the 
Sound, he saw evidences of active preparation. B}^ the time he reach- 
ed Huntington Baj', Long Island, he saw that his movement would' 
prove disastrous, and he returned hastily to New York, full of disap- 
pointment and perplexit3^ If de Guichen arrived he would be taken 
in a trap at New York. So he prepared for the worst ; but the 
French admiral had met Rodney in the West Indies, and in a furious 
naval battle with that English commander, had suffered so severely 
that he started back to France without stopping at Newport. This 
was a terrible disappointment to Washington, while to Clinton it was an 
unexpected release. 

Yet Washington did not give up all hope. He met the French com- 
manders at Hartford, and arranged a new plan, but the arrival on the 
coast of Admiral Rodney, with eleven men-of-war, baffled all tlieir 
plans. The meeting of the great American genei'al and the French 
commanders, at Hartford, was impressive. The French were eager to 
see the great patriot general, whom in early life they had regarded as 
so great an enemy, now their ally against the very power for which he- 
then fought. Washington inijiressed them all. No French officer ever 
spoke of him but in terms of admiration. 

While this cordial co-operation of the French gave Washington 
hope, the difficulties in the country made him despond. Half the time 
his army was without provisions, and he saw no hope of a permanent 
change. He had no magazines, and no money to form them. He saw 
that Congress must raise money by loan, and not depend on taxes 
alone : it must take plans to maintain a permanent army. 



540 THE i9TORT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

While his mind was thus burdened by great cares, on his return 
from the conference, a terrible surprise came upon him. He sent oh 
•word to General Arnold, at West Point, that he would breakfast with 
him, but on reaching the post, found Arnold absent. Soon after papers 
were placed in his hands. Arnold had fled to the British lines ; a Brit- 
ish officer who had come to arrange with him the treacherous deliver^ 
ance of the post into Sir Henry Clinton's hands was a prisoner. Well 
might Washington be thunderstruck to find that one who had fought 
so bravely on many a field had proved a traitor. Providence had 
overruled the deep-laid schemes of treacherj'. 

Arnold, a disappointed man, unable to bear as Washington did the 
slights i)ut upon him, and led into extravagance by his wife, had long 
pletted treason to his country. 

Sir Henry Clinton lured him to his evil work, by promises of rank in 
the English army, and a large }>ayment of money. Arnold obtained 
the command at West Point only to deliver it up. 

Washington's absence at Hartford afforded the opportunity he de- 
sired. Sir Henry Clinton dispatched his adjutant-general, Major An- 
dre, to concert the necessary measures with the treacherous Ameri- 
can general. Andre did not wish to enter (he American lines, and 
asked to meet Arnold on the Vulture, an English man-of-war, then 
lying in the Hudson, but Arnold declined, and ihej met in the gloom 
of night, at the foot of a great hill, called Long Clove Mountain, just 
below Haverstraw. There and, a few hours later, at Smith's house, the 
whole plan was arranged. 

Andre intended to proceed to the Vulture, and in her descend to 
I^ew York ; but, without Arnold's knowledge, a battery had opened on 
>that vessel, and she dropped down. Unable to find any one to row 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 541 

liim to the Vulture, he crossed the river at King's Feny, and in dis- 
guise endeavored to reach the British lines. Near Tarrytown, a small 
stream crosses the road, and runs through a deep ravine. Andre, who 
had been guided by Smith as far as Pine's Bridge, had reached this 
point, when he was stopped by John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart, and 
David Williams, three young Americans, out to arrest suspicious 
characters. " Gentlemen ! " said Andre, " I hope you belong to our 
party." " What party ? " said Paulding. " The Lower Party," re- 
plied Andre. On their telling him that they did, he said, " I am a Brit- 
ish officer, out in the country on particular business, and I hope you 
will not detain me a minute." Pulling out Arnold's pass, he dismount- 
ed, and urged them to let him proceed, or they would bring themselves 
into trouble, by thwarting the General's business which he had in hand. 
The pass was all right, and they would have let him go had he not said 
that he was a British officer, and showed a gold watch, which at that time 
seems to have been proof positive that the owner was in British pay. 

They took Andr^ into the bushes, and compelled him to strip to ex- 
amine him. They found no papers, and began to think that thej' wer4 
wrong, when, on drawing off his boots, they found papers between his 
foot and stocking. Thej^ were documents from Arnold, giving the posi- 
tion of the force at West Point, its strength, artillery, etc. Now thor- 
oughly alarmed, Andre endeavored to buy them off, but they sturdily 
refused. "No! " .said Paulding, " if you would give us ten thousand 
guineas, you shall not stir one step." 

They conducted their prisoner to North Castle, the nearest military 
post, and delivered him and the papers to Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson. 

That officer, evidently bound to Arnold by some secret tie, attempted 
to send Andre and the papers to that discovered traitor. Major Tall- 



542 THE STOIIY OF A GREAT NATIO.V ; 

mftdge coming in prevented this, but Jameson sent word to Arnold of 
Andre's arrest. 

Tiie traitor was at breakfast with his aides, when Jameson's letter 
was placed in his hands. Controlling himself, he apologized for leaving 
them, as urgent business required him to start at once. Hastening up 
stairs, he told his wife the failure of the plot, and leaving her in a 
swoon, he hastened to the river-side, and in a boat made his way to the 
Vulture. 

Such was the astonishing intelligence placed in Washington's hands. 
The unlbrtunate Andre, detained by Tallmadge's wise resolution, wrote 
to Washington, acknowledging his real name and rank. He was by 
Washington's orders conveyed to West Point. 

After making all the arrangements necessary for the safety of that 
post, Washington appointed a court-martial for the trial of Andre. It 
met in an old Dutch Church at Tappaa. This court, composed of Gen- 
erals Greene, Stirling, St. Clair, Lafayette, Steuben, Stark, and others 
of the noblest sentiments, decided that Major Andre ought to be consid- 
ered a s[)y, and suifer death. He was executed on the 2d of Octo- 
ber, 1780. 

Young, brave, talented, a general favorite with all, Major Andre's 
ftite excited the greatest sympathy in England. The fate of Captain 
Hale has never met any such sympathy, and many Americans, even, 
join in the English tide of opinion, forgetful of their own heroic Hale. 

Andre now lies in Westminster Abbey, to which his body Avas re- 
moved by the British Government in 1821. 

Clinton made every effort to save Andre, but nothing short of the 
surrender of Arnold would have availed him. 

The desertion of Arnold, and the audacity with which he made re- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 543 

ligioQ a pretext for his treason, roused the indignation of every Ameri- 
can. Tnerfc was one thought in all minds, to capture and punish the 
traitor. A bold, and almost desperate attempt was made by Sergeant 
Champe, who, with Washington's knowledge, deserted to the enemy in 
such a way that officers and men believed him a fit companion for Ar- 
nold. The English did so, for he was rescued by them from the pur- 
suit of American cavalry by some galleys in the river. 

He enlisted in Arnold's legion, and formed a plan, by the aid of some 
patriots in the cit}', to seize Arnold in the garden back of his house, 
which he always entered about midnight. They were then to gag him 
and row him over to Hoboken. On the very day fixed for the execu* 
tioQ of this bold plan Arnold changed his quarters, and the opportu- 
nity was lost. 

The remarkable manner in which Arnold's treachery, so nearly car- 
ried out, was defeated and brought to nought, excited adminition 
on all sides. Washington himself said in a letter to a friend : " In no 
instance since the commencement of the war, has the interposition of 
Providence appeared more remarkably conspicuous, than in the res- 
cue of the post and garrison at West Point." 

Among the closing events of this year's campaign was the brilliant 
achievement of Major Benjamin Tallmadge, who, starting from Fair- 
field, Connecticut, with eight boats, with eighty men of Sheldon's dra- 
goons, crossed Long Island Sound, and at dawn on the 23d of Novem- 
ber, unperceived by the enemy, rushed in three columns on their 
works at Fort St. G-eorge, on the south side of Long Island. With 
the cry of " Washington and Glory," the three detachments scaled 
the palisade and entered, carrying the main work within at the point 
of the bayonet in less than ten minutes. After the British struck 



544 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION*. 

their flag, some of them, from one of the houses, opened a fire on the 
Americans. The place was soon forced, and the violators of the rules 
of war punished on the spot. 

An English vessel lying near attempted to escape, but the guns of 
the fort soon brought her to. After destroy iug a large quantity of 
forage collected by the enemy at Coram, as well as tbe works at Fort 
St. G-eorge, and much of the stores, Tallmadge loaded his prisoners 
with what was most valuable and portable, and, reaching his boats, 
sailed back in safety. 

This exploit was all the more welcome to the patriots, as two little 
forts in Northern New York had just been forced to yield to Major 
Carleton, who invested them with a force of English, Tories, and 
Indians : while Sir John Johnson was spreading terror through the 
Mohawk valley, with Brant and Cornplanter to aid him in his work of 
desolation. The Middle Fort would have been surrendered by the 
cowardly Major Woolsey, the commandant, but for Timothy Murphy, 
a famous rifleman, who shot every Englishman who approached with a 
flag, and so deceived Johnson as to their forces that he drew off. Dur- 
ing all the fight Woolsey was among the women and children, or 
'crawling around inside the intrenchments on his hands and knees. 

At the Lower Fort, Johnson was again repulsed ; but many places 
were given to the flames. Near Fort Paris the gallant Colo- 
nel Brown, who had by order of General Van Rensselaer marched 
out to meet the enemy, was overpowered by numbers and slain with 
forty of his men. Van Rensselaer, after sacrificing this able officer, 
lost time in pursuing Johnson, but at last took the field and came up 
with the enemy at Klock's field. Johnson drew up to meet him, with 
regulars on his right, and his Greens in the centre, Brant and his In- 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 045 

diuus on the left. But so impetuous was the American charge, led by 
Morgan Lewis, Dubois, Cuyler, and the Oneidas under Colonel Louis, 
that the enemy gave way and fled, losing severely in the action and 
flight. But the inactive Van Rensselaer again allowed him to escape 
and reach Canada, after many ravages and captures that the American 
general should have prevented. 

This closed the operations of the year. As winter approached 
Washington went into winter-quarters, stationing the Pennsylvania 
line near Morristown, the Jersey line at Pompton, near Paterson, the 
New England troops at West Point, those of New York at Albany, 
while the French remained in Rhode Island and Connecticut. 



CHAPTER IL 

Campaign of 1781 — Aspect of Affuirs — Arnold leads an Expedition to Virginia, and is joinod 
by Pliijlips — Lafayette sent against liim — Tlio Cami>aign in Carolina — General Morgan's bril- 
liant Victory at Cowpens — Greene's famous Retreat — Battle of Guilford Court House — Coru- 
wallia, pursued by Greene, enters Virginia — Lord liawdon in the Carolinas — Battle of Ilob- 
kirk's Hill — Siege of Ninety-Six — Death of Hayne — Lafayette and CornwaH'is in Virginia 
— Cornwallis at Yorktown— Washington and De Grasse concert a Movement against Inui — 
Successful Co-operation — Coruwallis invested — Surrenders — Arnold ravages Connecticut. 

When the American Revolution began, it was considered in England 
as a trifle, a petty insurrection, to be put down at once : it had become 
a great and fearfully expensive war, and now the whole continent of 
Europe was arrayed against England. France and Spain were openly 
at war, and Holland, stung by England's arrogant assumption of a right 
to seize enemies' goods on neutral vessels, also became involved in the 
war, while Russia, Sweden, and Denmark formed an armed neutrality 
which resolved to submit to no British exactions. There was scarcely a 



546 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

clime where English ships and English soldiers were not engaged. This 
made it all the more diilicult to maintain their foothold in America. But 
while they could not send over new armies to crush the Americans, the 
latter were in a state of exhaustion. Their paper money was worthless, 
their army unpaid, and read}^ to mutiny. On the 1st day of January, 
1781, fifteen hundred of the Pennsylvania Line, driven by want, parad- 
ed under arms and refused to obey orders. Greneral Wayne rode 
out to meet them, but when he drew his pistols on the boldest he was 
encircled by a forest of bayonets pointed at his breast. " We respect 
you, Greneral, we love you," said these men of his own State, ''but 
you are a dead man if you fire. Do not mistake us, we are not going 
to the enemy ; on the contrary, were they to come out you should 
see us fight uuder you with as much resolution and alacrity as ever : 
but we wish a redress of grievances and will no longer be trifled with." 
Congress finally made satisfactory arrangements with these neglected 
men. They showed that they were really patriots by their treatment 
of some emissaries whom Clinton sent to win them over to the Endish 
side. They gave them all up to the commanding general, and with 
great satisfaction saw them hanged. 

Greneral Arnold, who had sailed from Sandy Hook on the 19th of 
December, on the 30th entered Hampton Roads. No provision 
had been made by Virginia, to meet a sudden invasion. So Arnold 
sailed up the James, with twelve hundred men in boats, convoyed by 
the Hope and Swift, two small armed vessels. A battery at Hood's 
Point, checked them during the night of January 3, 1781. Th(> 
next day, Arnold landed at Westover, and marched on Richmond. 
Grovernor Jefferson removed the archives and called out the militia, but 
only a few parties assembled, and these fled before Arnold without 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 547 

making anj' resistance. The renegade entered the city, and after de- 
stroying the foundry, public stores, and some goveruuienl papers at 
Westhani, set lire to many of the public and private buildings in 
Richmond. He then retired as rapidly as he had come. As the forces 
could be organized, he was pursued, but Arnold succeeded in reaching 
Portsmouth, opj^osite Norfolk. Here he was nearly caught, for the 
Eveille, a French man-of-war, with two large frigates, under de Tilly, 
from Newport, entered the Chesapeake, but they were not able to 
reach Portsmouth, one of the frigates having actually got aground in 
the attempt. Anxious to secure the traitor, Washington proceeded to 
Newport, and concerted with Rochambeau a movement of the French 
fleet and array against Jiim. Admiral Destouches accordingly sailed, 
followed by the British admiral, Arbuthnot. who managed to intercept 
the French fleet at the entrance of Chesapeake Bay. A naval battle 
ensued, Init without a victory on cither side. Arbuthnot, howevci', ef- 
fected his object, for Destouches sailed back to Newport, leaving Arnold 
safe at Portsmouth, to be watched by the Virginia militia, under Baron 
Steuben. 

The English commander-in-chief, seeing the ease with which Arnold 
liad reached Richmond, resolved to reinforce him, so as to scourge 
Virginia like the more southerly colonies. 

In March, G-eneral Phillips was sent to the Chesapeake, with two 
thousand men, and being Arnold's superior in rank, took command of 
the whole English force in Virginia. 

He at once began a course of plunder and destruction. He swept 
through the peninsula between the York and James, destroying all the 
public stores and tobacco. He then euterod Petersburg, where he de- 
stroyed immense quantities of tobacco and all the vessels lying in the 



548 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

river. Chesiernekl Coiirt-House aud Maucliester experienced the same 
fate. 

To relieve the State from the destructive iuroads, Washington de» 
tached General Lafayette, with part of the Northern army, aud that 
commander entered Kichmond just before Phillips entered Manchester, 
which lies opposite Richmond, on the James. The English general, 
finding that he had an army to confront, retreated down the river. 

When General Greene took command of the Southern army, he sent 
Morgan to watch the enemy, while he himself strained every nerve to 
restore and reorganize the shattered army contided to him. Morgan 
had played his part well. By the sudden dash of his cavalry, under 
Colonel Washington, at the Tories, near Ninety-Six, whom he sur- 
prised and slaughtered almost to a mau, he struck terror through the 
Tories, and gave hope to the patriots. Cornwallis, anxiously awaiting 
reiulbrcements, had resolved to make no movement till they came, but 
he saw the necessity of crushing Morgan. So Tarleton was soon in the 
saddle with a thousand men. He advanced with his usual rapidity, 
crossing the Enuoree and Tiger. Morgan fell back towards the Broad, 
but as Cornwallis was advancing on his rear, ho resolved to make a 
stand at Cowpens, in Spartanburg District, about three miles south of 
the North Carolina line. Here, on some small ridges covered with 
heavy red-oak and hickorj^ Morgan drew up his array ; the militia of 
the Carolinas, under General Andrew Pickens, were the first line. In 
the second stood John Eager Howard, with Virginia veterans and 
Continentals, completely concealed by the wood ; Washington's cavalry, 
with some Carolina mounted men, being in reserve. Morgan renewed 
their courage and confidence by a stirring speech, and awaited the at- 
taclf. Tarleton drove in the American light troops in order to recon- 



OE, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 549 

noitre Morgan's position, then formed his lin^, with the light infantry 
on the right, his own legion in tlie centre, and the Seventh regiment on 
the left. Then, at the head of his first line, he dashed upon Pickens. 
The militia stood firm as a rock, and when the enemj were within forty 
or fifty yards, ponred in a well-directed volley. Tarleton's line was 
staggered, but kept on ; then Pickens fell back, firing steadily, and 
formed behind the second line. 

Supposing the victory won, Tarleton, with his usual impetuosity 
rushed forward, hoping to make short work of the second line, direct- 
ing his cavalry to attack the American left. But as the British horse 
advanced, a furious volley from Morgan's reserve emptied many a sad- 
dle and threw them into confusion, while Washington's cavalry swept 
down upon them, and the American sabre clashed on the legion hel- 
mets with a hearty good-will. The spell was broken, Tarleton's caval- 
ry, so long a terror, were driven back with terrible loss in men and 
still greater in prestige. 

Tarleton himself found his charge met by Howard's stern line. The 
fight was furious and deadly, but neither could move the other. Then 
Tarleton brought up his reserve, a regular regiment, the Seventy-First, 
and with them on one side and the cavalry on the other, again charged 
the stubborn American line, that gave him such trouble as he had 
never had before. Howard, perceiving that his flanks would be turned, 
formed to receive them ; but as some confusion ensued. General Mor- 
gan ordered the whole line to fall back. • 

Seeing this movement, Tarleton thought they were giving way, and 
rushed forward in pursuit so madly that his lines were broken. Then 
Morgan's voice rang out. His Hue halted, faced about, and hurled 
into the disordered English masses such a withering volley that it was 



550 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION", 

staggered, confused, and began to retreat. Then Howard's Continen- 
tals, fixing bayonets, charged in a solid mass, and the British column 
was sent whirling back in utter disorder. In vain Tarleton's cavalry 
tried to cover the retreat ; Washington was upon them, and again the 
British horse fled. 

Tarleton escaped with forty of these cavalry, and some more subse- 
quently reached Cornwallis' camp ; his infantry was almost entirely 
killed or taken, with his cannon, arms, wagons, and colors. On this 
bloody day the English had almost as many officers killed as Morgan 
had men ; Morgan's killed and wounded being only seventy-two, 
while Tarleton's loss was two hundred and thirty-nine killed and 
wounded, and five hundred prisoners. Cornwallis, dismayed at a re- 
sult so utterly unexpected, acted with decision ; he destroyed his bag- 
gage and heavy stores, retaining only what was absolutely neces- 
sary, and started in pursuit of Morgan. 

That general, anticipating such a movement, left the wounded pris- 
oners at Cowpens with surgeons, and that evening cro.ssed the Broad^ 
beginning a retreat which is one of the most famous in history. 

The fords of the Catawba was the point that he must reach. Corn- 
wallis, actually nearer to it, was pressing on to intercept him. On the 
evening of January 28th, Morgan reached Sherrard's Ford, and the 
next day the militia passed it with his prisoners, Morgan himself in 
the rear, with his Continentals and cavalry. Two hours later the 
British van reached the southern bank. It was too late to cross that 
night, but before morning heavy rains made the ford impassable, and 
there Cornwallis was forced to remain for three days, waiting for the 
waters to subside. 

Morgan sent forward his prisoners and captured stores and arms. 



OE, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 55 S 

and then, with the Mecklenburg and Rowan militia, under General Da- 
vidson, who had rallied to his aid, prepared to check Coniwallis. 
Greene himself, leaving his main army under the command of General 
Hugcr, hastened to Morgan's camp and took command. Cornwallis at 
last resolved to force a passage at McCowan's ford. Here General 
Davidson was posted. As the English column was approaching the 
militia gave them a volley, but the English, avoiding their position, 
moved farther up, and some, reaching land, formed and replied. Da- 
vidson kept up his fire on those in the Avater and on land, killing the 
highest English officer on the shore and unhorsing Lord Cornwallis, who 
was still crossing. But the militia could not alone hold out against 
the British force, and while retreating in a masterly manner. General 
Davidson was shot through the heart. 

General Greene on this resumed the retreat, anxious and harassed 
as to his future plans, and in great distress for money. Alighting one 
day, wet with rain, at the door of a hotel kept by Mrs. Steele, Greene 
told Dr. Reed, who greeted him on the porch, that he was tired out, 
hungrv, and penniless. He sat gloomil}- down by the table in a room 
to which he was shown, to await some refreshments. Instead of these 
the landlady, who had overheard his remark, came in bearing two 
small bags of specie, the savings of years, and handing them to the 
general, she exclaimed : " Take these. General, you need them ; I can 
do without them." Such was the spirit of the undaunted women of 
the South, ready to sacrifice everything for the cause of freedom. 
Small as the offering was, it met a pressing want, and was thankfully 
received by the General. His retreat was another race, the Engli.sh 
pushing on in close pursuit, so that their van was often in sight of the 
American rear. Greene, however, crossed the Yadkin, on the night 



552 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

between the 2d and 3d of February, after a sharp skirmish in which he 
lost a few of his wagons. But he secured all the boats to prevent 
Cornwallis from using them. The British commander reached the riv- 
er too late to cross in the darkness. Again the opportunity slipped 
from his grasp. A night of storm swelled the river, so that daylight 
showed him the Americans beyond, and no ford or boats to reach them. 
From the English artillery, a furious cannonade was opened on the 
American camp, and directed especially against a small cabin among 
the rocks, in which Gleneral Greene had established his head-quarters. 
Here the American general was busy writing orders, dispatches, re- 
ports, indifferent to the cannonade, although the balls tore off boards 
from the frail structure. 

Baffled, but not disheartened, Cornwallis marched up the river to 
seek a ford, and G-eneral Greene, released from immediate pursuit, 
pressed on. 

On the 7th of February he formed a junction with the forces under 
Generals Huger and Williams, at Guilford Court-House, thus uniting 
all the army : but, till he received reinforcements, he did not wish to 
risk a battle with Cornwallis. So he still kept on towards the Dan. 
Cornwallis struck for the same point, both armies making daily most 
extraordinary marches, tasking the endurance of their men to the very 
utmost, witliout tents, with scant provisions, over wretched roads, and 
through heavy rains ; the Americans, ragged and barefoot, marking their 
route hj their blood. 

Greene passed the Dan on the 14th, with his army, baggage, and 
stores, having safely effected his masterly retreat of more than two 
hundred miles. 

Cornwallis, abandoning the pursuit, resolved to rouse the Tory spirit 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 553 

in North Carolina, and sent Tarleton to the country between the Haw 
and Deep rivers, to encourage the adherents of the English cause. 

To thwart these plans of Cornwallis, Greene detached Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Lee and General Pickeu,s, l(j gain the British front, and check 
any Tory movement. Getting on Tarleton's track, Lee pretended his 
party to be a reinforcement sent to that officer. Two scouts of a Tory 
party fell into the trap, and the whole body, some four hundred in 
number, under Colonel Pyle, were suddenly confronted by Lee and his 
men. They opened tire on the Americans, however, but the superior 
discipline of Lees command made the struggle a short though bloody 
one. Nearly a hundred of the Tories were slain on the spot, and al- 
most every survivor wounded, without the loss of an American on 
Lee's side. Tarleton was only a mile off, but when some of the surviv- 
ors of Pyle's party came dashing into his line wild with terror, their 
exa(i-2:erated accounts so alarmed him that he recrossed the Haw in hot 
baste, and did not draw bridle till he reached Hillsborough, cutting 
down on the way a Tory party hastening to join him, as nothing 
could convince him that they were not Lee's troopers in disguise. 

Li a few days after this blow, Greene, who did not believe in letting 
things stagnate, moved on the enemy, recrossing the Dan into North 
Carolina. Cornwallis at once retreated from Hillsborough. Greene 
followed him up, and hovering around Troublesome Creek, made him- 
self very troublesome to his Lordshij), moving in one direction one day, 
in another the next, scouring the country with his light troops, and 
perplexing him beyond measure, while it gave his own men confidence 
and courage, and lessened their respect for their antagonists. So high 
had Greene brought up the spirit of his men, that a small detachment 
at Wetzell's mill held at bay for a considerable time the very flower 



554 THE STORY OF A GEEAT NATION; 

of the British force. At last Cornwallis took post on the Alamance, 
and here Greene, who had received reinforcements from Virginia and 
North Carolina, resolved to give him battle, and advanced to Guillord 
Court-House. Cornwallis, seeing his object, sent off his baggage and 
stores under a strong guard, and moved out to meet General Greene on 
the way, or attack him in his encampment. 

Tarleton, supported by a brigade of the Guards, led the British line, 
but had not gone far before they were confronted by Lee, who opened 
by some irregular skirmishing, then suddenly made a furious dash, cut 
to pieces a section of the British dragoons, and drove the remainder in 
upon the Guards, whom Lee next attacked, inflicting severe loss, 
sweeping all before him, till Cornwallis ordered up a fresh regiment, 
the Welsh Fusileers. Then Lee fell back, and Cornwallis pushed 
on till he came in sight of Greene. The American general was 
drawn up on a large hill surrounded by other hills, most of them still 
covered by woods, with dense undergrowth. His first line, occupying 
the edge of the wood and two cleared lields, consisted of North Caro- 
lina militia, under Generals Eaton and Butler. The second line in the 
wood comprised Stevens' and Lawson's Virginia militia, while in a third, 
on a hill, were stationed the Continental troops of the Maryland and 
Virginia line. 

Cornwallis drew up his army, and about one o'clock moved forward 
with steadiness and composure upon the American forces. Greene's first 
line opened an irregular fire, but when the British replied with a steady 
volley, and charged with fixed ba^^onets, the militia turned and fled 
through the second line. There the Virginia militia stood firm, while 
Lee on their left, and Colonel Washington on the I'ight, so galled the 
enemy that he had to call up liis reserves. For a time this brave 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 555 

body of militia contended for victory with the best troops and ablest 
officers in the British service, but at last it was forced to yield, and, re- 
tiring, formed again behind the Continentals ; though Campbell's rifles 
and the Legion infantr}^ still held their ground. 

The first attack of the enemy was steadily repulsed by the sturdy 
Continentals, but when other English troops came up, the second Mary- 
land broke before the charge of the guards and grenadiers who pursued 
them, till Colonel Gurley, with his veteran Marylanders, whom 
the English had not seen, wheeled, and taking the British in the flank, 
opened a destructive fire. The British, surprised at this unexpected at- 
tack, met it with great resolution. A fierce conflict ensued. Small- 
wood's veteran Marylanders, who had met the English at Brooklyn, 
Chatterton Hill, Germantown, Camden, and Cowpens, were full of ardor 
to achieve honor and fame. The English Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart 
fell by the hand of Captain Smith, of the Maryland line. The fall of 
their brave commander disheartened the Guards, they began to waver, 
when Colonel Washington's horse dashed down on them, and, Colonel 
Howard ordering a charge of bayonets, the Guards were almost anni- 
hilated. Americans and fugitives, in almost an inextricable mass, came 
rolling towards Lord Cornwallis, who, massing his artilleiy, opened a 
furious fire on friend and foe. 

Howard's own regiment, meanwhile, wt^s again attacked by "Web- 
ster and O'Hara with all the troops they could gather : and still far- 
ther off", Campbell's militia was holding the Hessians at bay. 

Greene felt that he had done enough, and ordered a retreat, which 
he eff"ected without loss, though pursued by the British reserve. 

The battle of Guilford Court-House was well fought, and creditable 
alike to both generals. It was a victory to Cornwallis, but a victory 



55<» THE STOEY OF A GEKAT NATION; 

that cost him one-third of his army, and such a victory that another 
like it would sweep his whole army away. From pursuers the English 
became a retreating force, Cornwallis retii'ing so rapidly from the field 
he had just won, that he left nearly a hundred wounded on the field. 

Among his trophies were two six-pounders, captured froniBurgoyne 
at Saratoga, recovered by Cornwallis from Gates at Camden, recap- 
tured by Morgan at Cowpens, and now again fallen into English hands. 

This battle was the first step in the movements which terminated 
in the overthrow of English power. Greene, beaten in the field, was 
now pursuing the triumphant victor. 

Cornwallis, retreating rapidly, reached Wilmington. Greene on the 
5th of April resolved on a new course, and instead of following up 
Cornwallis, resolved to attack Lord Rawdon at Camden. This left 
Cornwallis in perplexit3^ Should he pursue Greene, or make his way 
to Yirgiuia and leave Rawdon to fight it out? He settled the question 
by marching to Petersburg in Virginia, where, on the 25th of May, he 
took command of all the British forces in that State. 

Greene moved rapidly down on Camden, but found Rawdon too 
Btrongly posted to justify an attack. Learning, however, that Colonel 
Watson was approaching the English general with reinforcements, he 
resolved to intercept him. Sending off" his heavy artiller\' and bag- 
gage, he moved with celerity, and taking a good position awaited 
Watson. Finding that he did not come, he returned to Hobkirk's Hill. 
There Rawdon suddenlj^ attacked him. Greene drew up his army 
skillfullv, and had flanked Rawdon on both sides and was crushing him 
with his main body, when a panic arose in one of his best regiments, 
the 1st Maryland. It spread to otliers, and Greene snw llie victory 
he had all but won slip from his grasp. He retreated to Saunder's 




PAULDESIG, VAN WART. AKD WILUAMS CAPTDTUNQ MAJOR ANDRP 



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AN ESCAPE FBOM INDIANS DUSINQ THE MIAMI WAJ.S. 



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OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 557 

Creek, Colonel Washington covering bis march, and iiually driving 
the enemy's pursuing corps back to Camden. 

Lord Rawdon had won the day after a hard tight, but that was all. 
He had lost more than a fourth of his men, and reaped no benefit. 
Watson did at last reach Rawdon, after being constantly harassed and 
attacked by Marion, who, with Lee, on April 23d, captured Fort Wat- 
son, a strong stockade, with its garrison of a hundred and fourteen 
men. When Watson finally reached Camden, Rawdon marched out to 
attack Greene ; but the position of the American general looked too 
strong, and remembering Hobkirk's Hill he fell back to Camden, and, 
setting fire to all the public buildings in the place, he retreated towards 
Charleston, to the terror and dismay of the Tories who had joined him, 
but now beheld themselves left to the vengeance of the patriots whom 
they had oppressed. 

The English posts were everywhere assailed, and a general alarm 
prevailed. Augusta was besieged, and General Pickens was soon 
there to command the operations ; Marion was hammering away at 
Georgetown, Sumter menaced Orangeburg, and Greene himself was 
assailing Ninety-Six, a place so called in early times because it was 
ninety-six miles from there to the Cherokee country. 

Everywhere the patriots were exulting, and even women felt eager 
to show their love of country. Grace and Rachel Martin, two young 
married ladies whose husbands were in the field, heard that an Eng- 
lish courier, escorted by two British officers, would pass near their 
place with important dispatches. Arrayed in their husbands' clothes 
and fully armed, they lay in wait in the woods, and as the three horse- 
men came galloping on they sprang from the bushes, and presenting 
their pistols, demanded the surrender of the i>arty and their dispatch- 



■558 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

es. Taken utterly by surprise the officers submitted, gave up the 
papers, but were allowed to depart on parole. Their captors van-= 
ished at once in the woods, and reaching their home resumed their own 
dresses, after dispatching the documents to General Greene. They had 
scarcely done so when a knock sounded at the door ; the English officers, 
returning to their starting-point, had stopped at this house to ask ac- 
commodation for the night. The ladies, whom the officers did not at all 
suspect, drew the story out of them, and then rallied them on being 
captured by a couple of lads. " Had you no arms? " asked one of the 
ladies with a merry laugh. "Yes ! " they replied, " but we were taken 
off our guard and had no time to draw them." It was all the daring 
heroines could do to play the part of hostesses without betraying them- 
selves ; but the two officers rode off next day, without the least idea 
that tlie two fair ladies who had entertained them had been the daring 
rebels in the wood. 

Fort Motte, the house of the patriotic Mrs. Rebecca Motte, which 
the British had seized and surrounded by a stockade and other works, 
was now an important point in the English line of forts. It was gar- 
risoned by a hundred and fifty infantry, and some cavalry, under Lieu- 
tenant McPherson. Marion and Lee, after their movements against 
Watson, invested Fort Motte. They pushed on the works vigorously 
and demanded a surrender. McPherson refused, and news soon came 
that Rawdon was approaching on his retreat from Camden. 

There seemed no way to reduce them in time except by firing the 
house. This the American commanders were reluctant to do, as Mrs. 
Motte was a widow who had suffered greatly for the cause. When 
she heard of their hesitation, she at once fold them she was gratified 
with the opportunity of contributing to her country's good, and herself 



OR, on: country's achiev^>ments. 559 

brought a fine bow and arrow which had come from India, to enable 
them to send &evy shafts into the roof of her own home. When the 
English again refused to surrender, the arrows were discharged. The 
roof was soon in a blaze, and the garrison prevented by a field- 
piece from all attempts to extinguish the fire. Then McPherson hung 
out the white flag and surrendered. 

Augusta was besieged by General Pickens and Colonel Lee, after 
the latter had by a splendid dash captured Fort Galphin, where the 
English had all their presents for the Indians in their interest — blan- 
kets, ammunition, and other articles greatly needed by (he Americans. 
Of the two forts at Augusta, one. Fort Grierson, manned by a small 
body of Georgia Tory militia, was soon attacked, and the men, abandon- 
ing the works, were nearly all killed or taken in the attempt to reach 
Fort Cornwallis. That was a larger and stronger work, held by nearly 
six hundred men, Tories, Creeks, and Cherokees, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Browne, an officer of great aliility. A long and obstinate 
siege followed. The Americans had to construct towers to command 
the enemy's works, while Browne, by sorties, mines, and every arti- 
fice skill could command endeavored to baffle them. He was ever on 
the alert, and no sooner did he detect a weak point in the American 
line than he hurled a mass of men upon it. But his assailants were 
sturdy men. In this siege occurred a rare scene in war, a charge of 
bayonets met and repulsed. At last, on the 6 th of June, Browne sur- 
rendered, after having sustained very heavy loss. 

One English post after another was thus swept away, and Lord 
Rawdon, who had fallen back to Monk's Corner, was utterly unable to 
save them. His only hope was thut reinforcements might arrive in 
time to enable him to regain lost ground. But on the 21st of Ma}^ 



560 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Ninety-Six was invested by General G-reene. It had been fortified 
by tiie best Englisli engineers, and was garrisoned by the very pick 
of Northern and Southern Tories. Kosciusko, as engineer, directed 
the works of the besiegers, which were steadily pushed forward, as the 
Tory commander, Cruger, refused to surrender. Lord Rawdon had re- 
ceived the reinforcements he had been looking for so wistfulh- , and 
early in June marched to raise the siege of Ninety-Six. Greene sent 
off Marion, Pickens, and Sumter, to hold him in check, and redoubled 
his exertions to reduce the place. He cut off the garrison from water, 
set fire to the buildings, and at last, on the 18th, made a general as- 
sault. One of his columns entered the fort, but another was repulsed 
with severe loss. He therefore abandoned the siege and drew off, as 
Ravvdon, who had eluded Generals Sumter and Marion, was rapidly ap- 
proaching. The English general pursued him, but soon after, falling 
back to Ninetj'-Six, evacuated that post and, followed by a herd of 
Tories with their families and property, marched toward the Congaree 
to meet detachments from Charleston. General Greene at once turned 
back to cut him off", and Lord Rawdon retreated to Orangeburg. 
Greene, who had been joined by Sumter and Marion, marched on that 
place, but finding it too strong to assail safely, contented himself with 
cutting off Rawdon's communications, by means of the partisan oflBcers 
and cavahy. 

Greene's activity, skill, and perseverance gave the English no rest 
Rawdon's health failed and he returned to England, leaving Colonel 
Stewart in command. It was a great advantage to General Greene to 
have no longer before him the able general who had watched and 
baffled hitn. After resting his troops on the high hills of the Santee, 
he moved down late in August to attack the enemj', who were posted 



OR, ouPv country's achievements. 561 

Ut Eutaw Springs, about sixty miles from Charleston. Stewart, utterly 
unaware of Greene's approach, had sent out a large detachment to 
dig sweet potatoes in the plantations, and these were all captured. 
When a party of his cavalry were driven in, he drew up his army to 
receive the attack. The Americans cautiously approached, but attack- 
ed with vigor. The battle soon became warm, and the Americans 
were pressing the enemy steadily, when Stewart, bringing up his re- 
serve, charged furiously, and Malmedy's North Carolina regiment was 
forced back. Fresh troops of that State were promptly pushed for- 
ward. Fiercer than ever raged the battle ; Stewart fought with skill 
and valor, and gathering all his strength charged so furiouslj' that 
again the American line was broken. Then General Greene moved 
up the Virginia and Maryland brigades. With a hearty shout they 
charged with fixed bayonets, while the Legion and State troops on the 
wings, who had steadily held their own, pressed forward, and, Lee 
turning the enemy's flank, Stewart was driven from the field. Major 
Majoribankson the English left alone held his ground, and he repulsed 
and captured Colonel Washington, who attempted to cut him off. 

Greene's army now poured into the English camp, and broke into 
disorder to plunder the tents, which were all standing. Liquor passed 
freely around, and a scene of revelry ensued. While a party of To- 
ries held the other troops in check at a large brick mansion. Major 
Coffin repulsed the American cavali'v, and dashed into the camp, cut- 
ting down the drunken rabble. Colonel Hampton, of South Carolina, 
however, came up, and a desperate cavalry fight ensued in the camp, 
till tlic English horse at last broke and fled, Dursued bv the Americans. 
At the stone house they were compelled to fall back, and Majoribanks 
wrested their cannon from them. 



'WW« ' 



562 THE HTOTtY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Thus, in this strange battle, tlie success seemed to waver, but Stew- 
art was utterly beaten. Leaving his wounded, he retreated as rapidly 
as possible to Charleston, with Marion and Lee hanging on his rear, 
cutting off every small party that left the main body. 

General Greene returned to the High Hills of the Santee. This 
important victory crowned the glory of General Greene. The people 
looked up to him as, next to Washington, their greatest general. Con- 
gress voted its thanks and a gold medal to the hero of Eutaw Springs. 

Among the gallant men who fell on that well-fought field, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Campbell, of Virginia, deserves to be remembered. 
While leading the charge that won the day, he fell mortally wounded,, 
and as he was borne off, asked who gave way. When told that the 
British were fleeing at all points, he replied : " I die contented ! " and 
immediately expired. 

The retreat of Stewart filled the Jbritish and their adherents with 
such alarm that many posts were abandoned, and the public stores 
burnt. At Charleston, the gates were closed, and negroes were driven 
out in gangs to fell trees, and impede progress by the road on the Neck.. 

The battle of Eutaw Springs, crowning the cautious policy of 
Greene, closed the war in South Carolina. At the commencement of 
the year, that State lay at the mercy of the invaders, completely over- 
run by their troops, who held it in a grasp of iron by their series of 
strong posts. At its close, the English were cooped up in Charleston, 
and durst not venture twenty miles from the city. In November, 
Greene moved down, and completely hemmed them in. Then Gener- 
al Pickens marched to chastise the Cherokees, for having taken up 
arms for the King. They were vanquished, and compelled to purchase 
a peace by the cession of lands. 



OE, OUR c'oltnti:y's achievements. 563 



Cornwallis, never dreaming of any sncli result, but sure that Raw- 
don woulcT be able to hold his own, had entered Virginia, and with re- 
inforcements sent by Sir Henry Clinton, and the troops already there, 
whose command also devolved on liim by the death of G-eneral Phillips, 
felt that he could ravage Virginia, as he had the more southerly States. 
Lafayette had an army of one thousand Continentals, twice as many 
mUitia, and a cavalry force of sixty dragoons. Lord Cornwallis 
laughed at this army, and in high glee wrote to England : " The boy 
cannot escape me ! " He found, however, that Lafayette, young as he 
was, was a shrewd and cautious general, and avoided an action, yet 
hung near him so that he could not divide his force. He once attempt- 
ed to surprise Lafayette, but the Marquis, by getting a bold Jersey 
soldier, Charley Morgan, to desert to the enemy, contrived so to mis- 
lead and outwit Lord Cornwallis, that he escaped the danger. 

Cornwallis entered Richmond in June, but, according to orders from 
Sir Henry Clinton, moved down to Williamsburg. From that point 
he sent out parties to drive in cattle, but Lafayette was on the watch, 
and one party got a pretty rough handling at Spencer's Ordinary. 
Tarleton, however, dispatched against Charlotteville, moved with his 
usual celerity, seized a number of the principal met of Virginia, as- 
sembled there in convention, as well as a considerable quantitj' of mil- 
itary stores and provisions. The great object of the raid was to secure 
the person of the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas 
Jefferson ; he not only escaped, but saved a large part of the arms and 
ammunition. Simcoe, sent against Baron Steuben, forced that general 
to retreat in haste. 

Cornwallis now crossed the James, and Lafayette, intending to attack 
his rear, came upon him at Jamestown Ford, on the 6th of July. His 



564 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

cavalry, supported hj the rifies, made a vigorous onset, but Cornwallis, 
prepared for such a movement, faced about, and his brigade of veter- 
ans, with Hessians, light troops, and artillery, moved in splendid array 
upon the American light troops. But the little corps held their own, 
and received the English veterans with perfect coolness, keeping up a 
steady lire till they were crowded back by overwhelming numbers to- 
wards a dense wood. There, unknown to the English, stood Wayne of 
Stony Point, with a small body of Continentals. Allowing the light 
troops to fall past his corps, pursued b)^ part of the British force, he 
gave the word. Without firing a shot he charged with fixed bayonets 
on Cornwallis's line. The English, astonished at this sudden attack, at- 
tempted to hold their ground, but Wayne, after forcing them back 
slightly, coolly withdrew his men, and retired half a mile. Here 
Lafayette rallied his somewhat scattered force ; and Cornwallis, suppos- 
ing from the boldness of the whole movement that it was a feint to 
draw him into a trap, made no attempt to pursue him, but crossed over 
to Jamestown Island before morning, with evident haste. 

Clinton had called for part of his meu; and Cornwallis was hastening 
to Portsmouth, to ship them to New York, when new orders came. 
Clinton had just received three thousand Hessians from Europe, so that 
Cornwallis was to hold what he had. A proper place for a permanent 
camp was the next consideration. Portsmouth did not suit, Point Com- 
fort was talked of, but Cornwallis finally decided on Yorktown, on the 
York river, with the village of Gloucester opposite. The water was^ 
deep, so that the vessels of the royal navy could reach it safely. It 
was a place easily defended, open to the sea, so that the troops could 
easilj'' embark for any further operations or to retreat. 

Meanwhile, Washington was again coneortiiig with the French naval 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 665 

and railitary commanders, a grand movement b}- laud and sea. He had 
set his heart on the capture of New York, the centre of the British 
power. De Grasse, the best of the French admirals 3'et seen in Ameri" 
can waters, was in the West Indies with a verv large fleet, and would 
soon be on the coast of the United States. So Rocharabeau marched 
from Rhode Island with the French army, and joined "Washington om 
the Hudson, while the advance of the American army, under General 
Lincoln, began to move down that river, and a vast number of flat- 
bottomed boats came down from Albany to convej^ the troops. Clin- 
ton called in all his outposts, and began to fortify his position on New 
York Island, to sustain a vigorous siege. 

Washington's call for troops had been, as usual, disregarded. He had 
not actually men enough to besiege New York, and worst of all, tid- 
ings came that De Grasse was sailing to the Chesapeake, not to New 
York. 

To make the best of the case, Washington now resolved to move 
rapidly down, and by the aid of the French fleet capture Lord Corn- 
wallis. Sir Henrv Clinton .saw his movement, but thought it merely 
a trick to draw him oat of New York, so he kept on fortifying his posi- 
tion. All Washington's movements confirmed his delusion. A bold 
push was made at Kingsbridge, men were busy at boats and ovens, till 
the combined armies were beyond his reach. On the 30th of August 
they entered Philadelphia. Tlie Count de Grasse was the same day 
at the mouth of the Chesapeake, and at once in communication with 
Lafayette and Washington. His light vessels ran up the Chesapeake 
to the Head of Elk, to which Washington and Rochambeau pressed on 
with all speed. Everything worked like a charm. On the 25th of 
September the last division reached Williamsburg, and Lafayette's 



566 THE STOKY UF A GKEAT NATION," 

force eucarapod there was united to that iiuder Washington and Ro- 
chambeau. 

Sir Henry Clinton was now awakened to a sense of danger. He 
had lvei3t Admiral Graves to resist the French fleet at New York. Now 
that Graves was joined by Hood, from the West Indies, he sailed 
down to attack de Grasse. As he came in sight, the French admiral, 
covering the entrance to the Chesapeake, so that Graves should not 
slip in, formed to receive him. A sharp action ensued. De Grasse, 
well supported by Vaudreuil, a Canadian, and Bougainville, an old 
-aide-de-camp of Montcalm, handled the British admiral so roughly that 
he gave up all hopes of reaching Cornwallis, or injuring the French 
fleet, and sailed back to New Yovk. French troops were landed from 
the fleet, and de Barras came up with his s(juadron from Newport, 
bearing the heavy French siege guns. 

On the 28th of September the allied army was in motion, and took 
up a position within two miles of Cornwallis's line. The Americans 
were on the left, the French on the right ; aci'oss the river, the 
British, at Gloucester, were surrounded on the laud side by a French 
force under de Chois}^ and General Weedon's Virginia militia. 

Cornwallis, cheered by encouraging letters from Sir Henry Clinton pro- 
mising speed}^ relief with a force of five thousand men, prepared to hold out. 

The besiegers pushed on their operations, narrowing in their lines 
around Yorktown. Continual skirmishes went on, till, on the night of 
October 6tli, General Lincoln opened his trenches within six hundred 
yards of the English works. Cornwallis, on discovering it the next day, 
made a desperate attack on the French troops holding the trenches, 
but the B».ron Viosmenil repulsed the English attack. 

On \ke >th, the siege guns were all in position, and Washington in 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 567 

'person fired the first cannon from the American line. The French also 
opened fire. So fiercely did this artillery play on the English works, 
that they withdrew their cannon from the embrasures, and scarcely 
fired a shot in reply. Nor was it the enemy's works only that suffered. 
Their shipping was cut up, the frigate Charon and three transports 
were set on fire, aud totally destroyed. 

The English resumed their fire with vigor, and two redoubts in front 
of their left gave so much annoyance that on the evening of the 14th 
they were both attacked. A column of American light infantry, under 
■General Lafayette, moved upon the redoubt on the right ; a column 
under Baron de Yiosmenil, of French grenadiers and chasseurs, as- 
saulted that on the left. 

By the pale light, the assaulting parties moved gallantly up without 
. "firing a shot ; over the abattis and palisades they poured, without waver- 
ing under the steady English fire. Both redoubts were carried almost 
•simultaneously, the French losing nearly a hundred men, and captur- 
ing a larger English body. These works were at once used by the be- 
siegers, and Cornwallis was completely covered by the heavy cannon 
directed from all sides. 

Yet he did not despair. Clinton's promised aid did not appear, but 
lie resolved to leave his sick and wounded in his camp, cross over to 
<jrloucester, and cut his way through to New York. He actually be- 
gan to carry out his scheme. Two divisions of his army had reached 
Gloucester, when a terrible storm arose. Day revealed his project. 
Under a heavy fire, he fell back to his works at Yorktown. All hope 
was gone. On the 17th, he opened negotiations. Two days after, the 
posts of Yorktown and Grloucester were surrendered to the allied 
French and American forces. 



568 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

This English army, which had destroyed fifteen millions of dollars 
worth of property in Virginia, and which numbered seven thousand 
men, became prisoners of war. General Lincoln, who had surrendered 
to Cornwallis at Charleston, was appointed to receive his sword. 

As rapidly as news could spread, the tidings of this great success ran 
through the country. It reached Philadelphia by night, and the watch- 
men, calling out the hour, as was the custom, shouted out : " Cornwallis 
has surrendered." 

The great blow of the war had been struck. Clinton sailed from 
New York the very day Cornwallis surrendered. He returned in all 
haste, and Washington, after dispatching two thousand men to rein- 
force General Greene, moved up to watch Clinton, and prevent any 
further barbarous expeditions like that just conducted by Arnold 
against New London. At that place, Fort Griswold was ably defended 
b}' Colonel Ledyard. When at last overpowered, he surrendered ; the 
British officer on entering cried : " Who commands this fort ? " "I did,"' 
replied Colonel Ledyard, " but you do now," at the same time present- 
ing his sword. The brutal officer seized it and plunged it into his heart. 
Then followed an indiscriminate massacre of tlic Americans. The 
bloodthirsty marauders, after pillaging and firing the town, retired. 

Some miaor hostilities occurred, but it was evident that the war was 
over. Parliament soon declared for peace. Negotiations were opened, 
and Sir Guy Carleton, who succeeded Sir Henry Clinton, in letters to> 
Washington, announced that he had virtually suspended hostilities. 

In the South, when General St. Clair joined General Greene, Wayne 
was sent to protect Georgia. The British general Clarke concentra- 
ted his forces at Savannah, but as Wayne was advancing to invest him, 
ie was suddenly attacked by a strong force of Creeks, who showed 



OR, OUR COUNTlM-'s ACHIEVEMENTS. 569 

that they had acquired skill and discipline from the English. Wayne 
repulsed his savage assailants, and this closed the war in Georgia. 
Savannah surrendered in July, 1782. 

Charleston alone remained in the hands of the enemy. 

In December, Rochambeau's arm}', which had been in America two 
years and a half, and had contributed so well to the great result, em- 
barked at Boston. 

Washington took up his head-quarters at Newburg, New York, await- 
ing the termination of the long negotiations in Europe. At last, on the 
30th of November, 1782, a provisional treat}' of peace was signed at 
Paris, which was approved and ratified by Congress the next year. 

The war of the Revolution was ended. America had declared her 
Independence, and in a seven years' war had established it. 

The army, which had fought so nobly and patriotically, was in a state 
of suffering, with long arrears of pay due them ; with no homes, it 
might be said, to welcome them. There were even projects of making 
Washington a king, but he nobly repulsed all such offers, and by his 
temperate and wise counsels induced them to trust to the justice of 
Congress. 

On the 19th of April, the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed in 
the camp. 

On the 30th of November, after the final treaty of peace was signed 
(Sept. 3), the British evacuated New York city. Washington en- 
tered, as it were, in triumph, and on the 4th of December he took 
leave of his companions in arms, the generals who had been so closely 
connected with him during the long struggle. His emotions were too 
strong to be concealed. Filling a glass of wine, he turned to them 
and said : " With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave 



570 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATION. 

of yon. I most devoutly wisli tliat youi- latter days may be as j^tosper^ 
oils and lia|)py as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." 
MiU'h one then grasped in turn the hand of Uic Father of his Country,, 
and in silence Washington and his generals parted. 

The commander who had swayed the destinies of a continent, now 
modestly repaired to Congress, resigned his commission, and returned 
to private life at Mount Veruou, ostonishing the world by this unwont' 
ed spectacle. 



PART V, 



THE REPUBLIC UNDER THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND 

UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. 



CHAPTER I. 



The return to Peace — Articles of Confederation — Treaties with Foreign Countries — Indian Na-- 
tions — Northwest Territory organized — A desire for a better Union — A Convention called — 
The new Constitution — It is accepted by eleven States — Close of the Continental Congress. 

The great struggle was over, peace once more reigned throughout 
America. The army which had so gallantly struggled on through 
every adversity was disbanded, and the soldiers had returned (o their 
homes to engage once more in cultivating the soil, or exercising the 
various industries which contribute to a country's wealth. Washing- 
ton, crowned with glory, regarded with admiration, not only by his 
own countiy, but in Europe, was in retirement at Mount Vernon, re- 
taining none of the power he had so long wielded. 

There was much to do, to enable the country to recover from the 
desolation of war. 

Among the curious anecdotes of the struggle which now became pub- 
lic, one of the strangest wos tluit of Dcljorah Sampson, a young 
woman of Plymouth, Massachusetts, who, disguised as a man, enlisted 



572 THE STORV 

in the array, in October, 1778. By her courage and fidelify as a sol- 
dier, she gained the a])probation of the officers, and was always ready 
for the post ot danger. She thus had many adventures, and did not 
■escape unharmed, having received several wounds. At last a severe 
wound in the shoulder compelled her removal to an hospital, where 
a brain fever set in, and she was soon supposed to be dead. It was 
then for the first time seen that she was a woman. The physician in 
charge took her to his house, and graduall}^ restored her to health. 
When she recovered, her commanding officer sent the 3'oung soldier to 
Oenerai Washington with a letter. The soldier feared that her secret 
had been discovered, and that the letter revealed it to the General-in- 
Chief. When she presented the letter, she trembled as she had never 
done on the field of battle. Washington allowed her to retire while 
he read the letter. He then recalled her, and without a word, handed 
her a discharge from the army, and a note containing some words of 
advice, and money enough to enable her to reach some place where she 
might make her home. 

The United States, as recognized by the treaty of peace, embraced 
thirteen States, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, to which the District 
of Maine then belonged, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, which 
claimed Yerniont, as New Hampshire did also. New Jersey, Pennsyl- 
vania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, of which Kentucky formed part, 
North Carolina, which then included Tennessee, South Carolina, and 
Oeorgia, of which Alabama and Mississippi were then part. The 
Mississippi River was. except near the mouth, the western boundary, sep- 
arating the new republic from the Spanish territory of Louisiana on 
the west. It was separated on the north fi'om the British provinces, 
fey the great lakes and the St. Lawrence, as far as St. Regis, from 



OK, OUR COUNTKy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 5 7. '5 

which a line ran east to the bounds of Maine. Florida was still held by 
England, though it was soon after restored to Spain. The country 
northwest of the Ohio was the great Indian country, the only whites 
being a few of the old French settlers. 

The country was governed by the Articles of Confederation, ratified 
in 1781, all the powers being vested in Congress, composed of dele- 
gates chosen by the various State governments. The President of 
Congress was the virtual head of the republic, the personal represent- 
ative of the sovereignty of the Union, and the ceremonial of his 
household was regulated on that footing, those being days of great dig- 
nity in men holding high office. The Presidents of Congress from the 
commencement were Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, John Hancock, of 
Massachusetts,, Henry Laurens, of South Carolina, John Jay, of New 
York, Samuel Huntington, of Connecticut, Thomas McKean, of Dela- 
ware, John Hanson, of Maryland, Elias Boudinot, of New Jersey, 
Thomas Mifflin, of Pennsylvania, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, 
Nathaniel Gorham, of Massachusetts, Arthur St. Clair, of Pennsylva- 
nia, and Cj'rus Griffin, of Virginia. 

But the government under the Articles of Confederation was found 
difficult. Congress could lay no tax or duty. On all important points 
it was necessary for a bill to have the votes of nine States before it 
could pass, and then at least two members from each State were re- 
quired to vote. The heavy debt contracted during the war was still 
unsettled, and Congress could not induce the States to pay their several 
proportions. The army and the creditors of government were clamor- 
ous for money. The question of new States was urgent. Kentucky 
and Tennessee wished to be admitted as States, denying the authority 
of Virginia and North Carolina ; Vermont was ready to join Canada, 



574 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

it she was not recogaized as a State. Still, with all its weakness, the 
new government made some progress. It concluded treaties with 
France, Russia, and Morocco, regulated the currency by adopting- 
ihe silver dollar of Spain as a standard, dividing it into a hundred 
parts, called cents, thus establishing what is known as the decimal sys- 
tem, much easier to calculate than the old pounds, shillings, and pence. 
A mint was established in 1786, and copper coin were struck. The- 
greatest act of this period, was the success of Congress in inducing the 
various States to give up all claim to the territory northwest of the- 
Ohio, for which Congress, July 13, 1787, by a celebrated ordinance, 
established a regular government. 

The poverty of the country was great. The States, urged by Con- 
gress, endeavored to raise means to pay off the army and other debts. 
The attempt to lay taxes caused great dissatisfaction. New England 
showed the greatest discontent. In December, 1786, a body of insur- 
gents in Massachusetts, took the field to obtain a redress of grievances, 
and were led by Daniel Shays, who had been a captain in the Conti- 
nental army. The Grovernor of Massachusetts issued a proclamation, 
calling on the insurgents to disband, and urging the ofiQcers and cit- 
izens of the commonwealth to suppress the treasonable work. But 
the insurgents stood firm, and held several counties. Massachusetts 
then applied to Congress, which raised a little army of one thou- 
sand three hundred and forty men, but Massachusetts herself called out 
the mv'!tia, and General Lincoln, at their head, marched against Shays, 
who was threatening Springfield, then, as now, a great arsenal. It 
had hardly been occupied by a part of the militia under General 
Shepard, before the insurgents attacked it. Lincoln acted with great 
energy and judgment, and without a battle, and very slight skir- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. S?& 

mishing, dispersed the insurgents, and drove tlieir leaders from the 
State. 

This, more perhaps than anything else, induced the States to yield to 
the advice of Congress, recommending a Federal Convention to pre- 
pare amendments to the Articles of Confederation. Virginia, Penn^ 
sylvania, Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Massachu- 
setts, South Carolina, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and New 
Hampshire, in succession appointed delegates to the Convention. On 
Friday, the 25th of May, twenty-nine delegates, representing nine 
States, organized the Convention at the State-House in Philadelphia. 
Greorge Washington, who was present as a delegate from Virginia, was 
at once appointed President of the Convention. The delegates were, 
in general, men of the clearest mind and purest patriotism. All seemed 
to feel that it was necessary to remodel entirely the general govern- 
ment. On the 29th of May, Edward Randolph, of Virginia, laid be- 
fore the Convention a scheme embracing a national legislature in two 
houses, a national executive to be chosen by the legislature, and a ju- 
diciary. This scheme led to violent debates, the smaller States insist- 
ing on equal representation in both Houses, while the larger States 
wished the representation to be in proportion to the population. The 
slave population was another diSiculty. The small States wished 
whites only counted as population, while the larger States, with many 
slaves, wished all to be counted. The debates and discussion led to, 
compromises on various points. At last, on the 6th of August, 1787, 
the committee appointed to embody the various points decided, re- 
ported, not any amendment of the old Articles, but a new Constitution. 
This was put into shape by Gouverneur Morris. By this Constitution, 
the national legislature preserved the name of Congress, so justly hon-. 



576 THE STOEY OF > GREAT NATION; 

ored in America. The upper house was to be called a Senate, and 
composed of two members elected from each State, the lower house 
was to be called the House of Eepresentatives, and to be composed of 
members elected by the people of the several States, each State to have 
one representative for every forty thousand inhabitants, or as it was 
finally made, at Washington's suggestion, thirty thousand ; a President 
was to be chosen every four years, by electors selected by the people ; 
Federal courts were to be established, with a judiciary, and the powers of 
each branch of the government were laid down with remarkable clearness. 

The Constitution, as proposed by the Convention, was then submitted 
to Congress, to be laid before the States. Bj' its terms, it provided that 
when ratified by nine States it should be put into force. 

When the new Constitution was made public, it aroused a strong 
feeling of opposition. There was much in it that excited alarm, and 
seemed to menace that liberty which had just been purchased by the 
greatest sacrifices. Able papers were written in favor of the Consti- 
tution and against it. A series of articles called the Federalist, written 
by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, earnestly supporting the Constitution, 
produced a great impression, and are still regarded as the best exposition 
of the Constitution, and as such are used in colleges as a text-book. 

Gradually the soundest patriots prevailed. Delaware adopted the 
Constitution in December. Her course was followed by more impor- 
tant States, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, G-eorgia, Connecticut, Massa- 
chusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, and New Hampshire. By the 
close of June, 1788, all these States .had ratified it, making the nine 
required by the terms of the Constitution to establish it as the law of 
the land. These States did not, however, lie together ; the three 
great States of New York, Virginia, and North Carolina, broke (lie 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 577 

other States into three groups. Virginia and New York were 
strongly opposed to it, unless certain amendments were made ; but as 
it was now necessary to accept or reject it, enter the Union, or set up as 
independent republics, they at last reluctantly joined the rest. Of the 
thirteen States which had stood side by side from the commencement 
of the Eevolutionary struggle, two only, North Carolina and Rhode 
Island, stood aloof. North Carolina gave only a conditional approval, 
while Rhode Island would not even call a convention to consider it. 

The great work now before the country was to put the new scheme 
of government in operation. Preparations were at once made for 
elections in conformity with its provisions, for Representatives chosen 
by the people directly, for Senators chosen by the legislature of each 
State, and for presidential electors. All passed off with great harmony. 

The Continental Congress now closed its labors, leaving all great 
questions for the action of the new government. It had organized 
Northwest Territory, which was governed by General St. Clair, who 
published a code of laws, and wisely encouraged immigration and 
colonization. Under the impulse thus given. Marietta arose, with set- 
tlements at the mouth of the Miami, and Losantiville was started, 
where Cincinnati now so proudly rears lier head. Western New York 
was rapidly filling up with emigrants from the Eastern States. The 
Virginia emigrants in Kentucky felt that they needed a separate gov- 
ernment, and applied for admission as a State, while the people of 
Western Carolina, in what is now Tennessee, set up the State of 
Frankland, Avhich North Carolina, however, soon suppressed. 

Such was the state of the country when the Continental Congress, 
having achieved its great work, the Iiidependenpp of America, dis- 
solved of itself. 



CHAPTER II. 

■CrEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT 1789-1797 — His Cabinet — Peace made with the Creeks and 
Cherokees — Nortli Carolina and Rhode Island yield when treated as Foreign Countries — 
The National Debt — War with the Miamies and Western Tribes — Defeat of General Har- 
niar — Bank of North America — Vermont and Kentucky admitted — St. Clair defeated by 
the Western Indians — Washington's Re-election — The French and their Ambassador, Genet 
— The Algerine Corsairs — Wayne overthrows tlie Indians and concludes a Peace — The 
Whisky Insurrection — Indian Boundaries — Treaty with Spain — Tennessee admitted — 
Washington's Farewell Address — He returns to Mount Vernon. 

The American people in adopting the Constitution looked to one 
man as alone capable of putting the government in operation. It 
«eems a simple thing now, but it is one of the few cases in history 
where a government was set up and carried on successfally by the 
will of the people, and the only one where distinctions of rank did 
not exist, and a body of nobles control the destinies of the people. In 
"Cur happy land all were equal, but all recognized the purity of char- 
acter and rare abilities of George Washington. 

The people felt the necessity of wise and prudent men, and the 
members of the first Congress included most of the eminent men of 
the time. 

The new Congress was to meet on the 4th of March, but owing to 
the wretched state of the roads, and other delays, it was not until a 
month later that the two houses organized. Meanwhile, the electors 
chosen in the different States had met and transmitted to Congress, in 
New York, their votes for President. These were opened on the Gth 
of April. Sixty-nine votes had been given, and every one bore 
first the name of G-eorge Washington. He was thus unanimously 
elected President of the United States. Of the second vote cast by 
the electors, thirty-four were given for John Adams, who thus became 



OUE coijntky's achievements. 579 

Vice-President. Official information was at once dispatched to the 
President and Vice-President elect, and preparations at once begun 
to inaugurate the new government with all possible solemnit3^ At the 
corner of Wall and Nassau streets stands a white marble building 
erected for a custom-house, but now used by the Treasury Department. 
Here in 1789 stood Federal Hall, which had been selected as the capi- 
tol. The merchants of New York city, with commendable public 
spirit, raised a large sum of money to put the building into such a state 
as to fit it for the reception of Congress. 

Mr. Adams, escorted by a troop of horse, came on and, having been 
sworn into office, took his seat as President of the Senate. All now 
awaited the coming of Washington. The President elect felt great 
diffidence as to the step he was to take. He wrote to a friend 
in confidence, " I tell you that my movements to the chair of govcru- 
ment will be accompanied b}' feelings not unlike those of a culprit 
who is going to the place of his execution ; so unwilling am I, in the even- 
ing of life, nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode 
for an ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, 
abilities, and inclination, which are necessary to manage the helm." 

But the confidence of the people in his wisdom and integrity reas- 
sured him. His journey from Mount Vernon to New York was like 
a triumphal procession. Every village, town, and city through which 
he passed, showed, by applause, by military honors, by addresses, by 
triumphal arches, their desire to do him honor. As he passed the 
bridge over the Schuylkill, a boy placed above dropped a civic crown 
of laurel on his head. But the celebration at Trenton was the most 
beautiful of all, and has never been forgotten. The ladies of that city, 
-which he had so gallantly rescued from the Hessians, had erected 



580 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

over the stream near the city, a beautiful triumphal arch. Amid 
flowers and laurels at the top were the words: December 26th, 1776. 
On the curve of the arch stood out in bold gilt letters : " The Defend- 
er OF THE Mothers will be the Protector of the Daughters." 

North of this were ranged thirteen beautiful girls, arrayed in white, 
with coronets of flowers, to represent the thirteen States. Behind 
stood all the ladies of the town. As soon as Washington arrived be- 
neath the arch, the girls began to sing a beautiful ode composed for 
the occasion, and with the last lines : 

" Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers, 
Strew your hero's way with flowers," 

they scattered flowers from baskets in their hands, upon the path where 
the Father of his Country was to pass. 

Washington was deeply moved by this beautiful and touching ex- 
pression of gratitude. 

The Grovernor of New Jersey escorted him to Elizabeth town Point, 
where a Committee of Congress was in waiting to receive him. Here, 
on the 23d of April, he embarked in an elegant barge of nineteen oars, 
manned by thirteen pilots, all dressed in white. New York Bay was 
alive with crafts of all kinds, decorated in the most holiday style ; many 
with bands of music or singers. Amid all this pageantry, the thunder 
of cannon, and the welcome shouts of the people, he reached Murray's 
Wharf. There the GrOvernor of the State, the foreign ministers, the 
clergy of the city, with a large military force, met Washington, and con- 
ducted him in procession to the residence prepared for his reception. 
The whole city was illuminated at night, and a general joy prevailed. 

On the 30th all places of business were closed. Public service was 
performed in all the churches. After that, about noon, Committees of 



OB, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 581 

Congress waited on Washington, who went in procession to Federal 
Hall. On the balcony in front of that building, Chancellor Livingston 
administered the oath of office, Avhich "Washington reverently repeated, 
adding, as he kissed the Bible, " So help me Grod." Then the Chancel- 
lor turning to the people exclaimed in a loud voice: "Long live 
George Washington, President of the United States." The shouts that 
rose from the dense crowd below was like the roar of the ocean, and 
the thunder of the artillery hardly rose above it. 

The whole country felt a sense of relief. If the country was to 
prosper, it would in the hands of such a President and Congress. 

Washington then entered the Senate Chamber and delivered his in- 
augural address to the two houses. He next, with the Vice-President, 
and the Senators and Representatives, proceeded to St. Paul's Church, 
where prayers were offered by Bishop Provost. Thus was God recog- 
nized in the whole ceremony of organizing the Government under the 
Constitution. 

The first important duty was to select a cabinet. For the time, 
Washington selected John Jay as Foreign Secretary, and General 
Knox as Secretary of War, and placed the Treasury in the hands of a 
Board of Commissioners. 

The United States had border and other difficulties with England 
and Spain which required to be adjusted, the more especially as Eng- 
land, maintaining military posts in the West, really influenced the In- 
dians to commit hostilities. In the southwest the Creeks, relying on 
Spain, were at war with Georgia. The corsairs of the Barbary States 
were plundering our ships. The treasury was empty, and all the ma- 
chinery of the new government was to be set working. 

Congress now organized the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War, 



'6S2 THE STORY OF A OKEAT NATION", 

and the Treasury, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States ; 
fixed the salaries of the President and other officers, Washington ask- 
ing that his salary should be limited to his actual expenses. For his 
permanent Cabinet Washington chose Thomas Jefferson as Secretary 
of Foreign Affairs, or of State ; Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the 
Treasury ; General Knox, Secretary of War ; Edmund Randolph, At- 
torney-General ; and he appointed John Jay Chief Justice of the 
Supreme Court. 

Congress passed in this session the laws most urgently needed, and 
by its wisdom and harmony tended to confirm the general confidence. 
During its recess Washington visited the Eastern States, everywhere 
■welcomed in the heartiest manner. 

The next session took up the great question of the National Debt. 
Hamilton, whose ability was remarkable, proposed that the United 
States should adopt the war-debt of the States, fund the whole debt, 
amounting to about seventy millions of dollars, and pay it off gradu- 
ally. This was finally adopted, with some modification as to the 
State debts. 

It was also decided to make Philadelphia the seat of government 
for ten years, after which it was to remove to some place on the Poto- 
mac. The selection of this spot was finally left to Washington, who 
fixed upon the District of Columbia, a tract ten miles square lying on 
both sides of the Potomac. 

North Carolina and Rhode Island, finding that they must either en- 
ter the Union, or be treated as foreigrv countries, and have custom- 
houses established all along their frontiers, adopted the Constitution, 
Rhode Island acting on the 29th of May, 1790. 

North Carolina, moreover, ceded to Congress the western territory 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 583 

which she had hitherto claimed, and which was now organized as " The 
Territory of the United States south of the river Ohio." 

The Indian question was the next difficulty to be met. Washington 
sent to the Creek country Colonel Willett, a brave officer, cautious and 
politic. In conference with Alexander McGrillivray, a half-breed who 
was the head chief of the Creeks, he paved the way for peace. The 
chief was the son of a Tory whose property had been confiscated ; 
and he felt bitter on that account. However, McGrillivray, with other 
chiefs, were induced by Willett to accompany him to New York, where, 
in August, 1790, a treaty was finally concluded, which for a time gave 
peace to the South. 

In the northwest, the Indians showed a determined spirit of hostility, 
and there was no choice except to send an army to reduce and over- 
awe them. They had such a low idea of the American power, that it 
was necessary to make an impression. As the year 1789 was drawing 
to a close. General Harmar arrived at Fort Washington, a fortification 
erected on what is now Broadway, Cincinnati. He marched in with a 
body of three hundred soldiers, to the great joy of the scattered set- 
tlers of Ohio. It was not, however, till September, 1791, that prepara- 
tions for a regular campaign were completed. Then militia from Penn- 
sylvania and Kentucky came up, and taking the van, marched into the 
interior. Harmar joined them with three hundred and twenty-five regu- 
lars, making the whole force under his command nearly fifteen hundred 
men. The Indians did not wait to engage so large a force, they fired 
their villages, and tied, as Colonel Hardin approached at the head of 
his Kentuckians. The latter detached a part of his men in pursuit, 
but the Indians turned, and throwing the militia into disorder, killed 
twenty-three, and scattered the whole [larty, so that only seven reached 



584 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Hardin's camp Colonel Hardin, however, pushed on, and destroyed 
the rest of their towns, ravaging their fields. The army then returned 
to Fort Washington, but as public opinion censured Harmar, he again 
took the field. Near Chillicothe, he sent Hardin forward to meet the 
enemy. Early in the morning this detachment reached the enemy, and 
a severe engagement ensued. The Indians fought with desperate val- 
or, and the militia gave way in spite of their gallant officers, many of 
whom perished. The American loss was more than a hundred and fif- 
t3\ The Indians were, however, so severely handled that Harmar 
drew back to Fort Washington unpursued. 

A deep feeling of dissatisfaction prevailed as the news of this de- 
feat spread through the country. 

Congress at its next session had important matters under considera- 
tion. England showed an unfriendly disposition, and all Europe was 
evidently about to be involved in war, which would expose the United 
States to difficulties. At home it organized a new territory south of 
the Ohio, and prepared to select a district in which to establish the per- 
manent capital of the United States. It was also necessary to raise 
a revenue to meet the jmblic debt. In January, 1791, an act was 
passed laying a duty on spirituous liquors distilled in the United States. 
The tax was light, but it caused great discontent. To regulate the 
financial affairs of the country, the Bank of the United States was es- 
tablished, on a plan proposed by Alexander Hamilton. This bank was 
from the first a matter on which opinions were greatly divided both in 
Congress and among the people, and ultimately became the question 
between the two great parties in the country. 

Washington, in a tour through the Southern States, received the 
same warm welcome that always hailed him ; and as Congress had left 



OE, OUR COUNTRY''s ACHIEVEMENTS. 585 

it to him to select the site for the capital, he finally decided on a spot 
on the banks of the Potomac, partly in Maryland, and partly in Yir- 
ginia, the district to be ten miles square, the new city to lie on the 
Maryland side. 

Though party spirit began to run high, no doubts were any longer 
felt as to the success of the new government. The States still solicited 
admission into the Union. Early in January, 1791, a Convention at 
Bennington, Vermont, adopted the Constitution of the United States, 
and applied for admission as a State. New York and New Hampshire 
yielded, and Vermont was admitted by Act of Congress, February 18, 
1791. 

The repulse of Harmar had made the Indians only the bolder. Two 
expeditions against the Miamis, on the Wabash, proved ineffectual. 
General Arthur St. Clair, a veteran of tlie Revolution, and at one time 
President of the Continental Congress, was now Governor of the Ter- 
ritory northwest of the Ohio. To him was confided a general and de- 
cisive campaign against the Indians. The frontiers, with their hardy 
and industrious settlers, so long exposed to the midnight horrors of In- 
dian warfare, now began to breathe free!}', and the whole country felt 
that the work of pacification would be sharp and prompt. 

In October, 1791, he took the field at the head of an army of nearly 
two thousand men. But so slowly did he advance towards the Wabash, 
that his militia and the friendly Indians who had joined him abandoned 
him in great numbers, and when, in November, he reached the Wa- 
bash, and encamped on the banks of the St. Mary's, within a few miles 
of the Miami villages, he had to wait for reinforcements, as his force 
was reduced to fourteen hundred men. The Indians were not so blind 
as to allow their opportunity to escape them. Meshecunnaqua, or, as 



.'86 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the whites called him, The Little Turtle, was the chief of the Miamis, 
and a man of great ability. He had watched and studied the policy of 
the Americans, and had been in both battles against Harmar. With 
Buckongehelas, he planned an attack on St. Clair's ill-guarded camp. 
On the 4th of November, half an hour before sunrise, the Avar-whoop 
rang out as they burst suddenly in full force on St. Clair's camp, their 
main attack being on a part held by militia and raw troops, who fled 
in utter terror across a creek into the camp of the regulars. On 
rushed the Indians in pursuit, till St. Clair's first and second lines, has- 
tily drawn up, met them with a steady fire of artiller}^ and musketry. 
For a moment the Indian line halted, but roused by their chiefs, one of 
them in British uniform, they charged with a yell, while an incessant 
fire was kept up from the ground, from among the grass, and from 
every log and tree. The artillerymen in the centre were shot down 
at their guns, the shrewd chiefs having picked out men to look to this, 
and deprive St. Clair of the use of his cannon. The braves fairly toma- 
hawked men at the guns. Two pieces were lost. In vain the regulars 
cliarged ; the Indians fell back a few hundred yards, l)ut advanced 
again as soon as the troops retired. Another charge was as fruitless. 
Twice were the cannon retaken, but it Avas impossible to use them. 
The Indians swarmed on all sides ; the troops, who had lost nearly all 
their oflQeers, were totally demoralized. More than half the rank and 
file were kdled, and there seemed little hope of escape for the rest. 
The ground was covered with the dead and dying, the freshly scalped 
heads reeking with smoke ; the little ravine that led to the creek actu- 
ally ran with human blood. It was now nine o'clock, when St. Clair, 
who had three horses shot under him. rallied his men for a desperate 
charge on the Indian line in his rear. The American army gained the 



OR, ouu coT'KTin's achikveme:n^ts. 587 

road, and abandoning tlie camp with all its equipments, artillery, and 
baggage, began a retreat which soon became a flight as the militia flung 
uway their arms and accoutrements. The remnant of the force, in dis- 
order and panic, reached Fort Jefferson. 

' Never since Braddock's defeat had the whites suffered so disastrous 
a defeat. 

The whole frontier was again left exposed to the ravages of the In- 
dians, now elated by victory, and full of contempt for the Ameri- 
cans. 

In Congress, where so much depended on harmony, party spirit was 
violent, and delayed public business. A bill for fixing the ratio of the 
representation in Congress led to fierce debates, and as first passed 
seemed to Washington so injudicious that he could not sign it, and re- 
turned it with his veto. The act to increase the army met with no op- 
position, for all felt the necessity of organizing an army to reduce the 
western Indians. The coinage of money, however, led to violent de- 
bates. A pattern piece had been struck, having on the reverse or tail, 
One Cent, in a laurel wreath, with tou below, and Unity States of 
America around, and on the obverse or head, a head of Washington. 
Ttie republican party stigmatized this as favoring a monarchy, and to 
please them, the head of a pagan goddess. Liberty, was substituted 
for the head of Washington. The reverse was retained ; and in this 
way the first regular American coin, the Cent, was struck in 1793. 
The cents of that year are now verj^ scarce and much prized. 

For a time these discussions and party differences had not affected 
General Washington, but gradually he was attacked with great vir- 
ulence. That illustrious man, who liad so reluctantly accepted office, 
now weary of his painful position, with opposition even in his cabinet, 



588 TIIK STOUY <JF A GREAT NATlOJf ; 

wished to retire to private life at Mount Vernon. The true patriots, 
however, looked with dread on this step, and the leading men of all 
parties urged him so earnestly to become again a candidate that he 
yielded. When the election came off Washington was again chosen 
President, and Adams Vice-President. 

The Indian affairs at the west were still a great source of care. 
General Wayne had been appointed to command the forces, but a 
strong party in the country were opposed to war, and clamored for a 
peaceable settlement of the difiBculties with the red men, although, be- 
tween 1780 and 1790, fifteen hundred inhabitants of Kentucky had 
been massacred in their homes, or carried off to endure the rigors and 
tortures of Indian captivity. Nor had the frontiers of Virginia and 
Pennsj^lvania suffered less. Yielding to the clamors of the peace 
party, envoj's were dispatched. Two officers. Colonel Harden and 
Major Trueman, who were sent to negotiate with them, were barbar- 
ouslj' murdered. It was evident that nothing but a thorough campaign 
against them would have any effect, especially as the English, in 
spite of the treaty of 1783, still held several posts in the West, 
where thej^ supplied the Indians with arms, gave them hopes of 
English aid, and filled their minds with hatred and contempt for the 
Americans. 

While this Indian difficulty, and the national debt, which Hamilton 
was devising plans to meet, occupied the public mind, alarming news 
arrived from Europe. France was in the midst of a bloody revolution. 
Louis XVI., wliom America had reason to respect, liad ])erished on the 
scaff"old, soon to be followed by his queen, Marie Antoinette. A gen- 
eral war in Europe wa.s imiuinent, the new republic having already be- 
pnn hostilities with England. Counting on the alliance and support 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 589 

of the United States, the French republic sent out as ambassador to 
Washington. Genet, a bold and enterprising man. Of the two parties 
which had arisen in the United States, the republicans, headed bv Jef- 
ferson, sympathized with France, while the Federalists, wno supported 
Washington and Adams, could not approve the excesses committed in 
France, and looked with alarm at the mad course on which that country 
had entered. On his arrival at Charleston, in South Carolina, Genet 
was warmly received by the Democratic clubs, which had been formed 
in various parts of the United States, in connection with the Jacobin 
club of Paris. Intoxicated by the honors thus done him. Genet began 
a bo|d course ; he issued commissions, and fitted out privateers in the 
United States, to sail against English commerce. Vessels captured oy 
these cruisers were brought into Charleston, and sold under the author- 
ity of French consuls. Ail thoughtful men were alarmed. Washing- 
ton issued a proclamation, warning people against being misled by such 
foreign agents, but Genet, backed by the more ardent opponents of 
Washington's administration, and its temperate policy, openly set gov- 
ernment at defiance. A vessel fitted out under Genet's authority, eluded 
the authorities, and sailed out of the Delaware. Washington, unwill- 
ing to come to an open I'upture with France, at last requested the gov- 
ernment of that country to recall M. Genet, and Congress passed an 
act prohibiting enlistment for the service of any foreign power, or the 
fitting out of privateers, except by the authority of the United 
states. 

Our alfairs were at the same time in so difficult a position with Eng- 
land, that this aff"air was most unfortunate. It exasperated the Eng- 
lish government, which was already complaining of the United States, 
all v^ing that they had violated the late treaty, by preventing English 



•'ii^O THE STORY 0I<^ A GREAT NATION; 

merchants fi-om recovering debts due them by Americans before the 
Revoiution. The new cause of complaint arising from the seizure of 
English ships by Frencii privateers, fitted out in the ports of the 
United States, made the feeling still more bitter. On our side, the 
government complained that in violation of the treaty, England main- 
tained posts in the West, in territory clearlj'- belonging to the United 
States, and had even established new military posts among the Indian 
tribes, aiding and supporting them by agents in their midst to carry on 
a savage warfare upon our frontiers. Another cause of complaint, and 
one long maintained, arose from the arrogant claim made, and enforced 
by English men-of-war, which constantly boarded American vessels, 
and impressed men as sailors under the pretence, often total!}- unfound- 
ed, that they were British subjects. They also, by their privateers 
and men-of-war, seized many American shii)s on their way to France, 
violating all the right of the United States as a neutral jwwer. 

For a time there was no intercourse between the two governments, 
but in 1791, England made the first step, by sending out Mr. George 
Hammond as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States. 

Now that matters looked so much like war, Congress prepared to 
lay an embargo on all ships and vessels bound to anj^ foreign port, and 
to sequestrate all debts due to British subjects, to make good all dam- 
ages caused by British vessels. But tidings came that England had 
modified her orders in council. Washington then nominated Chief Justice 
Jay. as envoy extraordinary, to negotiate a new treaty, giving redress 
for the past, and security for the future. In spite of this, however. 
Congress would have passed an act prohibiting all intercourse witli 
Great Britain, had not the Vice-President, by his casting vote, defeated 
it in the Senate. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 591 

Laws were passed to make active preparations for tlie war which 
geemed so near, b}^ raising an army and navy. 

Mr. Monroe was sent as minister to France, to endeavor to prevent 
any action there that might increase our ditiiculties. 

Portugal, which liad long been at war with Algiers, and in a manner 
protected other nations, hj preventing the corsairs from coming out 
through the Straits of Gribraltar, had now made peace, it was said, at 
English suggestion, and several American vessels were soon after cap- 
tured by those pirates, and their crews condemned to a life of slavery. 
To redeem them was an object of solicitude to the American govern- 
ment. A naval force would soon have effected this, but the opposition 
resisted it, and it was finally resolved to purchase their freedom by the 
payment of a million of dollars. 

The Indian affairs in the West were, however, at last brought to a 
settlement by the decision and energy of General Anthony Wayne. 
Taking command too late in the year for an effective campaign, he 
pushed on with his army to St. Clair's battle-field, and there erected 
Fort Recovery, which he made his camp for the winter. In 1794, he 
advanced cautiously. The regulars were a new organization called 
"The Legion of the United States," specially enrolled, and whom 
Wayne had waited to drill, and form into good soldiers, and expert In- 
dian fighters, before he exposed them to action. Every precaution 
was taken to prevent surprise or panic. 

Now that he was advancing into the heart of the enemy's country, 
skirmishes took place, which gave experience and confidence. In Au- 
gust, he erected Fort Defiance, at the junction of the Auglaize and 
Miami. Leaving a garrison here, the army pushed on in high spirits, 
the two thousand legion troops, with eleven hundred mounted Ken- 



592 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION', 

tuckians, under General Scott. These were on the flanks in the march, 
and between them and the main body were riflemen. On the 20th, 
Price's battalion, in the van, received a warm lire from an unseen foe, 
and was driven back. The enemy, comprising the Miamis and many 
other tribes, were upon them in force, eager to contest the soil with the 
Americans. They had selected their battle-ground wisely. They were 
in a dense wood which lay in front of a recently erected British fort, 
and they were protected by a quantity of trees thrown down by a tor- 
nado, which formed an intrenchment almost impassable by horsemen. 
They were drawn up in three lines with their left on the Maumee. 

Their first movement was an attempt to turn the left flank of the 
Americans, but as soon as the firing began, Wayne formed the legion 
in two lines, and the first charged with trailed arms, to rouse the Indi- 
ans with th<! bayonet from their coverts, behind logs, and in the grass, 
and Avhcn they had dislodged them, to pour in a steady volley, and 
press them so rapidly that they should not have time to load. The 
second line was ordered to check the Indians who were endeavoring to 
turn his left, and the cavalry skirting the river, and wheeling around on 
the other wing, were to take them in flank. With one tremendous- 
shout, the legion sprang forward. The startled Indians sprang from 
their ambush, and with a scattering fire fled, pursued by the terrible 
volleys of the legion. Forty fell dead, others were carried off". Away 
through the wood rolled the tide of battle, the Indians being driven for 
an hour, with constant loss, for more than two miles, till the routed, 
crestfallen braves at last sought shelter under the guns of the British 
fort. So impetuous was this charge of Wayne's first line that the sec- 
ond and the cavalry hardly got into the fight at all. 

The victorious general halted to give his troops time to take some re- 



OR, OCTB country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 593 

Ireshinents, then he marched down the river, and encamped within half 
a mile of the British Fort Miami. Here he remained three days, 
burning and ravaging the houses and cornfields ail around the fort, and 
within pistol-shot of it, and though the English commander attempted 
to take a high tone. General Waj'ne was so decided that he cooled 
down. The houses of English and Canadians among the Indians, fared 
like the wigwams. 

His complete victory cost Wayne about a hundred men. It was sup- 
posed that it would bring the Indians to ask peace, but as they held out 
Wayne laid waste their whole country, and built forts in the very 
heart of their settlements to prevent their return. 

The spirit of the Indians was broken, and a general war all along 
the frontiers was happily avoided. 

The Miamis at last made overtures of peace, and on the 3d of Au- 
gust, 1795, Wayne concluded a treaty at Fort Grenville, with the 
Wyandots, Delawares, Shawnees. Otiawas, Chippewas, Pottawatamies, 
Miamis, Kikapoos, and lUmois. A boundary line was assigned to 
them, and annual presents agreed upon in return for the lands which 
they gave up forever. 

This triumph over the savage foe was complete : but while war was 
thus banished from the frontiers, where the hardy backwoodsman was 
pushing on as the pioneer of civilization, a dangerous insurrection 
broke out in western Pennsylvania. The tax laid on spirituous 
liquors was verj' unpopular, and excited discontent, which at last 
resulted in acts of violence. In Jul,y, 1794, the marshal was shot at, 
and the next day, a body of five hundred insurgents attacked the 
house of the inspector, who had obtained a detachment of eleven 
men from Fort Pitt for his protection. They were summoned to sur- 



594 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

render, and finally did so, when the buildings had been set on fire^ 
and all escape was cut off. The insurgents seized the mails, and opened 
all letters, to discover those in iavor ol' enforcing the law. President 
Washington saw the danger. If insurgents could thus defy the laws 
of the United States all government was at an end. Governo.r Mif- 
flin, of Pennsylvania, did not believe the State militia able to quell 
the insurrection. Washington, thereupon, by proclamation, called 
upon all the in-surgents to disperse and retire before the 1st of Sep- 
tember. He also made a requisition on the (jovernors of New Jer- 
sey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, for militia to form an 
army of fifteen thousand men. The States responded to the call ; the 
militia turned out with uncommon alacrity. The army, under the 
control of Grovernor Lee, of Yirginia, marched into the country of 
the insurgents, but found no body of men in arms to oppose them. 
Overawed by this display of force, the insurgents lost all hope, their 
leaders were arrested or fled, and the people whom they had led into 
the rebellion submitted to the government. 

The government acquired new popularity by its exhibition of pow- 
er, and still more by the leniency with which it treated the misguided 
men. 

The arrival of the news of Jay's treaty was another source of dis- 
content, and some riotous displays took place, designing leaders in- 
ducing the people to believe that the honor and interests of the- 
country had been betrayed. But the people generally sustained 
Washington, and refused to believe that he could have become a 
traitor to his country. Now, when we look back at those times, with 
the reverence for Washington which time has given, we can scarcely 
believe that any American could have been so unjust towards him. ' 



OK, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVE:\iKNT>. 



505 



Congress showed also its support of Washington's policy ; the House 
of Representatives voted money to carry out the treaty. By its terms, 
England finally withdrew her troops from the western posts which 
she had so long held to the annoyance and injury of our growing set- 
tlements. She also made compensation for the illegal captures of 
American vessels by her cruisers. On our side the government of 
the United States secured to British creditors proper means for col- 
lecting debts due theui when the Revolution broke out. 

As soon as British influence was removed from the West, Congress 
passed an act regulating intercourse with the Indian tribes, and estab- 
lishing a boundary along the western frontier, beyond which no white 
man was to be allowed to go, either for hunting or pasturage, without 
a pass. This vast Indian territory was separated into twc parts by 
Kentucky, but it comprised nearly one-half the whole territory of the 
United States, which, our readers will remember, then extended only to 
the Mississippi, and did not include Florida. Special provision was 
made for the punishment of offenses committed by either whites or 
Indians. Another step was taken for the improvement of the Indians, 
by appropriating money to supply them with agricultural implements, 
so that they might be induced to rely less on hunting, and cultivate 
the ground like the whites. A great difficulty has always been, that 
wicked and unprincipled traders corrupt the Indians, lead them into 
intoxication, and then rob them in various ways. Laws were passed 
to prevent this as far as possible. 

All these steps produced a good feeling among the various Indian 
tribes, and a general and secure peace enabled the hardy pioneers to 
extend the settlements in all directions. 

On the west and south, the United States was bounded by Spanish 



59G THE SXOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

colonies. The western bank of the Mississippi, whatever of Louisi- 
ana lay east of that river, and Florida, were held by Spain, so that 
many questions arose between the two countries. On the 27th of Oc- 
tober, 1795, a treaty was concluded with Spain, and ratified in the 
following year, by which the bounds of Florida were fixed at the lim- 
its set out in the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, 
that is, from the Mississippi at 31 '' North, to the junction of the 
Flint and Apalachicola, and thence to the head of the St. Mary's. 
On the west, the boundary was to be the middle of the channel of 
the Mississippi to the thirty-first degree of north latitude, the navigation 
of the river remaining fotever free to the citizens of both nations. For 
purposes of trade, Americans were to liave the right to store goods 
for three months at New Orleans. Both ])arties also pledged them- 
selves to use their best endeavors to restrain their Indians from com- 
mitting any hostilities beyond their lines, and to refrain from tamper- 
ing in any way with the Indian tribes of the neighboring State. Ano- 
ther State was now ready to enter the Union. Tennessee had already 
endeavored ineffectually to set up an independent government. They 
went to work again in 1796, and, acting on their own responsibility, 
declared themselves a State, adopted a constitution, and elected sena- 
tors and representatives to Congress. These proceedings, as being 
utterly irregular, were condemned, as Congress had not fixed the ter- 
ritory of the new State, or directed the election. The want of due 
formality was, however, overlooked, and Tennessee became the six- 
teenth State in the Union. 

Such were the chief acts of Washington's second administration. 
It was now drawing to a close. He had organized the government 
uiider the new constitution, and the United States had entered on a 



OE, OUR country's acuievements. 597 

career of peace aiul prosperity. With England and Spain, the coun- 
tries whose colonies bordered on our land, we were at peace. France, 
our old ally, showed a spirit of reckless hostility which might lead to 
Siome trouble, but this afforded no grounds for alarm. At home, all 
was prosperous ; industry, agriculture, manufactures were thriving ; 
the public debt was gradually decreasing, without any severe bur- 
dens being imposed on the people ; the happiness and security en- 
joyed here invited many from the Old World, and a large emigration 
began from Ireland and France. Educational establishments were 
multiplied, and New York adopted a system of common schools, to 
extend to all the benefits of education. Pennsylvania hesitated 
to follow in the same course only from a fear that education without 
a, religious basis may prove a curse and not a blessing. 

Washington felt that his labor was complete. He had most reluc- 
tantly accepted a second term ; it had been one of pain and anxiety. 
It is sad to think how so great and good a man was assailed and ma- 
ligned. He longed to return once more to his peaceful retreat at 
Mount Vernon. He announced his intention of retiring in a Fare- 
well Address, which is one of the greatest monuments of his wisdom 
and patriotism. 

He implored them to hold the Union between the States inviolable. 
" It is of infinite moment," says the Father of his Country, " that you 
should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to 
your collective and individual happiness ; that you should cherish a 
cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it, accustoming your- 
selves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political 
safety and prosperity ; watching for its preservation with jealous 
anxiety ; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion 



598 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION) 

that it can in any event be abandoned ; and indignantly frowning: 
upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion 
of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which 
now link together the various parts. For this you have every 
inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or 
choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concen- 
trate your affections. The name of Americans, which belongs to 
you in your national capacitj', must always exalt the just pride of 
patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local dis- 
criminations." 

" This goveriiTnent, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced 
and unawed ; adopted upon full investigation and mature delibera- 
tion, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers 
uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provis- 
ion for its own amendments, has a just claim to your confidence and 
support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquius- 
cence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims 
of true liberty." 

He warned them against the violence of party spirit, and against 
the danger of one department of government encroaching on another. 
He urged the establishment of institutions for the diffusing of knowl- 
edge as the best security. 

In regard to foreign nations, this wise man urged peace and justice, 
avoiding excessive fondness, or antipathy, towards any ; avoiding all 
occasions of being drawn into the disputes between foreign nations, 
and, still more, preventing all interference of foreign governments in 
our national affairs. 

This address was everywhere received with profound reverence... 



OE, OUR COUNTEt's ACHIEVEMENTS. 599 

The various States, tliruiigli llieir legislatures, responded to his patri- 
otic and wise address. 

The third presidential election saw two great parties arrayed. The 
Federalists, who supported the policy hitherto followed by Washington, 
nominated John Adams for President, and Thomas Pinckne}- for Vice- 
President. The Republicans, or antifederalists, took up Thomas Jeffer- 
son as their strongest candidate. The election was an exciting one, 
but it was soon evident that Adams was elected. Washington's mes- 
sage to Congress was touching, as he stood for the last time in the hall 
of Congress, addressing the Senate and House of Representatives — for 
his messages were alwaj^s spoken by him ; not sent in writing, as is 
now the custom. He closed with the wish that the Union which they 
had formed for their protection might be perpetual. 

The answer of the Senate was cordial ; but, in the House, some im- 
pulsive Republicans wished to strike out all words that expressed at- 
tachment to Washington's character and person, all approbation of his 
administration, or regret at his retiring from office. 

When the electoral vote was counted in the House, John Adams 
had seventy -one votes, and Thomas Pinckney only fifty-nine, some Fed- 
eralists having voted for other candidates. Thomas Jefferson received 
sixty-eight votes, and became, as the law was then, Vice-President, 
although he had run for the presidency. This seems strange ; but 
under the Constitution, each elector voted for two persons for Presi- 
dent, and the one getting the highest number became President, th& 
one getting the next highest number became Vice-President. 

Washington's administration closed ; he retired from office, and set 
out for his own home at Mount Vernon. Everywhere on the road lie 
■was welcomed with enthusiasm and reverence, 



CHAPTER in. 

JOHN ADAMS, SECOND PEESIDEjnT -1797-1801. 

Affairs witli France — Mississippi Territory organized — War with France ou tlie Ocean — Tke 
Alien and Sedition Acts--Deatli of General Washington — Seat of Government removed to 
Washington — Indiana Territory organized — Close of the War with France — Adams defeat- 
■ed in the next Election. 

On the 4tli of March, 1797, John Adams was inaugurated as Presi- 
dent, and after delivering his address, tooli the oath of office. He 
was a patriot of the most incorruptible principles, calm, able, labori- 
ous, but not always consistent or firm in pursuing a course which he 
had adopted. He formed a cabinet which was not in harmony with his 
own views or with itself. Pickering was Secretary of State, Wol- 
cott, of the Treasury ; the other members were McHenry and Lee. 

The first object that claimed the attention of the new President, was 
the I'elations of America with France. General Pinckney, Minister 
Plenipotentiary to France, had been virtually expelled from the 
country by the Directory, which then ruled in that republic. French 
ships still continued to plunder American vessels. 

On the 25th of March, President Adams, by proclamation, convened 
an extraordinary session of Congress. He recommended them to 
provide effectual measures of defense in case war became ne- 
cessary. 

As a last eff'oi't for peace, General Pinckney, John Marshall, and 
Elbridge Gerry, were appointed envoys to France. They set out, 
but on reaching Paris, were met with insulting propositions from Tal- 
leyrand, the French minister for Foreign Affairs. If the United States 



OUR country's achievements. COI 

would pay Talleyrand a quarter of a million of dollars, and loan to 
France thirteen millions, they would be restored to favor. When they 
declined absolutely to consider any such proposal, Pinckney and 
Marshall were ordered to leave France, while Gerry, a republican, 
was ordered to remain, under a threat of immediate war, if he retired. 
It was in this correspondence that Pinckney used a phrase which 
has become a motto for the country: "Millions for defense, not oner 
cent for tribute." 

Congress met before news of this arrived in America, for ships did 
not cross the ocean rapidly in those days. When, however, the cor- 
respondence reached the President, ho laid it before Congress, and it 
was at once published. It speedily roused the spirit of the whole 
people. The land rung with preparations for war. Hopkinson com- 
posed a patriotic song that has not yet been forgotten : " Hail Colum- 
bia." 

Congress passed an act for retaliation, and by another increased 
the army, and authorized the President to raise additional regiments, 
and organized a provisional army. 

When Marshall arrived, and reported in full the treatment to which 
he had been subjected, Adams sent a message to Congress in which he 
said: " I will never send another minister to France, without assur- 
ance that he will be received, respected, and honored, as the repre- 
sentative of a great, free, powerful, and independent nation." 

As soon as it was clear that a resort to arms would be necessary, 
all eyes turned upon Washington, as the only man to be placed at the 
head of the army. On the 3d of Jul}', 1798, President Adams nom- 
inated him Commandi'r-in-Ciiief of the armies of the United States, 
and the Senate confirmed his choice. The illustrious man accepted 



f>05 



TIIK STORY or A GEKAT NATION 



the high office, and again, relinquishing his domestic retirement, as- 
sumed the direction of the army. 

The Navy Department was now organized, and Benjamin Stoddari, 
of Maryland, became first Secretary of the Navy. Thirty active 
cruisers were ordered, and the treaties with France declared to be no 
longer binding. Among othei- preparations for war, two acts were 
passed which drew great odium on Adams, these were the Alien 
and Sedition Acts. 

Although war was not declared against France, vessels were author- 
ized to resist French cruisers ; privateers were fitted out, and three 
frigates, the United States, commanded by Captain Barry, the Con- 
stitution, Captain Nicholson, and the Constellation, Captain Truxtun, 
with a number of smaller vessels, sailed out to meet the French. 

The sudden appearance of so many American vessels astonished not 
only the French, but also the English, who could not conceal their 
chagrin to see the United States manifest such power on the oc^'tin. 
They even let their ill-temper carry tliom to violence, as in the case 
of the attack of the British frigate Carnatic on a little American sloop- 
of-war, the Baltimore. 

In June, 1798, the French privateer Le Crovable was captured, and, 
under the name of the Retaliation, was sent to sea under Lieutenant 
Baiubridge, but onl}- to be recaptured by a French frigate. 

On the 9th of February, 1799, the Constellation, Commodore Trux- 
tun, fell in with a large ship which showed the Stars and Strijies, but 
soon raised the tricolor. She was the Insurgcnte, Captain Barreault, 
one of the fastest ships known. She returned the Constellation's fire 
vigorously, injuring her masts and rigging, so that the fore-topmast 
was saved only by the gallantry of midshipman David Porter, who cut' 



OR, OUR COUXTIiv's ACillEVEMENTS. 603 

away the yards. Thus relieved, the Constellation poured into her an- 
tagonist two or three raking broadsides, then shooting out of tlie smoke 
•of tlie combat, she wore round, and getting across tlie Insurgente's 
stern was about to rake her when she striick. The Fi'cncli vessel was 
much cut up, having lost seventy men killed and wounded. A lew 
other collisions took place. Merchant vessels were captured on t)Olh 
sides, but France recoiled from her hostile attitude, asked indirectly for 
a renewal of intercourse, and a minister was sent. 

But while this was going on, the country continued to grow. Con- 
gress organized the country between Georgia and Louisiana into a new 
territory, under the name of Mississippi. A strong effort was made to 
exclude slavery from the new territory, and Jefferson so planned it ; 
but this was finally defeated, and it became slave territory. A Gover- 
nor was appointed, and the territory organized. 

In spite of the firm position which he had assumed in regard to 
France, President Adams suddenl}' resolved to renew negotiations, and 
to the surprise of all, nominated William Vans Murray minister to that 
•country. This led to dissensions between him and his cabinet, and to 
the breaking up of the Federal party ; while the Republican party, un- 
4ev the leadership of Jefferson, was daily gaining strength. At his sug- 
li^estion, Kentucky and Virginia adopted resolutions denouncing the 
Alien and Sedition laws as violations of the Constitution of the United 
States, and claiming the riaht in the States to nullifv all such acts. It 
'4s somewhat strange that Andrew Jackson, then an opponent of the 
Federalists, was subsequently, as President, to put down with a hand 
of iron these nullification doctrines, when set up hj his native State, 
South Carolina. 

The country now experienced a terrible loss in the death of George 



604 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION J 

Washington. That noble patriot, so much of whose life had been given, 
to his country's service, but now deprived of the consolation attend- 
ant on public favor, had organized the army for any emergency. On 
Thursday, December 12th, he spent several hours riding around his es- 
tate, directing operations on various parts. The day was stormy, and 
on his return, he was seized by a violent cold, accompanied with sore- 
throat. During the night he became rapidly worse, and inflammation, 
with fever, set in. He would not, however, allow a physician to be- 
summoned till morning. When Doctor Craik arrived, he was alarmed 
at the symptoms, and at once called in consulting physicians. Various 
remedies were resorted to, but in vain ; Washington's sufferings were 
acute, and it was evident that the illustrious patient was rapidly sink- 
ing. From the first, Washington was convinced that it was his last 
sickness. Towards evening, on the 14th, he said to Doctor Craik : 
" I die hard, Doctor, but I am not afraid to die. My breath cannot 
last long." Thanking his physicians for their efforts to save him, he 
asked them to resign him to the hands of Providence. Nothing fur- 
ther was attempted. His agonized family and friends watched the mo- 
ment of departure. He expired between ten and eleven o'clock at 
night, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, maintaining his faculties to the 
last. He was quietly interred on the Wednesday following. 

Tims passed away the father ef his country, one of the few immor- 
tal names that were not born to die. There is no tarnish to the lustre, 
of Washington's glory. He was a patriot, pure and disinterested,, 
seeking only the good of his countr}-, with no ambition except to sew- 
it, no desire to enrich himself from the taxes drawn from his fellow- 
citizens. After holding the highest positions, militarj^ and civil, ho 
went back to his quiet home, no richer than he left it. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 605- 

Congress was then in session at lMiilailelj)liia. The news of his death 
and of his illness arrived together, so that the sad tidings came unher. 
aided. As soon as it became known, a motion was made in the House 
to adjourn. The next day, John Marshall announced that the infor- 
mation was but too true. After a brief but comprehensive view of 
Washington's career and services, he moved that a joint committer 
sho4ild be appointed " to devise the most suitable manner of paying 
honor to the memory of the man, first in war, first in peace, first in the 
hearts of his countrymen." The Senate addressed a letter to the Pres- 
ident, to which President Adams replied in a touching eulogy on the 
hero who had passed away. 

The joint committee appointed by the two Houses resolved that a 
marble monument should be erected in Washington, under which liis 
body, if the family consented, was to be placed ; and that a luueral 
oration should be delivered in the Lutheran Church before both Houses ; 
that the President should recommend the people of the whole country 
to wear crape on their arm for thirty days. 

On the 26th of December, Henry Lee pronounced the eulogy on 
Washington, before both Houses of Coni-ress. Similar orations were de- 
livered throughout the country', by Hamilton, Ames, Carroll, and other 
eminent men. The anniversary of his birthday, February 22d, ar- 
riving soon after, called forth fresh tributes to his memor}-. 

Amid this general grief and respect, a few political fanatics ventured 
to cast slurs upon his illustrious name, but they were frowned down by 
an indignant people. They have long since been consigned to merited 
oblivion, while Washington luis constantly risen higher and higher in 
the esteem and respect of his countrymen. 

Washington was not one of tho.se dazzling meteors which have as- 



"•606 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

tonished and teiTilied the world by a brilliant but destructive course. 
A warrior, be sought not conquest, but liberty ; a ruler, he had no aim 
but the happiness of the people; in all, he had no wish but justice. 
•€alm and unruffled in temper, prudent and steadfast in his resolutions, 
prompt and decisive in action, he was never elated by success, nor de- 
jected bj" failure. Though oftener defeated than victorious in the field, 
lie was never routed, and thus, ever formidable to his antagonists, never 
periling the cause by rashness, he brought the Revolutionary War to a 
triumphant close. As President of the Convention, he was one of the 
founders of the Constitution, showing great ability as a statesman. Ou 
the establishment of a new government, he organized it amid difficulties 
and opposition of various kinds. His full confidence in that form of 
government has been justified by its triumphant career of nearly a cen- 
tury ; but in our thankfulness for its blessings, and our prayers for its 
future maintenance in its purity and integrity, we should remember 
that Washington established it on a firm footing only at the loss of his 
own popularity. 

The death of Washington quickened the movement for the perma- 
nent establishment of the National Capital. The site of a Federal dis- 
trict had been selected by Washington. One of the acts of the Con- 
gress, on' meeting in 1799, was to provide bj' law for the removal of 
the United States Government to the city of Washington, henceforth to 
be the permanent capital of the United States. 

The new settlements had grown, so that new territorial governments 
were needed to prepare for the gradual admission of new States. The 
territory northwest of the Ohio was divided into two, and the west- 
ern part became Indiana Territory ; at the South, a government was 
established for Mississippi Territory. So rapid was the increase of set- 



OK, OUE COTTNTKy's ACHIEVEMENTS. GOT 

ilemeuts by emigrants, from the coast and abroad, tliat the sale of oub- 
iic lauds became an important source of revenue. -New laws were 
passed to enable industrious settlers to buy laud and pay for it gradu- 
ally. 

Althougli Mr. Adams had renewed negotiations with France, hostili- 
ties were still carried on at sea, chiefly in the West Indies, where 
France still held, though heaving with revolution, part of St. Domingo, 
and ruled in peace several of the smaller islands. In the waters sur- 
rounding these islands, our navy officers sought to win glory by meeting 
the French navy, and profit by meeting her merchantmen. The new 
century opened with a naval victory. On the first day of February, 
1800, Captain Truxtun, in the Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, while 
<^ruising off the island of Guadeloupe, discovered a vessel to the south- 
'^st, steering west. Taking her for a large English merchant vessel, 
Truxtun hoisted English colors, but the other vessel did not regard it. 
Then Truxtun gave chase, crowding all sail. When near enough to 
distinguish her. Truxtun found her to be a French frigate. He at 
once hauled down the Union Jack, and running up the Stars and 
Stripes, prepared ibr action. The Vengeance, his antagonist, was a 
French frigate of fifty 4 wo guns. As the Constellation, having over- 
taken her, was doublnig the weather quarter of the Vengeance, the 
French opened fire from her stern and quarter guns. As soon as he 
could bear full on her, Truxtun gave her a broadside, and tlirougli the 
night, from half past eight till nearly one, the two vessels, running free 
side by side, sent broadsides into each other, till the Vengeance, with 
iifty men killed and a hundred and ten wounded, and the hull cut up by 
Trustun's balls, drew out of the fight. The Constellation gave chase, 
sure now of capturing her, but just then, all the shrouds having been 



•10,9 THE STORY OF A GEEAT NATION; 

cut by the Prenchip;ii''s fire, the Constclliitiou's mainmast went by the' 
board, carrying a gallant young midshipman, named Jarvis, and several 
men with it. This enabled the Vengeance to reach CuraQoa, though in 
a sinking condition. Trnxtup bore up for Jamaica. It was a well-fought 
battle. The French vessel was heavier, carried sixteen more guns, and 
nearly a hundred men more thnn the Constellation, yet she would in a 
few minutes more have been compelled to strike. Congress showed 
its appreciation of Trustun's gallantrj^ by striking a gold medal. 

Napoleon Bonaparte had now risen to the head of the government 
in France. With him a treaty was negotiated, but some of the articles 
displeased the Senate, Avho refused to confirm them. Mr. Adams rati- 
fied it as finan3'. and nominated a Minister Plenipotentiary. 

In June, 1800, the public offices of government, with all its archives 
and officials, were removed from Philadelphia to Washington ; and 
somewhat later, Mr. Adams and his family took up their residence in 
the President's house. In these days of railroads and rapid traveling 
through our more denselj'' settled States, it is amusing to look back to 
that time and read of the President getting lost in the woods with hi.? 
family while on their journey from Baltimore to Washington. They wan- 
dered around for hours, till a straggling negro at last came lounging 
along that way, and guided the presidential party to the capital. 

The public l)uildings were by no means ready, the place was a 
wilderness, and it was for a long time a wretched place of resi- 
dence. 

The census, at the beginning of the century, showed a population ot' 
live million tliree hundred and six thousand, being an increase of nearly 
a miiliiMi and a half in ten years, due in some measure to emigran'onf 
from abroad: France sent her exiled clergy and nobility; Saint Do- 



OE, OUR COUNTPv's ACHIEVEMENTS. 609 

■raingo, her planters flying from fhe infuriated negroes ; Ireland, her 
'iturdy sons, whose rising for freedom had been crushed in blood. Mr. 
Adams' terra of service was drawing to a close, and party spirit ran 
high. Mr. Adams looked to a re-election, but among his own party, 
the Federalists, he had made many enemies, and alienated manj^ of his 
friends. Hamilton, one of the leaders of the Federal party, who had 
carried on a vigorous contest with Burr in New York, had become 
hostile to Mr. Adams, and Burr adroitly used this to injure both. The 
election was an exciting one, and when the votes of the electors came 
to be counted, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr received each sev- 
enty-three votes, Adams sixty-live, and General Pinckney sixt3'-four. 
The votes given for Burr and Pincknej^ were really given them for the 
position of Vice-President, but as the Constitution then stood, each 
elector voted for two persons, and the one who received the highest 
number of vo*es became President, and the one who received the next 
highest became Vice-President. One of the electors should have voted 
for Jefferson without casting a vote for Burr. As it stood, there was 
no election. Jefferson had seventj'-three votes, and so had Burr. By 
the Constitution, it had to go to the House of Representatives. There 
the members voted b^^ States, and the candidate who received the vote 
of nine States would be President. Burr was a man full of plot and 
schemes. He had been put forward only as a candidate for the Vice- 
Presidency : but as he saw a chance to become President, he used all 
his ability to secure his election in place of Jefferson. The Federals, 
defeated as they were, were ready to defeat Jefferson. For days they 
continued balloting without being able to effect an election. General 
anxietj^ prevailed, and fears were entertained that they might not be 
able to make a choice, but at last, on the 17th of February, 1801, six 



61§ THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION. 

representatives agreed to vote blank, and Jefferson received the vote;- 
of ten States, Burr of four, two not voting. 

Tlie few remaining weelvs of his administration were uneventful. 
Congress reorganized the United States Courts, and Mr. Adams, on the 
3d of March, appointed judges under the new Act ; a step which called 
forth strong censure. 

Without waiting for the inauguration of his successor, Mr. Adams,, 
earh'^ on the morning of the 4th of March, bid adieu to the Capital 
and public life. 

During this short administration, the yellow fever, which had been 
very destructive in 1793, renewed its ravages. Steps were taken in 
New York and Pennsylvania for the gradual extinction of slavery. 
Albany became the capital of New York. 

The Frencli Revolution, which abolished monarchy and aristocracy 
in France, had done away with mucli of the old style finery of dress. 
Its influence was felt in America. Short hair took the place of the 
long powdered hair or wigs ; loose trowsers were worn instead of the 
tight knee-breeches ; dark or l)lack cloth was adopted for men's wear- 
instead of gayer colors. In all social concerns, there was less formality 
and displav, and more simplicity' was everywhere introduced. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THOMAS JEFFERSOX, THIRD PRESIDENT— 1801-1809. 

War against Tripoli — Purcliase of Louisiana — Lewis and Clarke's Expedition to Oregon-t- 
Troubles with Florida — Burr's Conspiracy — English Outrages — Attack on the Chesapeake—.. 
New States and Territories. 

Jefferson came into power as representing a new policy. All was> 
at peace, except that the Barbary States continued to plunder Ameri- 
can ships, and carry off passengers and crews to be sold as slaves. 
Under previous administrations, the party now in power had urged the 
payment of money to redeem the captives rather than fit out a navj' to 
punish them. But the French war had brought a navy into existence, 
and there was now no talk of paying inonej' to those pirates. 

One of Jefferson's first acts was to send out Commodore Dale, with 
a squadron, to the Mediterranean Sea, to chastise Tripoli, the last offen- 
der. Finding a Tripolitan frigate and brig near Gibraltar, he block- 
aded them so that they could not get to sea. Then the little Enter- 
prise, a twelve-gun schooner, under Lieutenant Sterrett, overtook a 
Tripolitan fourteen-gun ship, and in a running figlit of three liours 
captured her, after killing or wounding fifty of the corsairs, without los- 
ing one of his own men. He then threw her cannon and ammunition 
overboard, and sent her adrift wilh one old sail. When the pirate 
captain at last got back to Tripoli, he was paraded around on an ass. 

Ohio had now gained so much in population, that she solicited admis- 
sion as a State. Accordingly. Congress authorized the holding of a Con- 
vention, which in 1802 adopted a very liberal Constitution. Under 



•612 THE BTORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

ihis it became a State on the 1st of Marcli, 1803. Then the growth 
■of settlements on the Mississippi, in the Territory of that name, gave 
promise of a new State. But suddenly news came that Spain had, by a 
secret treaty, on the 1st of October, 1800, ceded back to France the 
colony of Louisiana, which she had held lor nearly forty years. There 
was at once a change of system. The authorities at New Orleans re- 
fused to carry out the treaty of 1783, so as to allow American vessels 
to land their cargoes at New Orleans. All the American settlements 
in the Mississippi valley were aroused, and many were in favor of rais- 
ing an army and taking possession of Louisiana by force. Congress 
acted more prudently, but the free navigation of the Mississippi was so 
essential to the West, that a law passed authorizing the President to 
call out an army of eighty thousand men, and two millions of dollarg 
were put at his disposal to purchase, if possible, the island of Orleans, 
and the free navigation of the river. The navy was also increased ; 
and as another war with France seemed possible, some who had been 
strongly in favor of that country, now looked to England for aid. 

Livingston, the American minister at the court of France, had in 
vain endeavored to baffle the negotiations, and prevent the cession of 
Louisiana to France. Failing in this, he opened a negotiation for the 
purchase of New Orleans, and the adjacent territory on the Missis- 
sippi. Bonaparte did not give the project a favorable consideration, 
till it was evident that France must again plunge into war. Then 
Bonaparte asked Livingston to make an offer for all Louisiana. The 
American minister's instructions did not anticipate this, nor did those 
of Monroe, who arrived to succeed him. But there was no time to ask 
instructions. The American envoys offered ten millions of dollars ; 
the French government at first asked sixteen millions, but having 



OR, OUK COUJSTTEY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 613 

agreed that four millions should go to pay American claims, the bar- 
gain was closed, and a treat}- was signed on the last day of April, 1803. 
The treaty secured to the inhabitants their liberty, property, and re- 
ligious rights, and provided for their earl}- admission as citizens, and 
the organization of part of the territory as a State. 

The treaty came as a surprise to the whole country, and was too 
satisfactory a solution of the difficulty to allow much dispute. The 
amount to be paid was trifling to a great and growing countr}', and it 
gave the United States not only complete and exclusive control of the 
Mississippi, from its source to the sea, but carried the American 
boundary to the shores of the Pacific, for no limits west were 
fixed. 

When Congress met the treaty was confirmed, and money voted to 
carry it out ; so that on the 20th December, 1803, Lausat, as commis- 
sioner for France, formally transferred New Orleans to the American 
commissioners, Wilkinson and Claiborne. The latter was appointed 
by Congress to govern the new province for the time being. This was 
not, however, intended to last. The next j'car, Louisiana was divided 
into two parts ; the portion south of the thirty-third degree of lati- 
tude became the District of Orleans. This was to be under a governor 
and council appointed by the President. Courts were established, and 
preparations made for its admission as a State, as soon as the in- 
habitants had become sufficiently accustomed to our government. The 
northern part, called the District of Louisiana, was for the time made 
dependent on Indiana Territory. It was even supposed to be so re- 
mote, that it was proposed to remove all the Indians to it from the 
States east of the Mississippi river. Most of it was an almost un- 
known wilderness, but an expedition under Lewis and Clarke pene- 



614 THE STOIIY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

trated to the Rocky Mountains, anel crossing that ridge, reached the 
liead waters of the Columbia, to which they gave their names, and 
then descended the Columbia to the Pacific, carrying the United 
States flag across the continent. 

The war with Tripoli was maintained, and in 1803, Commodoi'e 
Preble sailed with a squadron of seven vessels. While chasing a Tri- 
politan ship, the Philadelphia, Captain Bainbridge, ran ashore and 
was captured with all on board. Tlie Pacha got her off, but Preble 
resolved to destroy her. Decatur, with a small vessel, ran in, captured 
her, and set heron fire. As all her guns were loaded ready for action, 
the vessel, as she lighted up the city with her blazing hull and masts, 
poured her deadly broadsides into Tripoli, till her magazine was reached, 
when, with a terrible explosion, she disappeared. Preble, with his 
inferior force, kept up a constant series of attacks on the place, and 
. tried by torpedoes to destroy the Tripolitan gunboats. Youssouf, dey 
of Tripoli, had expelled his brother Hamet, and usurped his throne. 
Hamet, having won the friendship of Eaton, the United States consul 
at Tunis, formed a plan to recover his throne. Eaton and Hamet, 
with seventy men from Preble's fleet, captured Derne by assault, and 
de/eated Youssouf in two battles. This brought him to terms of 
peace, by which the American prisoners were given up, but Hamet 
was abandoned most unjustly. Tunis was then menaced, and thought 
it best to send an ambassador to the United States. An American 
squadron was kept in the Mediterranean, and for the first time, those 
piratical nations began to see that their trade was at an end. 

Another presidential flection was now at hand. Jefferson was 
again chosen President, and George Clinton, of New York, Vice-Pres- 
ident, by a large majority. Aaron Burr, who was set aside, smarting 



615 

under disappoiuted ambition, during the campaign challenged Alex- 
ander Hamilton, and killed him in a duel at Weehawken. 

Some troubles occurred on the Florida frontier, the Indians in that 
province, aided by Englishmen, committing ravages. Steps were 
taken to purchase that province from Spain. England showed her 
hostility also by continuing to impress American seamen. The Brit- 
ish naval commanders even carried their insolence so far as to attempt 
to take men by force from vessels belonging to the American navy. 
A new war seemed probable. In Europe, England and France were 
issuing decrees in regard to neutral vessels, which made it almost im- 
possible for American ships to be at sea. This led Congress to pass, 
in 1806, an act to prohibit the importation of English manufactured 
goods. 

While the country was in this critical position with regard to Eng- 
land, Colonel Burr well nigh involved it in a war with Spain. Desper- 
ate as a politician, he formed a plan for separating the Western States 
and territories from the United States, and forming a new Republic, 
which was at once to wrest Mexico from Spain. He tried to win over 
General Wilkinson, who commanded the United States troops on the 
Mississippi, but Wilkinson not only posted his troops so as to check 
Burr's movements, but reported all he knew to the President. Burr 
did not even then give up all hopes of success, but being at last sur- 
rounded, he surrendered to the governor of Mississippi Territory. 
His trial was an event of great importance. It was a strange sight to 
see a man, who had so recently, as Vice-President, acted as President 
of the Senate, now brought to trial for high treason. He was defend- 
ed with great skill, and acquitted. 

The Berlin Decree of Napoleon, and the British orders in council 



616 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

were now in full operation, both condemning neutral ships to forfeit- 
ure. Mr. Pinckney negotiated a new treaty with England, in which 
that country yielded some points, but not the right of impress- 
ment. This was so unsatisfactory to Mr. Jefferson, that he resolved 
not to send the treaty to the Senate for conlirmation. While attempts 
were on foot to renew negotiations, an event occurred which justihed 
Jefferson. The Chesapeake, a thirty-eight-gun frigate, left the Chesa- 
peake for the Mediterranean ; just outside the Capes of Virginia, the 
Leopard, a British vessel of fifty guns, came up and demanded several 
men as deserters, and quietly prepared for action. On the refusal of 
Commodore Barron, she opened fire, pouring a broadside into the 
Chesapeake, and for a quarter of an hour kept up a steady fire ; the 
Chesapeake, unable to return her fire, at last struck, having had three 
men killed and eighteen wounded, and the vessel, masts, and rigging 
greatly cut up. The men taken from her were tried, and one of them 
hung in cold blood. This outrage roused the indignation of the whole 
country. The President, by a proclamation, forbade all English 
armed vessels from entering any port of the United States, and pro- 
hibited under penalties all intercourse with them. The English gov- 
ernment endeavored to allay the storm by recalling the Admiral, re- 
moving the Captain of the Leopard, and restoring the pretended de- 
serters ; for in almost every case the claim was a falsehood got up for 
the occasion, and the men taken Americans. 

On the 22d of December, 1806, Congress laid an embargo, prohibit- 
ing all American vessels from sailing to foreign ports, and excluding 
all foreign vessels from taking out cargoes. This step caused great 
distress in the country, and roused a strong feeling of opposition, es- 
peciall}' in New England. England and France were not affected by 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 617 



it, SO that it did not produce the expected result, and it was finally 
repealed in 1809. 

Illinois Territory was organized about this time, embracing not only 
the present State, but also Wisconsin. Thus terminated Jefferson's 
presidential career. He long continued to be regarded as the head of 
his party, and is still looked up to with reverence, as the most thorough- 
ly democratic expounder of national policy. As Washington had de- 
'ilined to serve more than two terms, Mr. Jefferson did not become a 
candidate ; but prepared to retire to private life, having, from the 
opening of the Continental Congress, devoted himself almost entirely 
to the cause of his country. As one of the greatest American states- 
men, his influence still remains. In the election which took place, 
there was scarcely any opposition. James Madison, of Virginia, put 
forward as candidate for the presidency, and George Clinton, of New 
York, nominated for the vice-presidency, were elected almost unani- 
mously. 

Among the important events which marked the administration of 
Jefferson, was the successful operation of a steamboat, by Robert Ful- 
ton, in 1807. Many, from the time of Fitch and Rumsey, had endeav- 
ored to apply steam to navigation, but Fulton was the first who so far 
succeeded as to run a steamboat on the Hudson to Albany. 

His triumph revolutionized the whole navigation of the world 



CHAPTER V. 
JAMES MADISON", FOURTH PEESIDENT— 1809-1817. 



Trouble in Pennsylvania — The President and Little Belt — Indian Troubles in the West — War 
with England — Hull's Surrender — Operations on the New York Frontiers — Queenstown, La 
Colle — Victories at Sea — Proctor's Victories in the West — Repulsed at Fort Meigs — Toronto 
■ — Tlie Niagara — Perry's Victory — Battle of the Thames — Tecumseh slain — The Creek War— 
GeueralJackson — Battle of the Chippewa — Invasion of Maryland — Capture of Washington — 
English repulsed at Baltimore — Macomb and McDonough at Plattsburg — Jackson in Flori- 
da — Battle of New Orleans — Peace proclaimed — Final battles at Sea. 



Mr. Madison selected for his cabinet, Robert Smith, of Maryland, 
Secretary of State ; Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury ; 
William Eustis, Secretary of War ; and Paul Hamilton, of South 
Carolina, Secretary of the Navy. 

The great question was the relation of America to England. Eng- 
land had never forgiven the Revolutionary War, and, as we have seen, 
had done many unfriendly acts. Still Mr. Madi.son, sustained by the 
voice of the country, was reluctant to resort to hostilities. Anxious 
to escape the embarrassment of the embargo and non-importation 
Acts, he began secret negotiations with David M. Erskine, then British 
minister at Washington. Erskine engaged himself to obtain a repeal 
of the orders in council, so far as they related to the United States. 
But the English Government disavowed Erskine's acts, and matters 
remained ia the same uncertain position, non-intercourse being rigidly 
enforced. 



ouE country's achievements. 619 

France made some overtures, but soon fell back, and both powers 
-continued to intercept American merchantmen. 

At home, some troubles arose in 1809. A case at law, arising out 
of the capture of a vessel during the Revolutionary War, involved 
the Government of the United States in a contest with the State of 
Pennsylvania. The Governor of the State ordered out the militia, 
and placed a guard under the command of Captain Bright, to prevent 
the United States marshal from serving any process of the United 
States court ; the marshal on his side called for two thousand men to 
aid him, and the Governor of Pennsylvania, finding matters serious, 
yielded, but this did not end the matter. Bright and his militiamen 
were arrested, and tried for resisting the marshal, and after a long 
trial, convicted. The whole affair thus resulted in confirming the 
powers of the General Government. 

In 1811, the Territory of Orleans was at last made into a State, un- 
der the name of Louisiana, although not without great opposition on 
the part of the Federalists, who denied that Congress had any power 
to create States out of the newly-acquired territory, so jealously did 
our ancestors watch every movement of the new government, for fear 
it might, in an unguarded moment, deprive them of the liberty they 
prized so highly. After this time what had been called the District 
of Louisiana was called Missouri. 

Application was also made to erect Mississippi into a State, but it 
■was deferred, owing to the necessity of satisfying the State of Georgia, 
in regard to her claims over its territory. 

The negotiations with France and England had failed to obtain a re- 
peal of the obnoxious decrees and orders in council. The American 
aavy was too small to defend the immense number of American ships 



620 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

from all English cruisers, for even then American ships were found 
in every sea. A lesson was, however, taught them ou the 16th of 
May, 1811. The frigate President, Commodore Rogers, wasj pursued 
for a time by the English sloop-of-war Little Belt, Captain Bingham. 
When the President hailed the Little Belt, she replied with a cannon^ 
ball. The American vessel, zealous for the national honor, prejjared 
for action. In a moment the vessels were engaged ; but after one or 
two broadsides, the Little Belt had all her guns silenced, and her decks 
strewed with the dead and wounded, no less than eleven men having 
been killed and twentj'-one wounded in this brief action, which left the 
Little Belt little better than a wreck. The President then hailed 
again, and this time received an answer. In the morning. Captain 
Eogers sent down to offer assistance, which the Little Belt declined, 
and sailed off as best she could. This affair excited both countries, and 
each nation justilied its own vessel. 

It was evident that war might break out at anj' moment. Great 
Britain had never ceased to tamper with the Western Indians, who saw, 
with hatred and alarm, the rapid increase of the States. There was at 
this time a Shawnee chief, famous alike for bravery in battle and elo- 
quence in council. This was Tecumseh. With his brother, a noted 
medicine-man, commonl}^ known as the Prophet, he went from tribe to 
tribe, urging the Indians to cast away the deadlj" iirewater of the 
whites, and all European goods, and to set their faces sternly against 
Christianity and civilization, all alike being but devices for the destruc- 
tion of the red race. The Wyandots, of Saidusky, a turbulent and 
powerful tribe, were the first to join him. Then Tecumseh prepared 
for actual war. His operations had not been unwatchcd. General 
William Henry Harrison, then governor of Indiana Territory, invited 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 621 

Tecumseli to a confereuce at Yinceiaies. The chieftaiu came, but be- 
haved with so much haughtiness that General Harrison broke off the con- 
ference, and prepared to meet him in the field. In November, with a 
small force of regulars, Indiana and Kentucky militia, he advanced 
upon the Prophet's town, at the junction of the Tippecanoe and Wa- 
bash. When he came within a few miles of the town, the principal 
chief came out with proffers of peace. General Harrison was too cau- 
tious to be deceived, and prepared for action. When, at four the 
next morning (Nov. 7), the gloom of night was deepened by the fierce 
3'ells of the savages rushing furiously on his camp, Harrison was ready 
to receive them. He maintained order, and met the assault with steady 
courage. The bloody battle raged till the sun rose ; then the baffled 
savages withdrew utterly repulsed ; the Americans lost sixty-two killed 
and about twice as many wounded. The loss of the Indians, who were 
more exposed, was much greater. The battle of Tippecanoe was 
cue of the fiercest and hardest battles ever fought with the red men, 
and it gave Harrison great and deserved renown. Tecumseh was not 
present in the action, and the Prophet was on a hill going through his 
incantations, while the warriors were battling fiercely below. Harri- 
son's loss had, however, weakened him, so that after burning the Proph- 
et's town, and establishing forts, he returned to Yincennes. 

The West, roused by this Indian trouble, which they ascribed to Eng- 
lish influence, were eager for war. The South also desired it, but New 
England still advocated peace, exciting the contempt of the English, 
who said that the United States could not be kicked into a war. On 
the 4th of April, 1812, Congress laid another embargo on all vessels in 
American waters; and on the 18th of June, President Madison, by the 
authority of Congress, declared war against Great Britain. 



"•122 THE STOUT OF A (illEAT T-TATION ; 

Justified as the act was, it was rasli, foi- the country was utterly un- 
prepared, and communication through the country was very slow. The 
President had authority to enlist twenty-live thousand men, to accept 
fifty thousand volunteers, and to call out a hundred thousand militia 
for the defense of the sea coast and the frontiers. Henry Dearborn, 
of New Hampshire, an officer of the Revolution, was appointed 
commander-in-chief, with the rank of Major-General, with Wilkinson, 
. Hampton, Hull, and Bloomfield, as brigadiers. 

General Hull was Governor of Michigan, and when war was declared, 
fee was marching against the Indians. He was ordered to invade Can- 
ada, but before he was aware that war had been declared, the British 
knew it, and seized his military stores. Undeterred bj' this, he crossed 
the Detroit river, and advanced on Fort Maiden, but by delay he lost 
ihe opportunity of carrying the place. More active, the English took 
Mackinac, with the help of the Indians, who now rallied in force to the 
British standard, led by Tecumseh. Hull found himself cut off from 
supplies, and a detachment under Van Horn, sent out by him, was cut 
off near Raisin i-iver, by Tecumseh. The American general resolved 
to fall back to Detroit, and sent Colonel Miller to open a road for his 
convoy. General Proctor had joined Tecumseh, and taken up a strong 
post at Maguazo. Colonel Miller attacked them with great skill, and 
after an obstinate struggle, forced their position. But his victory was 
fruitless. Hull was completely encircled. Meanwhile, General Brock, 
Governor of Upper Canada, reached Maiden with reinforcements. Hull 
then retreated to Detroit, followed by Brock, at the head of the whole 
British and Indian force, numbering thirteen hundred. He summoned 
Hull to surrender, threatening, as usual with English commanders, to 
give the men up to every species of Indian cruelty if he refused. Hull 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 623 

called in all his troops, and hung out a white flng. On the 16th of 
August, 1812, he surrendered the fort, garrison, stores, and the Terri- 
tory of Michigan. As the tidings of this terrible reverse spread, the 
country was filled with indignation. Hull was tried, and having been 
found guilty of cowardice, was sentenced to be shot, but was pardoned 
by the President. 

Though hostilities had begun, negotiations were still kept up, and an 
armistice was soon agreed to. England, however, still insisted on her 
right to stop American vessels, and impress all whom any English offi- 
cer might suspect to be British subjects. How terribly American ship- 
ping was injured by this wanton and cruel jiractice, may be seen by 
the fact that, as Lord Castlereagh, an English minister, admitted, there 
were no less than seventeen hundred bona fide American citizens, who 
had thus been kidnapped, and were now compelled to serve against 
their will in the British nav}". The real number was three thousand, 
and twenty-five hundred refusing to fight against their own country, 
were confined with every ill-treatment in Dartmoor prison, England. 

The American vessels on the ocean were scattered. The Nautilus 
was soon taken by a British fleet, and the Constitution escaped cap- 
ture only by the wonderful skill and seamanship of Captain Hull. The 
first naval action occurred off the Great Banks of Newfoundland. The 
British sloop-of-war Alert, of thirt5^-two guns, falling in, on the 13th 
of August, with the Essex, Captain Porter, attacked her, thinking her 
to be a merchantman. But when the Essex had for eight minutes 
showed her metal, the Alert struck. 

On the afternoon of the lOth of the same month, the Constitution, 
Captain Hull, discovered the English frigate Guerriere, and gave chase. 
-Her Captain, Dacres, had boasted of his desire to meet an American 



Ci24: THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

man-of-war. As the Constitutiou bore down, the Guerriere opened^ 
fire, but the Constitution came on grim and silent, till Hull got into the 
position he wished ; then he opened. By the light of the moon the 
tattle went on. Broadside after broadside poured in upon the Guer- 
riere, as fast as mortal men could send them. In half an hour's time, 
the Guerriere was little better than a wreck, and Captain Dacres, hav- 
ing lost more than a hundred in killed and wounded, surrendered to 
Hull, who had lost onlj- fourteen killed and wounded. The Guerriere 
could not be taken into port, she was set on fire and blown up. All 
America rung with exultation over this victory. Congress voted Cap- 
tain Hull their thanks, and gave him and his gallant crew $50,000 as 
prize money. In England, the news caused the utmost mortification. 
That a British frigate had been taken in a fair fight, was the terrible ftict 
which they could not denj A-merica at once took her place in naval 
histor}', as one to compete with England for supremacy. Other vic- 
tories followed. The British sloop-of-war Frolic, of eighteen guns, fell in. 
with the United States sloop-of-war Wasp, of the same number of guns. 
After a fierce and bloody fight. Captain Jones boarded the Frolic, to 
find her deck covered with the dead and wounded. He lowered the 
English flag himself, but such are the chances of war, before he could 
get his own ship and his prize into order after the action, the Poictiers, 
a British seventy-four, bore down and captured them. Then Captain 
Decatur, in the United States, forty-four guns, met the Macedonian, car- 
rying forty-nine. The action began, the vessels passing each other for 
an hour, keeping up their fire ; the American firing like a sharp-shooter, 
true to aim. Just as the Macedonian supposed the United States had 
given up, she took up a raking position across the stern of the Macedo-- 
nian. Then the British frigate struck her colors, having received a. 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIKVEMENTS, 



625 



hundred balls in lier hull, and lind a hundred and four of her crew 
killed and wounded, though, on the United States, there were only 
, twelve. Before the close of the year, the Constitution, now under 
Commodore Bainbridge, engaged the Java, of thirty-eight guns, and by 
his true and rapid fire absolutely cut her up so that when she attempt- 
ed to run down and board the Constitution, her foremast fell, her main- 
opmast came down, mid her bowsprit was sent flying by the American 
guns. Spar after spar was cut away ; her Captain killed, but her Lieu- 
tenant kept up the fight manfully for a time, then struck. Bainbridge 
had to blow her up, there was nothing left to take to port, 

On land, the Government, by the utmost exertions, had collected 
troops on the frontier at various points. General Dearborn stationed 
on Lake Champlain an armj' of three thousand regulars, and two 
thousand militia ; two thousand militia were posted at Sackett's Har- 
bor, and six thousand more, under General Van Rensselaer, were at 
Buffalo. The New York frontier was thus protected from invasion. 
Besides this. Commodore Chauncey had been sent to Lake Ontario, to 
fit out a flotilla, and check the operations of the British fleet in those 
waters. He was soon in force on the Lake, and drove the British fleet 
into Kingston. He then endeavored to make his little squadron a 
fleet read}^ for any emergency. Commodore Elliot was equally busy 
on Lake Erie. 

It was evident that the real work of the war must soon come off. The 
English opened the campaign by attacking Ogdensburg, New York, in 
October, 1812, but after a short and decisive action, they were re- 
pulsed by General Brown and his militia, and fell back. 

On the 13th of October, General Van Rensselaer attempted to 
cross the Niagara. His first detachment of two hundred and twenty- 



626 THE STORY OK A GREAT NATION; 

five men, under Colonel Van Rensselaer, crossed to attack the British 
posted at Queenstowu. After nincli loss from a shower of musketry 
and grape, they effected a landing, and, led up the rocks by Captains 
Wool and Ogilvie, after the Colonel had fallen, they drove the English 
behind a stone house, and silenced all their batteries. Then the roll 
of the drum was heard, and General Brock came up with the Forty-ninth 
British regiment, and forced the little American detachment to the very 
verge of the precipice. One officer actually hoisted the white flag, but 
Wool tore it away, and by a desperate charge drove the British back, 
and when their general. Van Rensselaer, was in vain endeavoring to 
send over fresh troops, the militia declined to leave the State, and 
only a thousand, under General Wadsworth, crossed. At three o'clock in 
the afternoon the enemy rallied, and, aided by several hundred Indians, 
attacked the American lines. With severe loss, the little force, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, repulsed them. But the English were con- 
stantly bringing up fresh troops. An hour later, reinforced by eight 
hundred men under General Sheaffe, they again advanced. General 
Wadsworth, with men exhausted by a day's constant fighting, without 
food, and no hope of reinforcement or relief, had no alternative. He 
made a gallant fight for a time, but as he could not retreat for want of 
boats, he at last surrendered, many, after laying down their arms, to be 
butchered by the savages whom England was not ashamed to array 
against civilized men. This gallant but unfortunate day cost America 
eleven hundred in killed, wounded, or taken ; while the English loss 
was comparatively small. 

Disgusted at this reverse, and the miserable inefficiency and incapac- 
ity manifested in all departments, Van Rensselaer resigned, and was 
succeeded by General Smythe, of Virginia. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 627^ 

The conduct of the Administration was far from creditable. The 
War Department planned no campaign, and raised no army. It in- 
vested the generals in command of the several divisions with discre- 
tionary powers, and left everything to them, and the militia were 
called out without any object, or any orders to guide them. The 
whole year was spent in fruitless marches and countermarches, or in 
unimportant skirmishes. 

In October, Dearborn occupied the Indian town of St. Regis, which 
lies partly in New York and partly in Canada, but advancing, he was 
defeated in a movement against La Colle, and a month later, lost a 
detachment in an action at Salmon river. 

At Niagara, General Smythe issued a pompous address, and finally 
sent a detachment under General Winder across the river. One de- 
tachment under King gallanth' carried a British battery, but being 
unsupported, at last retreated, leaving a part to surrender to the Eng- 
lish. In the West, Zachary Taylor, at Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, 
found himself and his little garrison of fifty invested, in September, 
by several hundred Indians, who attacked with great fury. Steadi- 
ness and intrepidity disconcerted the savage foe, who drew off after 
heavy loss. 

Some expeditions took the field against the Indians, but beyond 
destrojang some of their towns near Peoria, no good was effected. 

This virtually closed the campaign of 1812. Amid the excitement 
of war, a presidential election had taken place. Mr. Madison was 
again put forward as President, with Elbridge Gerry as Vice-President. 
The candidates of the opposition, with whom the Federalists operated, 
were De Witt Clinton, of New York, and Jared Ingersoll. Madi- 
son was re-elected by a large majority. 



628 THE STORY OF A GKEAT KATION ; 



CAMPAIGN OP 1813. 



The operations in the following year began in the West. The army 
of the West, under General Harrison, was near the head of Lake 
Erie, acquiring the discipline and skill necessary for action. The great 
object was to recover Michigan, and wipe out the disgrace of Hull's 
surrender. Kentucky, Ohio, and other States, sent their brave, though 
inexperienced soldiers. On the 10th of January, General Winchester, 
with eight hundred men. reached the Maumee Rapids. Hearing 
that a British and Indian party had taken post on the river 
Raisin, twenty-five miles south of Detroit, he sent forward a detach- 
ment which dislodged the enemy, and held the place till he 
came up. 

The English general in that department was the active Proctor, 
acting under Sir George Prevost, now commander of the British forces 
in Canada. Proctor, hearing, at Maiden, of Winchester's success, and 
of his unguarded camp, gathered a force of fifteen hundred whites and 
Indians, and crossing on the ice, suddenly attacked the American camp 
at sunrise, on the morning of the 22d. Though previously warned, 
Winchester took no precautions. Proctor approached by night, in the 
most profound silence, and at daybreak opened from artillery that he 
had planted on Winchester's right, then charged with his regulars, 
Indians at the same time assailing both American flanks. Though 
taken so unawares, Winchester fought bravely, but with severe loss, till, 
falling a prisoner into the hands of the Indians, he agreed to surrender 
his whole force, on Proctor's promise that they should be protected from 
the Indians ; but the English commander, fearful of Harrison's ap- 
proach, marched back to Maiden, leaving the sick and wounded Amer- 



OR, OT'R co'-ntet's achievements. 629 

icans without a guard. His Indians at once returned, and falling 
upon the Americans, slaughtered and scalped many, hurrying others off 
to Detroit, to be held for ransom, or into the woods, to be the sport 
of their savage cruelty. 

Harrison, marching up to join Winchester, heard of this disaster, 
and falling back, erected Fort Meigs, and resolved to hold that posi- 
tion at all hazards, despairing of being able to assume the offensive, as 
the terms of many of the men were just out. 

Madison, now re-elected for another term, reorganized his cabinet, 
and endeavored to infuse more energy into the War Department. It 
was not to be merely a war with Canada, and on the sea. English 
fleets blockaded New York, Delaware, and Chesapeake Bays, and rav- 
aged the whole coast. 



"a^ 



Harrison had foreseen an English attack on Fort Meigs. It came 
on the 28th of April. On that day. Proctor invested it with two 
thousand English and Indians, throwing up batteries on both sides of 
ihe river. On the fifth day of the siege, the beleaguered force were 
cheered by the approach of General G-reene Clay of Kentucky, with 
twelve hundred men, whose impetuous charge scattered the English, 
leaving a battery in their hands as a' trophy. But Clay's inexperi- 
enced soldiers forgot to spike the guns, and while scattered in pursuit 
of the flying foe, were suddenly surrounded and captured by the rest 
of Proctor's force. That general then attempted to resume the siege, 
but his Indians, content, as usual, with one battle, wished to return 
home, and soon withdrew in such numbers that Proctor abandoned 
the siege and returned to Maiden. 

The army in New York also took the field to invade Canada. 
Early in Maj'', Dearborn resolved to attempt the capture of York, now 



G30 THE STOi;V OF A GllEAT NATION ; 

Toronto, Canada, the principal depot of supplies for the British posts 
in the West. Commodore Chauncey took the troops on board a 
Sackett's Harbor, and on the 27th of April, they landed on the beach 
at York, under a heavy fire from British and Indians, under Colonel 
Sheaffe. Led by the brave General Pike, the Americans drove the 
English before them. After destroying one of the enemy's batteries, 
they were pressing on the main works, when a terrific explosion took 
place. A magazine blew up, hurling fragments of stone and wood in 
all directions. Numbers were killed on both sides, and General Pike 
was mortally wounded. In the confusion, Sheaffe escaped towards 
Kingston. The Americans captured York, with all the stores laid up 
there by the British, and found a fresh American scalp suspended 
over the speaker's chair in the Parliament House. Commodore 
Chauncey burned the Parliament Plouse, and destroyed nuich 
war raaterial that could not be removed, and some vessels 
on the stocks. The victorious forces then returned to Sackett's 
Harbor, with a large quantity of captured ammunition and 
stores. 

Having obtained reinforcements, Chauncey sailed to the Niagara 
river, to invest Fort George. On the 2Tth of May, the advance, un- 
der Colonel Scott and Major Forsythe, landed, followed by Boyd, 
Winder, and Chandler's brigades. The enemy abandoned their worlvs 
without waiting to fire a shot, but treacherously laid trains to blow up 
the magazine. Fortunately, the Americans entered in time to extin- 
guish the match before it reached the powder. General Vincent, the 
English commander, deeming Fort George untenable, retreated to Bur- 
lington heights, pursued by the Americans. Instead of advancing in 
person with all his force, General Dearborn sent on General Winder,, 



OE, OUR COUNTRY S ACIIIEVEJIENTS. 631 

with one brigade, and soon after detached General Chandler to sup- 
port him. The latter, taking command, resolved to attack tlie enemy 
in the morning, and encamped without sufficient precautions on the-, 
bclnks of Stony Creek. 

Vincent saw his opportunity, and, as soon as it was dark, made a 
sudden attack on the American camp. The sentinels were bayoneted, 
the guards passed, but the British Indians. gave a yell that roused tlie 
A.niericans, who were sleeping on their arms. A strange irregular fight 
took place, in which Grenerals Chandler and Winder, getting by mis- 
take among British soldiers, were carried off by them as prisoners iu 
thc'iv precipitate retreat, their general, Vincent, being lost in the 
(iarkness, and found next day at a distance without sword or hat. 

In this rather curious battle, about a hundred men were lost on 
each side. 

As soon as it became known in Canada that Chauncey had sailed 
from Sackett's Harbor, Greneral Sir George Prevost sailed from King- 
ston, to attack that centre of American operations. His force consist- 
ed of seven hundred men. A body of militia under Colonel Mills, 
were stationed on the shore to dispute the landing of the enemy ; but 
they fled in spite of their commander, who was killed while trying to 
rally them. Some block-houses held by Colonel Backus, and a small 
body of regulars, held Prevost in check, and poured in deadly volleys 
dn his exposed men, so that when General Brown, who had gathered 
•i few of the militia, attacked Prevost in the rear, the British general 
retreated in all mste to his ships, wUh no consolation except that of 
seeing the Anioncan store-houses in flames, an over-zealous officer hav- 
ing set them on fire on a false report of Brown's total defeat. 

The English had not given up tlieir operations in the West. Oe, 



632 THE STOIIY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the 21st of July, Proctor, aided bj* Tecumseh, appeared before Fort 
Meigs, .it the head of a force of British and Indians amounting to four 
thousand. G-eueral Clay was in command, and he made so vigorous a 
'defense, that Proctor, leaving his Indian ally to watch the fort, attempt- 
<ed, with thirteen hundred British and Indians, to carry Fort 
■Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, a slight work held by only a hun- 
dred and fifty men, under the command of Major Croghan. Proctor 
demanded an instant surrender, threatening, in case of refusal, to give 
>the garrison up to all the savage barbarities of his Indians. Croghan 
rejected the summons with scorn. Prevost opened with his heavy 
guns, and having made a breach, attempted to take the fort by assault^ 
but Croghan planted his only cannon to sweep the gap, and the Eng- 
lish column was met by such a shower of grape, and volley of rifles, 
that they fled panic-stricken, leaving a hundred and fifty dead or 
tvounded. This gallant defense made young Croghan illustrious — he 
was but twentjr-one — and damped the zeal of the Indians in the Eng- 
.lish interest. 

Lake Erie was now to be the scene of naval operations. Commo- 
dore Perry had been sent to fit out an American squadron on that 
lake. During the summer of 1813, he launched on those inland waters 
a squadron of nine vessels, mounting fifty-fonr guns, to hold in check 
the British naval force, and co-operate with the American army in any 
operations near the shores of the lake. On the 4th of August, 1813, 
he sailed out to seek the British fleet, under Commodore Barclay, con- 
sisting of six vessels, but carrying more guns than Perry's flotilla. 
Not finding Barclay, Perry retired to Put-in Bay. To his joy, Bar- 
clay at last appeared. Perry stood out to meet him, and obtained the 
weather gage, the advantage of the wind in his favor. Then hoisting 



OR, OUK CODNTEY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 633 

his flag with Lawrence's dying words for a motto, " Don't give up the 
ship," he bore down on the enenn-. The Lawrence, Perry's flag-ship, 
was attacked by two of the enemy, and so cut up that she was a mere 
wreck. Then Perry, leaving her in an open boat, through a hot fire 
from every part of the enemy's line, carried his flag to the Niagara. 
The battle went on furiously, the smaller xVmerican vessels coming up 
at last. Perry managed with singular skill, and kept up such a con- 
tinued and deadly fire, that at four o'clock every one of the British 
flags struck, without their having been able to take possession of the 
Lawrence, which actuall}^ lay at their mercy. Then Perry sent to 
General Harrison the famous dispatch beginning with the words. 
'' We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 

The influence of this victory, the Battle of Lake Erie, was tremen- 
dous. The capture of a whole British flotilla, after a severe action, 
was in itself a triumph that raised the American fame throughout the 
world. Its effect on the military operations was decisive. It gave- 
the Americans complete control of Lake Erie. It cut off Prevost 
from Canada, and he accordingly retreated in all haste, crossed over 
the Detroit, dismantled Maiden, and endeavored to reach a strong po- 
sition, where I'einforcements could reach him. General Harrison, aid- 
ed by Perry's fleet, was in hot pursuit. Detroit was recovered after 
having been in the enemy's hands from the outset of the war. On the 
4th of October, General Harrison came up with the British rear, near 
the Moravian town, on the Thames, eighty miles from Detroit. Pre- 
vost found that he must fight. He drew up his force of British and 
Indians, across a narrow strip of land, between a swamp and the I'iv- 
er. The next day the battle began. Proctor poured in a volley on 
Harrison's advance, but Johnson's mounted rifles swept through tha 



<)34 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

British line like a, tornado, routing it so completely that no attempt 
was ever made to rally, and Proctor himself fled with a few followers, 
to be seen no more on the field. Tecumseh, with liis Indians, made a 
better stand. Posted in a marshy spot, they were not so easily rout- 
ed. Johnson dismounted his men, and brolce through to their rear ; 
even then they would not yield, but hurled themselves on the infantr}', 
till checked by old General Shelby. Amid the din of battle rose the 
voice of Tecumseh, encouraging his braves, till he fell, surrounded by 
the flower of his warriors. 

This battle of tlie Thames, the glory of Harrison and Colonel Rich- 
ard M. Johnson, by whose hand Tecumseh is supposed to have fallen, 
completely broke the power of the English in the West. Michigan 
was recovered, the Indians completely crushed, and Upper Canada 
menaced from the South and West. All that Hull had lost was now 
regained, and even the cannon he surrendered, trophies of Saratoga 
and Yorktown, were again restored to American custody. 

But if the Indian enemy at the North was checked, the influence 
of Tecumseh and the Prophet had worked mischief at the South. That 
chief had, in 1812, visited the Creeks, Cherokees, and Choctaws. The 
young Creek braves rallied to his call. The settlements in Tennessee, 
Georgia, and Mississippi, were ravaged by the savage foe, who obtain- 
ed arras and ammunition from the British. Emboldened by success, 
they next attacked Fort Minims, in August, 1813, taking it by sur- 
prise, and putting the garrison to death, only seventeen out of three 
hundred and fifty escaping. The threatened States then put forces in 
the field ; Tennessee in the van, with her brave sons, under General 
Jackson. The Choctaws joined the Americans, and did good service. 
On the 2d of November, General Coffee advanced on the Creek town, 



OE, OUR coitntry's achievements. 635 

Tallushatchee. They did not wait to be attacked, but went out to 
meet him with such fury, that they were wilh difficulty rei)ulsed. 
Even theu they kept up the battle, refusing quarter ti!l they wei'e aU 
most all killed. A few days after, Jackson, protecting the friendly 
Creeks of Talladega, fonglit another desperate battle. At llie close 
of November, G-eneral Floyd, of Georgia, obtained another signal 
victory at Autossee, the Creek metropolis, on the Tallapoosa. The In- 
dians were utterly defeated, the King and two hundred of his braves 
slain, and the town given to the flames. 

Thus far, the inhuman English policy of arming savages against the 
American frontiers, so as to weaken and divide the national forces, 
had utterl}- failed. It brought destruction only on those wiio had 
been lured on by the English envoys. 

Meanwhile, the American commander-in-chief, General Dearborn, 
lay inactive in Canada. But the English were not disposed to allow 
an invader to hold a position on their soil undisturbed. Colonel Bishop, 
with a small force, determined to operate in the American rear, and 
cut off Dearborn's supplies. He encircled his camp, occupied Fort 
Erie, and crossing over to Black Rock, on the American side, on the 
11th of June, dispersed the militia, and destroyed all the cannon and 
provisions stored there. A body of regulars, militia, and Indians, 
however, hurried up from Buffalo, and a second engagement took 
place, in which Colonel Bishop was killed, and his troops compelled to 
retreat. 

Other minor operations were carried on by both sides, but Dearborn 
was not relieved. To open communications, he sent Colonel Boerstler, to 
attack a British force at Beaver Dams, collect provisions, and encourage 
friendly Canadians. That officer, attacked in the woods by a few regu- 



636 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

lars under Lieutenant Fitzgibbon, and some Indians, Boerstler sup- 
posed that he was surrounded by a British army, and surrendered 
with his whole force. 

Colonel Winfleld Scott, convoyed by Chauncey, made another dash 
at York, in July, destroyed more British stores, and rescued some 
American prisoners. 

General Dearborn, inefficient from age, was recalled in June, and 
General Wilkinson appointed to command the array of the centre. 

A new and more vigorous plan of action was projected by Generai 
Armstrong, Secretary of War. It was resolved to capture Montreal. 
Early in November, seven thousand men under Wilkinson moved 
down the St. Lawrence in boats from French Mills. The British 
were on the alert, and annoyed him so much from the shore, and from 
guuboats in his rear, that he was compelled to land and come to ac- 
tion. The battle of Chrysler's Field was severely contested — the 
Americans losing General Covington and three hundred men— but ena- 
bled him to advance to St. Regis. There he learned that the army 
under Hftmpton, which was to co-operate witli him, had fallen back ; it 
had been checked in its advance by a small Canadian force under Sal- 
aberr}"-, at Chateaugay, on the 21st of October. Wilkinson, finding 
Hami)tou iudisposed to co-operate with him, retired to winter quarters, 
nothing at all having been effected. 

General Harrison, dissatisfied with the state of affairs on the New 
York frontier, returned to the West, leaving the command on the Ni- 
agara frontier to General McClure. The American forces there were 
chiefly militia, and when the time of service for which they had beert 
called out expired, they left, refusing to stay even for the large bounty 
offered. Unable to hold his ground in Canada, General McClure de- 



OR, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 637 

stroyed Fort George, and relurued to New York State, having first 
wantonly set fire to the town of Newark. Provoked at this, Prevost, 
the English commander, crossed the river, took Fort Niagara, put the 
garrison to the sword, and burned every village up to Niagara Falls, 
while another detachment of his army gave Black Rock and Buffalo 
to the flames, and destroyed a part of Perry's fleet. Prevost then, in 
a proclamation, justified his conduct, but offered to conduct the war on 
more humane principles, if the Americans would pursue a similar 
course. And for all the pillaging and incendiarj^ expeditions of the 
English against the American towns and cities, England always gave 
this same excuse. 

Thus ended the campaign of 1813 on land. 

On the ocean there were many engagements, some of them severe 
uaval battles between the cruisers of the rival powers. But the chief 
service of the British fleet was the blockade of American ports ; and on 
the Southern coast, where Admiral Cockburn, known as the Henroost 
Admiral, commanded, they plundered the country in a most unheard- 
of fashion. 

The American shipping in the Delaware River was destroyed by this 
buccaneering admiral, in March, 1813, and the next month he can- 
nonaded the town of Lewiston. Entering the Chesapeake, he plunder- 
ed and burned Frenchtown, Havre de Grace, Georgetown, and Fred- 
erictown. While attempting to reach Norfolk, his fleet was repulsed 
by the Americans upon Craney Island, under the command of Major 
Faulkner. 

Few of the American frigates could get to sea. One of these, the 
Hornet, Captain Lawrence, in February, discovered the Peacock, an 
English brig-of-war, at anchor near Deinerara. Although of superior 



638 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION 



force Lawrence cleared for action, and ordered his men to quarters. 
The two vessels exchanged broadsides, but Lawrence soon ran him 
close on board on the starboard qiiarter, and kept up such a telling 
fire, that in fifteen minutes the British commander struck, hoisting a 
signal of distress, for she was actually cut to jDieces : her mainmast 
went by the board as she struck, and before all her crew could be got 
off she went down, carrying three of the Hornet's men with her. 

The success of the American nav}^ in the previous engagements had 
elated them greatlj^ and led to rashness. Tlie Shannon, a British ves- 
sel, had been cruising for some time off Boston Harbor, defying any 
American vessel in port to come out and meet lier. Captain Lawrence, 
just appointed to tlic Chesapeake, stung at this challenge, resolved to 
accept it. The equipment of his vessel was not complete, he had not 
his full complement of officers, his crew had just been shipped, and had 
received little drilling, but he resolved to meet the Shannon, and sailed 
out, June 1st, 1813. The Shannon opened, doing fearful execution, 
but the Chesapeake answered witli terrible broadsides. At last, how- 
ever, she got locked to the Shannon by one of her anchors, so that she 
was exposed to a raking fire. Captain Lawrence was mortally wound- 
ed just as he was about to board. There were no officers left to lead 
on the men, and in tlie confusion, Captsin Brooke boarded the Chesa- 
peake, which struck, in spite of Captain Lawrence's dying words : 
" Don't give up the ship." This soa-fi^ht is one of the bloodiest on 
record. It lasted only fifteen minutes, yet in that brief space, a hun- 
dred and forty-six were killed and wounded on the Chesapeake, and 
eighty-three on the Shannon. 



r's ACHIKVEMKNTS. <^39 



OE, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMKNTS 



CAMPAIGN OF 1814. 



The first operations on hind, in 1814, were in the Creek Territory. 
The movements in the previous ycnr had been in a manner indei)cn(i- 
ent and without concert, two from Tennessee, one from Georgia, and 
one from Mississippi. The war had not, therefore, been brought to a 
decisive point. 

As these columns after gaining victory retired, the Creeks rallied, 
and very soon began to assume the ofiensive. They resolved to attack 
Floyd and the Georgia troops, and took the field against them ; but 
the resolute Jackson was again approaching Emuckfau, where they 
were posted. The Creeks at once changed their plans, and on the 
21st of January, at dawn, attacked Jackson on his left flank. A warm 
action ensued, but in half an hour the Creeks were repulsed and 
driven back two miles. There they took up a position too strong to 
be rashly assailed. Finding that Jackson would not attack, they 
again advanced upon him, but General Coffee turned their left flank, 
and by a splendid piece of strategy cut off a large body of them. 
Their main attack on Jackson's line was stubborn and persistent ; but 
a general charge again routed them. Jackson's army was, however, 
so weakened that he fell back to Fort Strother, keeping up a running 
fight almost all the way. 

No sooner were the Creeks relieved from fear of further movements 
on Jackson's part than they turned their whole force on Floyd, attack- 
ing him on the 27th with great spirit. After heavy loss on both sides 
they were routed. 

Jackson was soon ready to make a decisive campaign. The Creeks 
had intrenched themselves for their last stand at the Great Bend of 



640 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the Tallapoosa. Their position was defended by a breastwork thrown* 
up with great care and judgment. 

On the 27th of March, Jackson, with about three thousand men, 
drew up in view of the enemy for a final struggle. Having dispatched 
General Coffee to encircle the Bend on the river-side with his mounted 
men and friendly Indians, he moved to the charge of the breastwork. 
The regulars, led by Major Montgomery, scaled the rampart, and 
though he fell, they poured over the intrenchment and drove the In- 
dians to the shelter of the bushes. Routed from this, they fled to the 
river, to be met by Coffee's withering fire. But they would not yield, 
and even fired on a flag sent to offer them terms of surrender. Then 
Jackson fired the brushwood, and amid the glare and blaze most of 
them perished, few escaping the trap into which they had thrown 
themselves. 

This victory gave a death-blow to the power and hopes of the 
Creeks. They had fought bravely ; four lunulred and fifty-seven war- 
riors lay dead on the ground — only four were taken. 

After recruiting his army, Jackson, effecting a junction with the 
Georgia troops, moved upon the Hickory Ground, where the remnant 
of the warriors had gathered. But their spii'it Avas broken. As the 
army approached a deputation of chiefs came out to treat of peace. 
Weathersford, the most cruel and relentless, who commanded in the 
massacre at Fort Mimms, addressed Jackson with the greatest elo- 
quence : 

" I am in your power," said the chief ; " do with me as you please, 
I am a soldier. I have done the white people all the harm I could. 
I have fought them, and fought them bravely. There was a time when 
I had a choice and could have answered vou ; I have none now — even 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. G41 



iiope is ended. Once I could animate mj warriors ; but I cannot ani- 
mate the dead. M3' warriors can no longer bear my voice ; their 
bones are at Talladega, Tallushatchee, Emuckfau, and Tohopeka. 
Whilst there was a chance of success I never left my post, nor suppli- 
cated peace. But my people are gone ; and I now ask it for my na' 
tion and myself." 

Jackson had determined not to spare this man ; but his noble atti- 
tude disarmed his resentment. Peace was made ; the Creeks retired 
beyond the Coosa, and a line of posts secured their fidelity. 

The Indian allies whom England had roused against American 
homes at the North and South were crushed. The war was to be car- 
ried on by civilized men. England now made overtures of peace, led 
less by any effect of the American operations than by the stale of af- 
fairs in Europe. Madison sent out commissioners to negotiate, but 
before a treaty was signed Napoleon was overthrown and sent to 
Elba. England, thus relieved of her great enemy in Europe, aban- 
doned all ideas of peace with the United States. Instead of appoint- 
ing commissioners to meet those sent by the American Government, 
she sent over large bodies of her veteran troops, who were not imme- 
diately needed in Europe. The American navy was scattered or 
broken up, or shut up in the harbors by the British fleets, which block- 
aded the whole coast. Everything served to announce that the real 
fighting of the war was about to commence. 

Although a large party in the United States opposed the war, and 
crippled the power of the Government, preparations were made for the 
great struggle. The army on the Niagara frontier was reorganized 
and placed under the command of Major-General Brown, under whora 
Scott and Ripley served as brigadiers. The earlier months of the 



642 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

year had not been marked by any important action. Wilkinson was 
repulsed in an action with the enemy at La Colle, on the 30th of March, 
and in consequence lost his command. 

On the 5tl) of May, a British force of three thousand men landed 
from a siiuadrou before Oswego, which liad none to defend it but Col- 
onel Mitchell, with three hundred men. The object of the expedition 
was to destroy the naval and military stores deposited at Oswego 
Falls ; but Mitchell held them at bay for two days, and so discouraged 
them that they were afraid to push in land. They finally withdrew 
on the 7th, having lost two hundred and thirty-five men. 

When General Brown took command, he marched from Sackett's 
Harbor to the Niagara. On the morning of the 3d of July, his ad- 
vance, under Scott and Riplej', crossed the river and carried Fort Erie. 
The garrison fell back to General Riall's entrenched camp at Chip- 
pewa. On the 5th, Scott drove in the British outposts, and Riall, 
who had crossed the Chippewa and dispersed the American volun- 
teers before him, was driven back by Scott over the river at the point 
of the bayonet. In this sanguinary battle, Riall lost five hundred 
men. He then retreated to Burlington Heights, where he was joined 
by General Drummond, who at once assumed command. 

Now greatly outnumbering Brown, Drummond advanced to meet the 
Americans. To prevent the loss of his magazines. Brown sent for- 
ward Scott with his brigade and some artillery. About a mile from 
Chippewa, Scott came upon Riall's whole army. It was near sunset, 
but the armies engaged within sight and hearing of Niagara Falls. 
From sunset to midnight the battle raged. Scott suffrrcd severely, 
but he maintained his ground, awaiting aid, till b}' a diversion lie 
routed the Canadian militia, and captured Riall himself. At nightfall 



OE, OTJB COUNTKy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 643 

Brown came up with Ripley's brigade, and threw himself it front of 
Scott. A British park of artillery had galled Scott terribly. Brown 
ordered Colonel Miller to storm it. With the simple answer, " Wc will 
trj-," Miller pushed up the hill, auJ drove the men from the guns at 
the point of the bayonet, exposed the whole time to a terrible fire. 

Thai night the English advanced stealthily to recover their guns, 
but soon recoiled before the American musketry. In half an hour they 
again advanced, but after a severe conflict, in which Scott took them 
in flank, they were again driven back. Rallying with desperate ener- 
gy, they made a third attempt, in which bayonets were frequently 
crossed, but it was all in vain. Drummond, after losing nearly nine 
hundred men, at last drew off, leaving the Americans in quiet posses- 
sion of the field, but with nearly as heavy a loss. Generals Brown 
and Scott, who had both been wounded in this desperate battle, 
left the field, and the command devolved on Ripley. That 
general, after awaiting for half an hour any further movement 
of the enemy, returned to his camp. The cannon so gallantly 
captured were left on the field, as he had no means of removing 
them. 

The American army then fell back to Fort Erie, where General 
Gaines assumed command. Drummond was not jei discouraged. 
"With a force of five thousand men, he again advanced, and on the 4th 
of August invested Fort Erie. At midnight, on the 15th of August, he 
assaulted it in three columns. Gaines repulsed two of these columns, 
but the third, with daring intrepidity, effected a lodgment in one bas- 
tion, and held their position till a quantity of cartridges exploded. 
Fearing that a mine was about to be sjirung on them they retreated. 
This assault cost Drummond nearly another thousand men, but he kept 



644 THE STOKT OF A CHEAT NATION; 

up the siege, till Brown, in a sortie, destroyed his advanced works, blew 
up the magazines, spiked the guns, took four hundred prisoners, and 
drove Drummond towards Chippewa. Then learning that General 
Izard was on his way with reinforcements, Drummond retreated to 
Fort Greorge. 

Fort Erie was, however, too exposed to hold safely ; it was accord= 
ingly dismantled and destroyed in November, and the A merican forces, 
crossing the Niagara, took up their winter quarters at Buffalo, Black 
Rock, and Batavia. 

These were not the only operations on the northern frontier. When 
Izard marched to relieve General Brown, Plattsburg was left quite ex- 
posed. General Macomb having only fifteen hundred men to defend the 
important line of Lake Champlain. General Prevost seized the oppor- 
tunity to strike a decisive blow. He at once marched down with four- 
teen thousand men, chiefly veterans, who had won distinction under 
Wellington in Europe. His advance was covered by a fleet under 
Commodore Downie. General Macomb at once called for militia, and 
Commodore McDonough, a most efficient commander, prepared to meet 
Downie on his element. 

Prevost, on reaching Plattsburg, on the 6th of September, found 
Macomb's little army, with a strong body of militia, drawn up in a 
strong position beyond the Saranac, ready to dispute its passage. Com- 
modore McDonough drew up his little fleet across the harbor to re- 
ceive the English fleet, which bore down upon him on the 11th. A 
desperate naval engagement ensued, on the waters of that beautiful 
lake ; but after a contest of two hours and twenty minutes, Downie's 
flagship struck, several others of his vessels did the same, a few escap- 
ed, but the whole fleet was dispersed, and nearly all captured. Though 



OE, OUR COTJNTET's ACHIEVEMENTS. 645 

disheartened at this unexpected result, Prevost fought fiercely all day 
long to cross the Saranac, but was bravely resisted. During the even- 
ing, he retreated in haste, leaving his sick and wounded, with most of 
his baggage and stores. 

The evident intention of the British, to attack some city on the At- 
lantic seaboard, kept the Administration in great alarm, but little was 
done to meet the emergency, and the measures of defense taken were 
tardy and ill-concerted. At last, on the 18th of August, Admiral 
Cochrane entered the Chesapeake with a fleet of nearly sixty vessels, 
bearing a division of Wellington's army, numbering four thousand men, 
under the command of General Ross. To oppose this force, there 
were in the waters of the bay only a small flotilla, commanded by Com- 
modore Barney. The army under Ross, accordingly, landed on the 20th, 
at Benedict, on the Patuxent, and at once moved on Washington, guid- 
ed by negroes. 

Armstrong, the Secretary of War, now made some hasty attempts to 
defend the capital, and after great exertion, a motley host gathered at 
Bladensburg, to check Ross. There were Marjdand militia, under 
Stansbury, a few of General Winder's regulars, sailors and marines 
from Barney's flotilla, now abandoned and burned. The English came 
up, exhausted and doubtful, but as their only chance lay in a bold dash, 
they charged like veterans that they were. The militia broke and fled. 
Barney and Miller, with their artillery, for a time checked the British 
advance, but as the Annapolis regiment, and regulars supporting them, 
at last gave way, the sailors and marines drew off, leaving their 
wounded commanders on the field. 

The ground was but a few miles from Washington, and the Presi- 
dent and his cabinet had been on the field. They were swept away 



646 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION*, 

by the tide of fugitives. At Washington, all was panic and 
alarm. 

After a brief rest, Ross pushed on, and occupied Washington the 
same day. With the vandalism characteristic of his nation, he burned 
the Capitol and other public buildings, destroying the library of Con- 
gress, and much of the national archives. Other public and private 
property was destroyed. Europe had just seen capital after capital 
captured, but had witnessed in no case such barbarous destruction as 
disgraced the English in America. Ross felt this, and felt his danger : 
fearing to be treated as a midnight incendiary if taken, he rapidly re- 
tired, leaving his wounded to the mercy of the Americans. The Brit- 
ish fleet then advanced to Alexandria, and carried off an immense 
quantity of flour, tobacco, and other merchandise. 

While one crew of English marauders was thus ravaging and plun- 
dering the shores of the Chesapeake, another was committing similar 
acts on the coast of Maine and Massachusetts ; and the British com- 
manders officially announced in dispatches their intention to destroy 
and lay waste every town they could reach. When Paul Jones, in the 
Revolution, plundered Lord Selkirk's place, the English could not find 
words to condemn it as an act that made him a pirate. Yet that was a 
mere sudden act of private vengeance, while their course in America 
was premeditated and planned. America was roused to make a vigor- 
ous defense, so that when Cockburn landed Ross at North Point, on the 
Patapsco, on the 12th of September, in order to attack and sack Balti- 
more, they found more formidable preparations to receive them. The 
fleet bombarded Fort McHenry, while Ross attempted to push forward 
toward the city. They were soon checked by the advance of the mi- 
litia, under General Strieker. A skirmish at once ensued, in which the 



OR, OtTR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 647 

incendiarj Ross was killed. Colonel Brooke, liis successor, driving on 
the American advance, the action became general. The artillery 
did great execution on both sides ; but the militia, fighting for their 
homes, held in check a superior force of English veterans for an hour 
and a half. Forced back after killing and wounding nearly twice as 
many of their opponents as they lost, they retired in order, till Gen- 
eral Winder came up. Both parties slept on their arms. In the morn- 
ing, Brooke reconnoitred the American lines, and hesitated. He con- 
ferred with Cochrane, who had been pouring into Fort McHenry a per- 
fect tornado of shells, but the brave commander, Major Armistead, 
showed no signs of yielding. The English commanders were discon- 
certed. Discomfited, the army retired to the shipping and with- 
drew. 

Baltimore was saved. The song, " The Star-spangled Banner," 
was composed at this time by Francis S. Key, who had been watch- 
ing from Cochrane's ship, where he was detained, the flag at Fort 
McHenry. 

The ravages of the coast were not ended. For four days Commo- 
dore Hardy bombarded Stonington, Connecticut, although every at- 
tempt to land was repulsed by the militia. 

There seemed to be no violation of the laws of war to which the 
English would not stoop. Pensacola was in Florida, then a Span- 
ish province. An English squadron took possession of the forts, with 
the connivance or consent of the Spanish authorities, and from it fitted 
out an expedition of British and Indians against Fort Bowyer, at the 
entrance of Mobile Bay. But this violation of neutral territory did 
not avail them. Fort Bowyer made a vigorous defense : the British 
were repulsed by the gallant Major Lawrence, who, with only one hun» 



648 THE 8T0ET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

dred and thirty-tiYO men, killed two hundred and thirty-two of the 
British, and deprived them of a man-of-war. 

General Jackson was not one to brook such action on the part of the 
Spaniards. He demanded guarantees that thej^ would not permit any 
further hostilities from their territory, and as the Spaniards gave no 
satisfaction, Jackson, with two thousand Tennessee militia and some 
Choctaws, marched on Pensacola, took it by storm, November 7th, 
1814, drove the British to their shipping, and compelled the Spaniards 
to surrender the town and forts unconditionally. The fleet sailed off, 
leaving their Spanish friends in the lurch. 

Returning to Mobile, Jackson heard that New Orleans was menaced. 
It was then a city of twenty thousand inhabitants,, chiefly of French 
and Spanish origin, with little attachment yet to the new Grovernment, 
to which they were comparative strangers. Jackson could not count 
here on any vigorous militia. Still he assembled his forces, and en- 
deavored to protect the city. His preparations were rapid, but on the 
12th of December, 1814, the British fleet anchored off Lake Borgne, 
with one of the most imposing British armies yet seen on the continent. 
Twelve thousand men, under Generals Pakenham, Keene, Lambert, 
and Gibbs, landed after the American flotilla had been dispersed. 
Jackson proclaimed martial law, and called on Tennessee and Missis- 
sippi for aid. It came slowly. By the 21st, he had five thousand men 
at his command. The next day, twenty-four hundred of the enemy 
reached the Mississippi, nine miles below New Orleans. Jackson, alive 
to every advantage, at once led a part of his force to attack them the 
following night, and, with the loss of a hundred, cut off" four times that 
number of the enemy. This roused the spirit of his men. They had 
attacked these veterans, and caused them heavv loss. 



OR, OUR COUNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 64!) 

Four miles below the city. Jackson had thrown up a line of intrench- 
ments. Here he now concentrated his troops, strengthening his hasty 
fortifications with cotton bales, and anchoring a vessel in the stream to 
cover his flank. On the 28th, Pakenhani began the attack. He drove 
in the American outposts, but after a seven-hours' cannonade, was com- 
pelled to retire with loss. On the 1st of January, 1815, Pakenhara 
renewed the bombardment, but his guns were silenced and dismounted. 
Three thousand Kentucky volunteers now came pouring into Jackson's 
camp, so that all along his line of intrenchments he had the keen-eyed 
marksmen of the West. He threw up works beyond the river, and 
confidently awaited the attack. On the 8th, the final assault was made 
by Pakenham and his three subordinate generals on the one bank of 
the river, while Thornton, on the other, engaged the new American 
works, and soon carried them. But Pakenham, as he came up, was met 
by a tremendous cannonade ; yet he pushed bravely on, till he came 
within rifle-range, when a sheet of flame belched out, and the sharp- 
shooters poured in volley after volley, aimed as at a target, by men 
who rarely missed. With the instinct of soldiers, the British pressed on, 
but their line wavered. Pakenham, attempting to restore order, was 
killed ; Gibbs was mortally wounded, and Lambert, who took com- 
mand, at last retreated, leaving two thousand dead and wounded on the 
field. Their retreat soon became a flight. Their encampment was 
reached to be abandoned, and the fugitives escaped to their ships. 
This repulse and fearful slaughter of the British cost the lives of only 
seven killed and as many wounded on the American side. 

So signal a victory made the country ring with joy. It was so deci- 
sive, so complete a triumph of volunteers over regular European troops, 
that it filled all with new hopes, and made Jackson the hero of tlie hour. 



G50 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Yet this battle was fought after peace had been signed. England, 
while negotiating for peace, had been cariying on this savage war on 
the American shores, hoping to inflict injury to the hist moment. Close 
on the tidings of the victory at New Orleans, news arrived at New 
York that the commissioners sent out I))' the United States had actu- 
ally negotiated a peace with England, and that Pailiament had already 
ratified the treaty. On its ratification by Congress, all hostilities were 
to cease. This took place on the 17th of Februar}-, and the treaty of 
Ghent thus put an end to this unfortunate war, in which the last battle 
alone shed luster on American arms. 

The news did not reach the vessels at sea for some time, and several 
naval actions occurred. On the 20th of Februarj^, 1815, the Constitu- 
tion. " Old Ironsides," as the sailors called her, discovered two war 
vessels of English trim near Lisbon. Captain Stewart at once gave 
chase, and at sunset, having overhauled them, he ranged ahead and 
opened. His broadsides were answered ; then the battle went on hot 
and heavy, till the combatants were fairly hidden in the smoke. When 
it cleared, Stewart again opened, pouring in broadsides right and 
left, till the Constitution reeled. One of the enemj-, the Cyane, a 
34-gun ship, was soon unmanageable, and she fired a gun to show that 
she surrendered. Then the Constitution pursued the other, the Le- 
vant, which soon struck, hav-ing five feet of water in her hold. The 
gallant old Constitution had thus captured two vessels, killing and 
wounding nearly eighty men, with very little loss to herself in men or 
otherwise. 

Away off by the Cape of Good Hope, in March, the sloop-of-war, 
Hornet fell in with the British brig-of-war Penguin. The vessels 
were about equally matched, and the battle was a desperate one. The 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 651 

captain of the Penguin was liilled in a daring attempt to hoard the 
Hornet, and not only were tlie Englisli tars beaten back, but they 
were forced to stril^e, when their vessel was so cut up that the Ameri- 
cans had to scuttle her. In June, the Peacock coiupelled the Nautilus 
to strike to her in the Straits of Funda. This was the last action of 
the war, which closed, as it had begun, in the naval glory of America. 
During the war on the ocean the English had captured sixteen hun- 
dred and eighty-three American vessels of all sizes, but lost seven- 
teen hundred and fifty. 

Peace having been restored with Great Britain; and the fall of Na- 
poleon having led to a general pacification in Europe, commerce re- 
vived, and with it came general prosperity. The revenue from im- 
ports rose in one year from four millions to thirtj'-seven millions of 
dollars. Emigration, which had been checked, now increased, gain- 
ing steadily from year to year, as people suffering from the effect-'^ of 
war and oppression in the Old World heard of the land where all 
men were free, and every man enjoyed the fruit of his labor. 

With the peace the army was reduced to a small force of ten thou- 
sand men, employed in garrisoning the forts and watching the Indian 
frontier. The navy, however, was maintained, and proposals even 
made for increasing it. As the Barbary States had resumed their old 
insolence, Decatur was sent out to chastise Algiers, which had declared 
war. He made short work of it. He captured the two largest ves- 
sels in the Algerine fleet, and in June compelled the Dey to sign a 
treaty on his quarter-deck. There were complaints also against the 
Bashaws of Tunis and Tripoli, who had allowed English cruisers to 
capture American vessels under their guns. For this, Decatur com- 
pelled them to make indei^'^ity, Tunis paying forty-six thousand dol- 



052 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION. 

lars, and Tripoli twenty-five thousand. The Barbary States had never 
been so humiliated. It was reserved for the young republic of Amer- 
ica to chastise those foes of civilization, and give a decisive blow to 
their system of piracy, which had endured for centuries. As every 
one of the Barbary States had learned to respect the American flag, 
their power was broken, and Europeans soon found courage to follow 
the example of the United States. 

There were few important events during the remainder of Madison's 
administration. Indiana and Mississippi were admitted as States in 
1816, and Alabama Territory organized. About the same time Church 
and State were separated in Massachusetts. The Government at this 
period began a plan for removing the Indians where possible beyond 
the Mississippi River. By treaties with the Cherokecs, Chickasaws, 
and Choctaws, the Grovernment acquired a vast territory, and many of 
the Indians, preferring a hunter's life, moved over beyond the Missis, 
sippi, Avhere game was plentiful. 

The administration of James Madison was now drawing to a close 
It had been one of difficulty and war, which he was obliged to carry 
on without preparation, and under great obstacles. At the new elec- 
tion, which took place this year, James Monroe, of Virginia, a Revolu- 
tionary officer, who had served his country in many high and ini]ior- 
tant positions, was elected President, and Daniel B. Tompkins, of New 
York, Vice-President. 



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CHAPTER VI. 

JAMES MONROE, FIFTH PRESIDENT— 1817-1825. 

Indian Troubles — The Seminoles — Seizure of Spanish Forts — Florida Ceded to the Unite4 
States — The Treaty of Glient — Alabama — Arkansas, Maine — The Missouri Compro- 
mise — Lafayette Revisits the United States — The Monroe Doctrine — West India Pirates 
Broken up. 

Mr. Monroe was inaugurated at Washington in the Capitol, which 
had begun to pise from its ashes. He began his administration with 
happy auspices. There was no bitter political feeling ; it was indeed 
a time of harmou}^, peace, and tranquillity. The only embarrassment 
was the distress caused by the stoppage of various manufactories 
which had grown up during the war, but which could not now compete 
with European goods. This threw many out of employment", and 
would have caused great suffering had not the general activity carried 
numbers of natives and emigrants westward to settle the new States 
and Territories. 

Monroe selected for his Cabinet, John Quincy Adams, as Secretary 
of State ; William H. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury ; John 0. 
Calhoun, Secretary of War ; Benjamin Crowninshield, Secretary of 
the Navy, and William Wirt, Attorney General. 

The Spanish Colonies in America were at this time almost all in a 
revolution against Spain, and two piratical establishments grew up in 
the disorder near the United States, one ••i Florida, the other in 
Texas. These were broken up soon after the commencement of Mon- 
roe's administration. 



654 

A more serious trouble, and one that was to annoy the country for 
years, arose in Florida. A fort of Seminoles, negroes, and Indians, on 
the Apalachicola River, in the province of Florida, which then be- 
longed to the Spaniards, gave shelter lo the runaway slaves of Geor- 
gia. Some troops under General Clinch, and Creeks under Mcintosh, 
a half-breed, invested the fort in September, 181G. They blew up the 
magazine, killing three hundred and fifty men, women, and children. 
On this the fort surrendered ; but Clinch, with a crueltj' happily not 
often to be met with in American generals, put the commanders to 
death in cold blood. 

This led to a new war. In November, 1817, .General Gaines 
marched against them, and burned an Indian town ; but the Seminoles 
at once took the field with so brave a spirit, that General Gaines 
had to call on the militia of Georgia to aid him. The War Department 
ordered General Jackson to march with his Tennessee militia to the 
seat of war. That active general built Fort Gadsden on the site of that 
destroj'ed by Clinch. Then he marched east against the Seminole vil- 
lage, which he burned without incurring anj' loss, and then, under the 
pretext that the people there had aided the Indians, he seized the 
Spanish fort at St. Mark's, April 7, 1818. After this he attacked an- 
other Indian fort at the mouth of the Suwanee, where the Indians under 
Arabrister, an Englishman, in two considerable skirmishes, checked 
him for a time ; but Jackson at last burned the town, took Ambrisler, 
and hanged him as well as another Englishman found at St. Mark's, 
and two Indian chiefs. Pensacola was the onh' remaining Spanish 
post, and on this Jackson at once advanced. The governor and garri- 
son retired from the town to Port Barrancas, on Santa Rosa Island, at 
the entrance to the bay. The American general compelled him, how- 



OR, OUR COITWTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 655 

ever, to surreiider. and sent liim to Havana willi all the Spanish offi- 
cials and troops. He even ordered Greneral Gaines to march upon 
St. Augustine. 

As there was no war with Spain, this whole course was contrary to 
right and law, and was severely censured ; but many people, deeming 
the Spanish authorities responsible for the Indian hostilities, sustained 
him. Spain was then almost powerless in America, nearly all her col- 
onies having revolted. Florida was not a rich province, and had ceased 
to be important to her. She protested against the invasion b}' Gen- 
eral Jackson, but now at last showed a disposition to sell this whole 
territory to the United States. After considerable discussion a treaty 
was signed February 22, ISIO, by which the United States agreed to 
paj' claims of her citizens against Spain amounting to five millions of 
dollars, and in return Spain ceded Florida, and fixed the boundary 
line between Louisiana and Mexico on the Gulf at the River Sabine. 
It followed that river to the thirty-third degree, and then ran to the 
source of the Arkansas. Thence westward the forty-second degree 
was the boundary line. 

The King of Spain at first refused to confirm this treaty, but, fine 
ing that there was no alternative, as the Americans were actually in 
possession of the country, finally ratified it in October, 1820, and for- 
mal possession of St. Augustine was immediately given. That little 
cit}^ came into the United States to rank as its oldest settlement. The 
Spanish settlers, although secured by the treaty in all their rights, 
generall}^ emigrated to Cuba, and as few emigrants went southward, 
Floi'ida increased in importance very slowly. 

There were still some matters to be adjusted with England, so as to 
prevent future difficulties. Under the treaty of Ghent a commission 



656 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

of citizens of the two countries was appointed f o settle the boundary 
line between the United States and the British possessions in Amer- 
ica. The country in the interior was not well known when previous 
treaties were made, and it was impossible to run the lines as there laid 
down from incorrect maps. After long examination this commission, 
in 1819, fixed the northern boundary by running a line through the St. 
Lawrence and the great lakes, and making the forty-ninth degree the 
boundary line between the United States and the British possessions, 
from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains. Beyond that no- 
thing was decided, Oregon being left open to both parties for ten years. 

The western territory was filling up with settlements, where before 
all had been a wilderness, dotted here and there by an Lidian village, 
and traversed only by the red hunter and warrior, or the adventurous 
white trapper. Many of the Indian tribes, the Chippewas, Ottawas, 
Pottawatomies, Miamis, Delawares, Shawnees, Wj-andots, sold to Gov- 
ernment their rights in extensive tracts which they claimed as hunting 
grounds, and agreed to remove beyond the Mississippi Kentucky and 
Tennessee also induced the Chickasaws to give up their claim to much 
of the valuable territory of those two States. The lands thus acquired 
were thrown open to settlers, and the backwoodsmen were soon clear- 
ing, planting, and building, and the clatter of mills and forges, the 
church-going bell, and the sounds of the village school began to be heard. 

In 1819 the southern part of Missouri Territory was organized as a 
separate government, under the name of Arkansas Territory. The 
remaining portion at the north solicited admission as a State, and the 
District of Maine, heretofore held by Massachusetts, also asked the 
same right. Alabama was admitted in 1819 ; but a violent discussion 
arose as to Missouri. The North had now generally abandoned sla- 



OE, OUR COUNTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 657 

yery, and most of the States were passing laws to abolish it entirely. 
In fact, the great emigration from Europe to America supplied those 
States with labor which was cheaper than slave labor, so that those 
who had refused to listen to arguments while it was profitable, were now 
very quick to see that slavery was wrong. The great question came up 
whether slavery should be permitted in the territory west of the Mis- 
sissippi. The North wished it free ; the men of the South wished to 
have the right to emigrate there with their slaves when they saw fit. 

Here began a struggle which was not ended till nearh' fifty years 
from this time, and then only, as we shall see, after one of the bloodiest 
wars in history. 

The bill for the admission of Missouri, as introduced, had a clause 
excluding slavery : the matter was debated in Congress and discussed 
throughout the country for two years, when a compromise was finally 
agreed to on the last day of February, 1821. By this it was agreed 
that slavery should be admitted in Missouri, and in all territory soutk 
of Missouri and of a line running west from its southern boundary 
line. This Missouri Compromise settled for a time this important ques- 
tion, and Missouri was admitted as the twenty-fourth State of the 
Union, August 21, 1821. 

Mr. Monroe had already, in 1820, been re-elected President, and 
Mr. Tompkins Vice-President, with scarcely a dissenting voice. The 
second term was not marked by an}^ great events. Provision was 
made by Congress for the relief of the surviving soldiers of the Revo- 
lution, a pension being allowed to each. Year by year they dropped 
awaj'', until at last, toward the close of the center}^ from the time of 
the Stamp Act troubles, the last of them passed away. 

During Monroe's administration, a very favorable arrangement was 



658 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION *, 

made with Great Britain in regard to the right of American fishermea 
to take cod on the Great Bank of Newfoundland. 

An event which excited general interest and joy wq.s the visit at this 
time paid to the United States by General Lafayette. This visit of 
the illnstrious man to the country which he had served so nobly in his 
youth, and where he was now welcomed as one of the founders of the 
republic, was pleasing alike to the country and its guest. The Govern- 
ment and the citizens vied with each other in doing him honor, and when, 
after visiting a considerable portion of tlie United States, wondering 
and gratified at its progress since the days when he suffered and fought 
at the side of Washington — when, with a thankful heart, he prepared to 
return to France, the Government prepared a fine frigate, the Brand}'- 
■wine, for his accommodation. Lafayette never again visited America. 
He died in France soon after he had by his influence raised to the throne, 
in 1830, Louis Philippe, Duke of Orleans. As a gallant otficer of our 
Revolutionary army, and the man whose zeal, energy, and perseverance, 
undaunted by obstacles, enabled us to win the alliance of France in our 
hour of needt Lafa^^ette will ever be an object of the nation's gratitude. 

A doctrine put forward by President Monroe, and often spoken of, 
had reference to European settlements in America. When Spain found 
herself unable to reduce her revolted American colonies, she, in De- 
cember, 1823, addressed a formal invitation to the Courts of Russia,^ 
Prussia, Austria, and France, to send plenipotentiaries to Paris, to 
adopt ]>lans for assisting her. Such a concei't of European powers 
combining to interpose in American affairs, was fraught with danger, and 
Monroe, in his message of Congress, declared that our Government 
would regard as directed against it. and would resist, any combination 
of Euronean Powers for colonization or any other purpose. 



OR, OUR COUNTKY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 659 

During the latter years of Monroe's second term, expeditions were 
sent out to break up the nests of pirates who had been for years con- 
stantly engaged in plundei;ing the connnerce of America in the West 
Indies. The efforts were crowned with perfect success, although 
it was ditiicult to pursue the pirates amid the small islands in which 
they had their haunts. But Commodore Porter, in 1822 and 1823, with 
a small fleet broke up their various rendezvous, and taught them such 
a lesson that the bands scattered, and these depredations on our com- 
merce were arrested. 

As the administration of Mr. Monroe approached its close, it was 
evident that the "era of good feeling," as it was called, had passed 
away. Party violence again seized the public mind. The nominations 
for the Presidency had on former occasions been made by the members 
of Congress, acting as a convention for the purpose. In this case they 
nominated John Quincy Adams, but several independent candidates 
appeared — General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee, Henry Cla}' of Ken- 
tucky, and William H. Crawford of Georgia. Each candidate received 
the support of his own section of the country, and the result was that 
no one of the four received enough votes to secure his election. Jack- 
son received more votes than any of the others, but as he did not ob- 
tain more than them all, it was not sufficient. 

In such cases the Constitution provided that the House of Repre- 
sentatives should select the President. After a great deal of intrigue 
and bargaining, such as had never yet been seen in America, Henry 
Clay gave way, and his friends .supporting Mr. Adams, he was elected 
President of the United States. John C. Calhoun, of South Caro- 
lina, had received in the election votes which made him Vice-Presi- 
dent. 



CHAPTER VII. 
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, SIXTH PRESIDENT— 1825-1829. 

Internal Improvements — Death of Adams and Jefferson — Indian Troubles — Masonic Excite- 
ment. 

The administration of John Quincy Adams was marked by few 
important events. There was undisturbed peace, and a season of 
great prosper! tj'. By this time the fruits of Fulton's invention were 
evident : without it the people of so vast a country would have been 
long strangers to each other ; steam allowed ships to ascend the navi- 
gable rivers with rapidity, and this brought the produce of all parts 
to the great centres of trade. New York, anxious to secure the trade 
of the West, which would evidently be the great grain-district of 
America, as well as its best pasturage, began, under the auspices of 
De Witt Clinton, the Erie Canal, to connect the Hudson River with the 
waters of Lake Erie above the Falls. The great work was ridiculed 
by manj", and termed " Clinton's big ditch," but it was completed at a 
cost of live millions of dollars. When, in November, 1825, a canal- 
boat from Buffalo reached New York, there was an enthusiastic cele- 
bration, and all joined in exulting over this new avenue for trade. 

During this administration, the first railroad was opened in the 
United States. 

It was the pioneer of that vast system of railways that now trav- 
erse the country in all directions, uniting the Atlantic to the Pacific. 

A still greater improvement was to be brouglit about by railroads, 
on which cars were drawn bj^ locomotives, which are steam engines 
on wheels. A horse railroad was begun at Quincy, Massachusetts, in 
1825 ; but in 1829 the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company imported 
two locomotives of Stevenson's invoiitioii, and beaau the first railroad 



OUR country's achievements. 6G1 

for steam cars. The success of the experiment led to the formation of 
companies in all parts, and railroads soon began to connect all the 
great cities. 

A strange coincidence marked the 4th of July, 1826, the fiftieth an- 
niversary of the Declaration of Independence. On that da}', within 
a few hours of each other, two signers of the Declaration, who had 
successively filled the Presidential chair, Thomas Jefferson and John 
Adams, both expired, each in his own State. Jefferson, almost with 
his last breath, said, " Adams still lives," little supposing that he, too, 
was passing away. The disputes of their political career had been 
forgotten ; both had long been regarded with reverence and respect, and 
their death on so remarkable a day was an object of public mourning. 

The same year witnessed the celebrated Morgan excitement in New 
York, which led to the formation of an Anti-masonic party in that 
State, which was long in power. 

The election which took place in the autumn of 1828, and in which 
Adams and Jackson were again opposed, was one of greater popular 
excitement than had ever yet been seen in the United States. Popu- 
lar gatherings were held, speeches made, and the newspapers entered 
violently into the advocacy of their favorite candidate. It opened 
that series of eagerly contested elections, so fraught with corruption, 
fraud, intrigue, and violence, which had done so much to lower the 
national character, and made the elections an affair of politicians by 
driving away the quiet citizens. 

Jackson, now supported by Crawford, was chosen by a large niajoi- 
ity, and John C. Calhoun was again elected Vice-President. 

President Adams retiring, left a country at peace, the public debt 
greatly diminished, and a large surplus in the treasury. 



CHAPTER VlII. 

ANDREW JACKSON, SEVENTH PRESIDENT— 1829-1837. 

Striking Inauguration— A Bad Policy— Cherokee Difficulties- The United States Bank-. 
Black Hawk War — Nullilication in South Carolina— Seminole War — Texas becomes aa 
Independent Republic — Arkansas and Michigan Admitted — The Specie Circular. 

The inauguration of General Jackson was marked by a new and 
striking feature. He took the oath surrounded by several of the sur- 
viving officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War, in which he 
himself, as a spirited boy, had received a sabre-wound from a British 
soldier. 

His Cabinet was composed of Martin Yan Buren, Secretary of 
State ; Samuel D. Ingham, Secretary of the Treasury ; John H. Eaton. 
Secretary of War ; John Branch, Secretary of the Navy ; and John 
McPherson Berrian, Attorney General. 

Jackson was honest and patriotic, but he was intolerant of opposi- 
tion, and wished all to bend to his firm will ; and his administration 
was one of stormy contention. 

He initiated a system which has been most injurious to the 
country. Using the military maxim, "To the victors belong the 
spoils," he gave every office in his gift to his partisans in the late elec- 
tion, and men were removed from office on no charge of unfitness or 
neglect in the discharge of their duties, but simply on political grounds. 

The condition of the Indian tribes led to the first trouble. The 
United States had by several treaties guaranteed to the Cherokees 
the territory held by them, and in which they had sole jurisdiction as 



OUR country's achievements. 663 

an independent tribe. The State of G-eorgia resolved to extend the 
State laws over it, and subject the Cherokees to them, without, how 
ever, giving them any of the rights of citizens. The Cherokees ap- 
pealed to the Supreme Court, which at last gave a decision in their 
favor on some points ; but even on these Georgia refused to yield, and 
Jackson really sustained Georgia. His great wish was to remove all 
the Indians beyond the Mississippi. Finding that there was no alter- 
native, a part of the Cherokees agreed to remove ; and in 1838, General 
Scott was sent to their lands with a large body of troops to remove 
the tribe, using force if necessary. Fortunately, the Cherokees sub- 
mitted, and were placed west of Arkansas. 

An opposition to the United States Bank, which was then the de- 
pository of the moneys belonging to the Government, was one of the 
great principles of the Jackson party. As the charter was about 
to expire, the bank solicited its renewal, and after a long debate 
in Congress, an act was passed in 1832 ; but President Jackson, on 
the 10th of July, vetoed the bill, and subsequently removed the depos- 
its and placed them in various State banks. 

Dreadful scourges, war and pestilence, also afflicted the country in 

the year 1832. In the summer, the Asiatic cholera, which had ravaged 

Europe, appeared simultaneously at Quebec and New York, and 

■ spread over the whole country, sweeping off thousands, especially ia 

the lar<!;e cities. 

During the spring of that year, the Sacs, Foxes, and Winnebagoes^ 
in "Wisconsin, under Black Hawk, a Sac chief, began to ravage the 
frontiers of Illinois, destroying many new villages, slaughtering fami' 
lies, and giving all to the flames. United States troops under Colo- 
nel Taylor, and Illinois militia under General Atkinson, were sent 



'V.64 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

■ against them ; and though this body of white troops was thinned by 
cholera and desertion, Colonel Taylor, by forced inarches, overtooic 
the enemy on the 2d of August, at the mouth of the Iowa, and routing 
the Indian braves, captured Black Hawk, and put an end to the war. 
This Indian outbreak had scarcely been suppressed when a new dan- 
ger appeared, greater than any that yet threatened the Governient — 
the danger of a dissolution of the Union. A tariff act, passed in 1832, 
imposed duties which the Southern States deemed unjust and partial: 
most of tlie States merely murmured, but South Carolina, refusing to 
submit, threatened to withdraw from the Union and set up an inde- 
pendent government, for the first time claiming the right to secede. 
Similar threats liad been made during the war by some Northern 
States, but they had never gone as far as in this case. South Carolina 
prepared to resist by force of arms. Electing the eloquent Hayne 
{governor, thej began to organize troops, while Calhoun, resigning his 
position as Vice-President of the United States, entered the Senate 
Chamber as Senator from South Carolina, in order to make a final 
•effort there. The President, however, was too stern and peremptory a 
man to brook opposition even in case of doubt : he issued a pi'oclama- 
tion, declaring his resolution to enforce obedience, and, if necessary, at 
the point of the bayonet. His previous career gave proof that such a 
threat would not be an idle one. Congress, in a long and able debate, 
in which Daniel Webster delivered a famous exposition of the Consti- 
tution, sustained the President, and South Carolina submitted, protest- 
ing against the injustice done her. At this juncture, Henry Clay in- 
troduced his plan of compromise, which was adopted, and the difficulty 
was avoided for the time. Yet it was clear that the time for compro- 
mise was nearly gone. Amid all this excitement a Presidential election 



OE, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 665 

came off. The country at large sustained Jackson, who was re-elected,, 
with Martin Yan Buren, of Now York, as Yice-President. 

About this time, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last of the sign- 
ers of the Declaration of Independence, expired, at a moment when (he 
work of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention 
seemed about to be destroyed. 

A more serious Indian war than Black Hawk's now engaged atten- 
tion, and for years cost blood and treasure without stint. This was 
the Seminole War in Florida. The trouble with them began at the time 
that General Jackson attacked their fort in Florida. They had then 
become imbittered against the Americans. " Seminoles " means Wander- 
ers, and the tribe that bears the name belongs to the Creek Nation, and, 
was formed chiefly of the fragments of triltes converted by the Spanish' 
missionaries, but almost exterminated b)' Georgia and South Carolina. 
The proposal to remove them bej'ond the Mississippi excited the 
strongest opposition, but the Government made a treaty in 1832, with, 
a few inferior chiefs, who pretended to act for the tribe. The Semi- 
nole Nation, however, with Micanopy, their king, disavowed the acts of 
these chiefs, and refused to depart. General Thompson, the Govern- 
ment agent, hoping to overawe them, seized one chief, the gallant Os- 
ceola, and put him in irons. The Seminole chief, in order to secure his 
liberty, signed a treaty, but secretly laid plans for a bitter war on the 
whites. He at once organized all Hie braves of the nation, and pre- 
pared for a simultaneous attack on the various posts, and a general 
ravaging of the country. Tlie day before Christmas, 1835, was fixed 
for the execution of his design. Tiiat day, Major Dade, with a hun 
dred and ten men, moved forward from Fort Brooke, on Tampa Bay, 
to reinforce General Clinch, then at Fort Drane, near Orange Lake. 



666 THE STOTrr of a great nation ; 

That day, General Thompson was dining with some friends in a house 
outside Fort King, where he was stationed. While the wine passed 
briskly around, amid laughter and merriment, Osceola and a small 
war-party burst in upon them. Thompson fell, riddled by fifteen bul- 
lets : nearly every one of the i)ai-ty shared his fate ; and Osceola, scalp- 
ing the man who had so wronged him, drew oiT to the woods before 
the garrison of the fort wore aware of what had occurred. As Dade 
rode along by Wahoo Swamp, amid the rank vegetation of the Florida 
Everglades, flashes from every side announced the attack. Dade and 
most of his men fell at the lirst volley. Thirty escaped, and throwing 
up an iiitrenchinent of logs, prepared to sell their lives dearly. But 
Osceola, fresh from his exploit, bounded in among his braves, and led 
them in a furious charge. Every soldier was slain but one, who, 
wounded unto death, managed to reach the whites and tell the storj^ of 
Dade's detachment. 

GeiKM-al Clinch collected all his forces, and inarched to the "Withla- 
coochee ; bathe too was suddenly attacked on the last day of the year, 
and though he repulsed the Indians, his loss amounted to a hundred 
killed and wounded, weakening his force so that he had to retreat. 
Oeneral Gaines, who penetrated to the same spot in February, 1S36, 
was also attacked, and lost several men. Roused by the success of 
the Seininoles, the Creeks took up arms, and Georgia and Alabama, 
like Florida, were exposed to all the horrors of Indian war. Steam- 
boats were taken, villages burned, and thousands were fleeing in 
all directions from the homes which they had built up. General 
Scott, however, took command, and, having speedily reduced the 
Creeks, the Government immediately transported several thousands 
of them to the territory assigned to them beyond the Mississippi. 



OR, OrK COTiJTTm's ACIIiy.VEMENTS. 66^ 

Georgia also moved. Governor Call, of that State, took command of 
the forces, numbering two thousnud men, and niarcliing into Florida, 
encountered the Seminoles at Wahoo Swam}), near the scene of Dade's 
defeat, and twice repulsed them with loss, after a long and terrible 
contest. The Seminoles then, for a time, discontinued all active hos- 
tilities. 

The rancor of political agitation about this time extended to reli- 
gious matters, and, for the first time, America was menaced with reli- 
gious strife between its citizens. Violent publications kept up the ex- 
citement, and a convent at Charlestown, Massachusetts, was burned by 
a mob : but the people at large showed a disapproval of such acts, and 
the excitement died away, though it was renewed in after years, and 
led to the formation of a political partj". 

Toward the close of the administration of General Jackson a strange 
revolution was taking place near the l)orders of the United States. 
'Texas, one of the States of the Mexican Republic, had been first occu- 
;pied by the French, under La Salle, who, missing the mouth of the Mis- 
.sissippi, entered l)y mistake Matagorda Ba3% and threw up a tort there. 
Thiis was soon after taken by the Indians, who massacred all but a few. 
The Spaniards, who claimed the territory, sent a force to occupy the 
country. Tlie commander found oid}' the victims of Indian fury, and 
buried them. Spain then planted forts and missions in various 
parts, and held the country till Mexico became free. Then Texas, 
with Coahuila, formed one of the States of Mexico. Many Americans 
gradually entered Texas, some of them taking slaves with them, 
although slavery had been aliolished in Mexico. These new settlers, 
being strangers to the language, religion, and government of Mexico, 
.became greatlv discontented, and much trouble ensued. When, ia 



668 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

1835, the Federal Grovernmont at Mexico crnslied down ^ne State gov- 
ernineuls, and renounced the iederul system, the Texa s took up arms 
to resist this act, which they declared subversive of hie origiual Con- 
stitution of Mexico. They called on their countrymon in the United 
States to join them. The United States oflered no obstacles, and such 
numbers crossed the frontiers into Texas, that on the 2d of March, 
1838, the people of Texas declared it an independent republic. 

Santa Anna, President of Mexico, resolved to crush the rebellion, and 
advanced into Texas at the head of an army. Having been defeated 
and taken prisoner by General Houston at the battle of San Jacinto, on 
the 21st of April, he made a treaty with the Texans, which the republic 
of Mexico disavowed. Still Texas had virtually established her inde- 
peudence, and was recognized as a republic by foreign powers. 

Mexico made no further attempt to reduce it, and, under a separate 
government, Texas, increasing by emigration from the United States, 
became thoroughly American, and it was evident that it would soon 
become jiart of the United States. 

The intercourse between this country anu foreign nations during the 
whole period of Jackson's administration had been one of peace. The 
only exception was a nigmentary difficulty with France, owing to old 
claims connected with Napoleon's decrees, under which American .ships 
had been seized. To compensate the owners, France had agreed to pay 
five millions of dollars, but neglected to do so. Jackson threatened 
war, but by the intervention of England the affair was amicably ar- 
ranged. 

In June, 1836, Arkansas became a State, and in January following, 
Michigan, a Northern State, was also admitted. 

As Jackson's second term was di'awing to a close, the great political 



OE, OUR country's achievements. 669 

parties prepared for a new election. The Democrats put forward Mor- 
tiu Van Buren as their candidate, while William Henry Harrison was 
the choice of the Whigs. Van Buren was elected, but there was no 
choice of Vice-President, no one of the candidates for that office re- 
ceiving a sufficient number of votes. The Senate, under the Constitu- 
tion, then proceeded to elect one, and Richard M. Johnson was chosen. 

Jackson's last act was to refuse his sanction (o an act passed to re- 
peal his Specie Circular, which recpiired all collectors of the public 
revenue to take only gold and silver in payment. The whole country 
was aifected at the time by a spirit of wild speculation, and the country 
was flooded with paper issued by banks, much of which ultimately 
proved worthless. The Specie Circular caused much difliculty, but 
has been adhered to as a wise rule. 

After his stormy adiiiiiiistration, Jackson retired to private life, 
highly esteemed for his uprightness, integrity, and firmness, even by 
those wlio questioned some of his acts. 



CHAPTER IX. 

MARTIN VAN BUREIv, EIGHTH PRESIDENT— 1837-1841. 

Bankruptcy cunsetl l)j' Spccuhition — Tlie Independent Treasury — Tlic Seminole War — Death 
of Osceola — Troubles in Canada — Wilkes's Exploring Exiiedition — The Maine Boundary. 

The spirit of specvdation which had invaded the country, soon 
brought about its natural result. The banks, which had increased the 
amount of their loans day by da}^ at last took alarm. When men 
could no longer get money freely from the banks, many wore unable 
to meet their obligations, and the consequence was a scries of failures. 



r.70 THE STOKY OF A GTIKAT KATION ; 

'n llio city of New York, (lie failures amounted to a hundred millions 
of tlolhirs, ami a similar state of affairs prevailed throughout the 
country. Factories were stopped, and property of all kinds declined in 
Value, for there were few able to buy. The banks suspended specie pay- 
ment, and Government, which had placed its moneys in various banks, 
was unable to obtain gold and silver to pay the demands on the 
treasury. 

The President, in his message to Congress, ])roposed that in future 
the Government money should no longer be placed in banks for safe 
keeping, but retained by the Government in its own treasury. This 
excited great opposition, for people had come to look upon the public 
money as something that could be used in the trade of the country ; 
but the wisdom of the plan was evident, and the independent treasury 
has always been maintained. 

The Seminole war still continued, the Indians from time to time mak- 
ing fresh attacks. A treat}' was made in ^larch, 1837, by several 
chiefs who came into General Jcsup's camp at Fort Dade. By its 
terms peace was restored, and the Serainoles agreed to remove beyond 
the Mississippi. Still this was not the act of the whole tribe : a war 
partj^ still remained, weak in number, but full of resolution. Although 
witlioul skillful chiefs, and with an organized army of nine thousand 
men against them, thev continued the war. Tn the operations that fol- 
lowed through the summer, Osceola was the leading spirit ; and when, 
in October, he and some other chiefs, with a band of seventy warriors, 
entered Jesnp's camp under the protection of a flag, Jesup seized and 
confined them. Osceola was sent to Charleston, and died in Fort 
Moultrie, where his grave is still shown. Many blamed Jesup's course, 
but he considered himself not bound to keep the rules of war with one 



OR, ovn countuy's achievements. 671 

'W'ho was ignorant of tlicni and never shrank from treachery. He 
deemed it better to close the war. Notwithstanding this severe blow, 
the Indians kept (he lield ; bnt in December, Colonel Zac^hary Taylor 
penetrated to the liannt ol' (he Mickasuckies, and forced (licni to an ac- 
tion on the noi'dici'n border of Macaco or Okeechobee Lake. These 
Indians, who had stnbboridy refnsed all offers of pacification, were 
drawn np, nnder theii' chief Aviaka, in a strong position near the lake. 
Taylor, who, besides his re,<>,ulars, had a corps of Mississippi volnn- 
teers under Colonel Gentry, immediately attacked their camp. The 
battle lasted over three hours, and so desperately did (he Indians fight, 
that they routed the volunteers, who left their colonel dead on the 
field. Taylor rallied the regnlars ; a part finally rei)ulsed the Micka- 
suckies, but those Indians drew off unpursued. Taylor's loss was 
nearly a hundred and fifty killed and wounded, including several of 
his most valuable officers. 

This reverse broke the spirit of the Indians : many submit tod, and 
were removed, so that in May. 18;)9, General Macomb induced the re- 
mainder to treat of peace. Yet again hosdlities began, and Colonels 
Harney and Worth finally reduced them in 1841, by penetrating to 
their fastnesses, cutting down their crops, and sweejung off their cattle. 
Peace was finally secured in 1842, after a seven-years war, which cost 
America many millions of dollars and the lives of thousands. 

In one point of view, (his long and expensive war had been of ac- 
tual service ; it proved an excellent school for our army, and gradually 
pr('i»arf'd officers for more important service. 

Previous to the closing of this war, the United States was involved 
in a trouble of another character on its northern frontier. Canada, 
though its earlier ])rivileges had provoked the Americans before the 



672 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Revolution, was now itself discontented with the British Goveiinraent, 
In 1837, the popular feeling rose so high that an insurrection broke 
out, and as any cry for liberty finds a ready response in American 
bosoms, many persons in the United States, and especially in the State 
of New York, hastened to aid the cause of revolution by sympathy, 
and by contributions of men, arms, and money. Tiiis sympathj^ be- 
came so general on the northern frontier, that Government was 
unable to repress it, and peace between the United States and Great 
Britain was in great jeopardy. This state of things continued to the 
close of Yan Buren's administration. 

Although the President by proclamation forbade all citizens of the 
United States to interfere, and ordered troops to the frontier, many 
continued to cross and take \K\vt in the struggle. Some of these were 
killed ill the actions which took i)lace with the British forces ; more 
were taken prisoners, tried, and, on conviction, either hung or trans- 
ported to Yan Diemen's Land. 

The English were exasperated at the conduct of the American sym- 
pathizers, and retaliated by a violation of American soil. A party 
of the insurgents on Navj Island, in Niagara River, ke])t up communi- 
cation with (he American shore by means of the steamer Caroline. 
The English in vain endeavored to capture this little steamer during 
her trips to and from the island. Failing in this, they sent over a de- 
tachment to the American side, on the 20th of December, 1837. Tlie 
party cut the Caroline loose, after killing an American on the dock. 
They then towed the steamer out into the stream, set her on fire, and 
sent her over Niagara Falls witli all on board of her, and she plunged 
down that cataract with her unfortunate crew. This outrage excited 
the public mind in the United States to the highest degree, but the in- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 673 

fi-ingemont of our national rights was never disavowed by tlic English 
Government. 

The United States had in many ways .shown an interest in the ad- 
vancement of science, and had given all the encouragement that the 
Constitution permitted to the G-eneral Government. Some of the States 
began to collect in Europe documents relating to the early history of 
the country, and at the same time caused accurate surveys to be made 
of their territory, under competent men, who studied the geology, min- 
eralog}', zoology, and botany, as well as the geographical position. So 
admirably was this carried out, especially in New York, that no coun- 
try can show a more noble monument than the Natural History of that 
State. 

The United States Government, to aid in this general movement, 
sent out in 1838 an exploring expedition under Captain Wilkes, 
which visited much of the Southern and Pacific Oceans, and after mak- 
ing several important discoveries returned. Wilkes' report was full oi 
interest and value. 

The ill-feeling which had been excited against Great Britain showed 
itself in Maine, in 1839. The treaty of 1783, which fixed the boundary 
between Maine and the adjacent English provinces, was based on in- 
correct maps, and when they attempted lo run the line, difficulties 
jirose, each side construing it so as to give them most territory. The 
King of the Belgians was appointed an umpire between the two parties, 
but his decision pleased neither of them. As the disputed tract was 
valued for its timber, the people of Maine attempted to drive off the 
New Brunswick lumbermen, and some on both sides were taken into 
custody as trespassers by the opposite Governments. Some excitement 
prevaJkd , but as the Governors of Maine and New Brunswick soon - 



074 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

came to an understanding, further collisions were prevented, and the'^ 
whole alfair Avas left to higher authorities. 

Van Burcn's administration had not met general approval. The 
people, oppressed by the results of the revulsion of 1837, clamored 
for a general bankrupt act. 

Van BureD. was again nominated by the Democratic party, while the 
Whigs put up General William H. Harrison, with John Tyler for 
Yice-Preaident. The election was the most exciting and enthusiastic 
ever yi>tseen in America. Log cabins were raised in all parts in honor 
of Harrison, and the campaign was carried by violent speeches and 
songs in favor of their candidate, and against the opposing one. Presi- 
dent Van Buren was defeated by a large vote, receiving onl}- sixty elec- 
toral votes, while his antagonist received no less than two hundred and^ 
thirty-four. William Henry Harrison became President., with Joha 
Tyler as Vice-President. 



CHAPTER X. 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, NINTH PRESIDENT— 1841. 
JOHN TYLER, TENTH PRESIDENT— 1841-1845. 

Mr. Tyler vetoes the United States Bank — The Maine Boundary— Rhode Island Troubles — 
Patroon Troubles— Native American Party — The Mormons — Annesation of Texas. 

General William Henry Harrison, born in Charles County, Vir- 
ginia, in February, 1773, \Yas the son of a signer of the Declaration 
of Independence. He entered the army at an euily age. As Governor 
of Indiana Territory, he had won fame and distinction by his skillful 



OK, oru couTs^xr^Y's acuievements. 675 

management of public affairs, and by his ability as a military com- 
mander. Great expectations were entertained of reforms and changes, 
under his Presidency, as a new political party now came into power. 
To fulfill the wishes of the people, he issued a proclamation on the 17th 
of March, calling an extra Session of Congress to meet in May. But 
his administration was destined to close suddenl3\ His health was 
broken, and the exertions attending his inauguration and the assump- 
tion of the duties of his arduous ofiice hurried him to the grave. Be- 
fore he had accomplished any public act, he died after a short illness on 
the 4th of April, 1841, at the age of sixty-eight, to the universal regret 
of the nation. The Cabinet formed by President Harrison consisted 
of the able and eloquent Daniel Webster as Secretary of State ; Thomas 
Ewing, Secretary' of the Treasury ; John Bell, Secretary of War ; 
George Badger, Secretarj- of the Navj' ; Francis Granger, Postmastei* 
General, and John J. Crittenden, Attorney General. 

By the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, John 
Tyler, the Yice-President, now became President of the United 
States. Like his predecessor, he was a native of Virginia, in which he 
had always resided. Although not altogether in harmony with the 
views of the late President, Mr. T3der retained the same Cabinet : and 
when Congress met on the last day of Mav' under the call of Presi- 
dent Harrison, his message recommended many of the projects already 
agreed upon by the party. The Sub-Treasury Act was repealed ; and 
a general bankrupt law passed with his approval. One of the great 
objects of the Whig party was to restore the United States Bank, 
which had been overthrown by Jackson. Accordingly, Congress passed 
an act to revive it ; but, to the great chagrin of those by whose votes he 
had been raised to the Presidency, President Tyler vetoed the biii, 



f)76 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

seeing in it dangers to the country. For this ho was warmiy censured 
by his party, and all the members of his Cabinet except Mr. Webster 
resigned. He then appointed Walter Forward, Secretary of the Treas- 
ury ; John C. Spencer, Secretary of War ; Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of 
the Navy ; Charles A. Wickliffe, Postmaster General, and Hugh S. 
Legare, Attoi'ney G-eneral. The last of these soon after died at 
Boston. 

The boundary between Maine and the British Provinces — the 
Aroostook difficulty — still excited trouble. Negotiations were now in 
progress to solve the difficulty. Webster, as Secretary of State, con- 
ducted the discussion with Lord Ashburton, the English envo}', and 
in July, 1842, a treaty was signed at Washington, and soon after rat- 
ified by both countries, by which the line was fixed, and described 
with so much certainty as to remove all doubt as to its construction. 
This treaty also settled the northern limit of New York, New Hamp- 
shire, and Vermont, obviating all difficulty in that (jiiarter. 

Ehode Island had, down to this time, been governed under the 
charter granted by Charles H., the last relic of the reign of the Stuarts. 
This charter contained, however, great restrictions on the right of 
suffrage, and a large party in that little State had long sought a more 
liberal government. This the charter party refused, and, in conse- 
quence, a convention of the people assembled, which drew up a consti- 
tution, and submitted it to the people. As it received the approval 
of a majority of the voters, a new government was organized in May, 
1842, with Thomas W. Dorr as Governor. The charter government 
treated all these proceedings as illegal, and made the exercise of any 
powers under the new constitution treason against the State. The 
euffrage l^arty then attempted to obtain control of the State by force ; 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 677 

but their efforts were defeated, and Dorr was compelled to leave the 
State. He soon after returned, thinking that the excitement had 
blown ever ; but he was arrested, tried for treason, and, on his con- 
viction, sentenced to imprisonment for life. This was a strange result 
for America to witness. Dorr was soon released, and this ended the 
struggle. The charter party had triumj^hed, but were forced to call 
a new and more regular convention in 1844, which drew up a new 
constitution suited to the wants of the people. 

In New York, troubles occurred also between a party clinging to 
old colonial ideas, and a party of reform. In several parts of the 
State large tracts were held under old Dutch grants to a kind of lords 
of the manor, called Patroons, who leased them out to those who culti- 
vated the land. These leases had many feudal obligations ; rent was 
paid in produce ; farmers had to send their grain to particular mills ; 
and whenever a lease was transferred from one to another, a kind of 
tax was levied. 

All these conditions were so distasteful to Americans, that many of 
the tenants objected ; and forming a party called Anti-renters, they de- 
termined to resist the landlords, and an}^ officer of the law Avho at- 
tempted to serve any legal process on them. This disturbance spread 
over most of Columbia, Rensselaer, and Delaware Counties, and for a 
time set the State authorities at defiance. A deputy sheriff and some 
others were killed in broad day, and many others brutally treated ; 
but the Grovernment at last crushed the insurrection, and brought the 
murderers to trial. To avoid a renewal of the difficulties, most of the 
landlords abolished the obnoxious features of their leases, and made 
the rent payable in money. 

A new political party appeared about this time, called the Native 



678 THE STOKY OF A aPvEAT NATION; 

American party, formed to check the rapid increase and power of the 
foreign element and the Catholic religion. It acquired considerable 
strength in all the large cities of the North and East, where foreign 
labor competed with native. Much was done to inflame the public 
mind to a dangerous pitch, and serious riots broke out in Philadel- 
phia, in Maj^ 1844, in which many lives were lost, and many churches 
and institutions burned and destroyed, the authorities showing great 
inefliciency. When, however, the riots were renewed in July, the 
State Government acted vigorously, and suppressed it at once, with 
the help of militia drawn from adjacent counties. 

The West, too, had its troubles. About the yeai 1830, a man 
named Joseph Smith, living at Palmyra, in the western part of the 
State of New York, pretended to have received a new revelation from 
God, written in mj'stical characters on a series of plates which he 
claimed to be pure gold. He pretended to decipher these characters, 
and published the rhapsody under the name of the Book of Mor- 
mon. Assuming to be a prophet, he founded a new religion ; but as 
his character became known, he was driven from place to place ; but 
everywhere managed to gain some proselytes. He and his followers 
at last settled in Kirtland, Ohio ; but as the hostility to them was re- 
newed, the Mormons, now numbering several thousands, set out for 
the West, and settled in Jackson County, Missouri. The people in 
that part of the country rose in arms against them, and the Governor 
ordered their expulsion. The State militia was called out, and in the 
excitement they attacked the Mormons, killed many, and forced the 
rest to leave the State. The fugitives now attracted the sympathy of 
many who regarded them as deluded, but as most unjustly treated. 
Settling in Illinois, in 1831, they founded the city of Nauvoo, where. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 679 

on the banks of the Mississippi, tliev laid tlie foundations of an ;m- 
mense temple. Here they were at first welcomed by the people, and 
Smith, sending missionaries through the country, and even to Europe, 
saw his believers increase with wonderful rapidity. He obtained from 
the Illinois Legislature a favorable charter for his city ; but, in a short 
time, the public mind in Illinois became strongly excited against the 
Mormons, who were accused of very heinous crimes. The country 
rose in arms. Nauvoo was besieged, and several were killed on both 
.sides. A charge of murder was then brought against Jose|)h Smith, 
and that leader, anxious to disarm the public hostility against him, 
surrendered to the authorities to undergo a legal trial. But the mob 
were unwilling to trust to the law ; they surrounded the place where 
Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram were confined, and, bursting in, 
murdered them with great brutality. The troubles were kept up : the 
IMornions, so far from being disheartened bj^ the death of their prophet, 
looked up to Brigham Young as their head, and stood their ground. 
Yielding at last to the storm, they resolved to emigrate to a part of 
the country where they would be far from all neighbors, and set out 
in a bodv for a Ions; iournev over the Plains, with all their cattle and 
property, to the interior of California. 

All these things showed that changes were coming over the Ameri- 
can people, who had long been so quiet and tolerant with each other. 
Public excitements were increasing, and people were more easily led 
to acts of violence. 

As yet, however, this spirit of turbulence had not gained sufficient 
strength to check the general prosperity of the country. The contin- 
ued tide of emigration enabled the Territories to fill up rapidly ; 
and in March, 1845, an act of Congress was passed admitting two 



680 THE STOUY OF A GREAT NATION. 

new States, one in the North, Iowa, the other in the South, 
Florida. 

Just previous to this, Texas, having come to an understanding with 
the United States, ceased to be an independent republic. Resolutions 
were adopted by the Congress of the United States for its annexa- 
tion. After the battle of San Jacinto, Texas had maintained its inde- 
pendence, but, owing to many difficulties, was not in a state of pros- 
perity. The Mexican Government had never relinquished the hope of 
again reconquering Texas, and as soon as the act of annexation to the 
UnitedStates was accomplished, Almonte, the Mexican Minister, pro- 
tested, but, the resolution of the United States Congress having been 
ratified by Texas on the 5th of July, Texas, with undefined limits, 
came into the Union as a State. The question of slavery arose in re- 
gard to it, and by a compromise it was agreed that Congress should 
have the power to form the territory into four States, and that, on such 
division, all north of 36° 30' should be free States, while slavery 
might exist south of that line. 

While the public mind was occupied with the now imminent war 
with Mexico, and with troubles in regard to the Oregon boundary 
with Great Britain, a new election took place. Henry Clay, the can- 
didate of the Whig party, who was in favor of negotiation, was defeated, 
and James K. Polk, of Tennessee, was elected President, and Geoi-ge 
M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, Vice-President. 



CHAPTER XI. 

JAMES K. POLK, ELEVENTH PRESIDENT— 1845-1849. 

The Mexican War — Battles of Palo Alto aud Resaca de la Palma — Battle of Monterey — Con- 
quest of California and New Mexico — Santa Anna — Scott at Vera Cruz — Battle of Buena 
Vista — Capture of Vera Cruz — Battle of Cerro Gordo — Puebla taken — Contreras aud Chu- 
mbusco — Battle of Chapultepec — Mexico taken — Last Struggles of the Mexicans — Peace of 
Guadalupe Hidalgo — Close of Polk's Administration. 

We have not in our sketch of the history had occasioii to mentioa 
James K. Polk, who was now raised to the Presidency. The great 
men of the rival parties excited too mnch jealousy to be safely put 
forward as candidates, and hence, men who were little known were 
sometimes nominated. James K. Polk, born in North Carolina 
in 1T9G, had from childhood resided in Tennesee, and had served in 
the Legislature of that State and in Congress for many years. 

Mr. Polk, on the day of his inauguration, appointed as his Cabinet, 
James Buchanan, Secretary of State ; Robert J. Walker, Secretary of 
the Treasury ; William L. Marcy, Secretary of War ; George Bancroft, 
the historian, Secretary of the Navy ; Cave Johnson, Postmaster Gen- 
eral ; and John Y. Ma.son, Attorney General. The subject requiring 
immediate action was the position of our affairs with Mexico. The 
late President had already prepared for any emergency. When Texas, 
ill July, 1845, ratifjnng the resolution, became a State in the Union, 
General Zachary Taylor entered it with an army of occupation, num- 
bering fifteen hundred men. The frontier between Texas and the adjoin- 
ing Mexican Slates had never been settled. The Texans claimed to the 
Rio Grande, while, in fact, they had no settlements, and were never 



n82 THE STORY OF A OREAT NATION; 

able to exercise any aiUkority beyond tlie Nueces. The United States 
and Mexico might easily have adjusted a boundary, but Mexico felt 
aggrieved and refused to treat, and the United States were eager for 
war. Herrera, President of Mexico, was indeed anxious to avoid hos- 
tilities, but he was forced to retire, and Paredes, a war candidate, be- 
came President. In September, General Taylor encamped at Corpus 
Christi, between the Nueces and the Rio G-rande. His instructions 
were "that the appearance of any considerable body of Mexican 
troops in this territory would be regarded by the executive as an in- 
vasion of the United States and the commencement of hostilities," 
although it had alwaj's been held by Mexican and never by Texan 
troops. In January, 1846 Taylor was ordered to advance to the Rio 
Grande. After encamping and leaving his stores at Point Isabel on the 
25th of March, he moved to the mouth of the Rio Grande, and be- 
gan to erect Fort Brown, opposite the Mexican city of Matamoras. 

The Mexican settlers fled across the Rio Grande, and General 
Ampudia arrived at Matamoras with a large force to drive the Amer- 
icans beyond the Nueces. He at once summoned Taylor to withdraw 
within twenty-four hours ; but, before he could commence operations, 
was succeeded by General Arista. That commander at once sent a 
party of dragoons across the river. Taylor detached Thornton with 
sixty dragoons to reconnoitre, but they were nearly all killed or taken 
on the 24th of April by the Mexicans under Torrejon. This was the 
first bloodshed in the war. The Mexicans then crossed in force, and 
gained Taylor's rear, menacing Point Isabel. Having completed his 
fort, Taylor marched on the 1st of May to the relief of that post. No 
sooner was he lost in the distance, than Arista began a bombardment 
of Fort Brown, while he himself, with a considerable force, crossed the 



OK, OUK COTTNTKy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 683 

river to assail it in the rear. The garrison made a vigorous defense, 
and silenced the Mexican batteries ; but when siege cannon were planted 
in the rear, and Major Brown, the commander, was mortally wounded, sig- 
nals were sent up for relief. Taylor at once marched from Point Isabel, 
and on the 8th of May, at noon, came up with Arista, who had taken 
post at Palo Alto. Taylor drew up his little army, and opened with his 
artillery. A fierce cannonade followed, the Mexicans replying with spirit. 
Then their cavalry, in splendid style, swept down on the American right. 
Taylor's troops received them without flinching, and the artillery 
and infantry drove them back. But this was all. The Mexican line 
was unbroken by our cannonade and musketry. Arista, massing his 
batteries, endeavored to silence the American guns, and, by a perfect 
tempest of balls, for a time checked our fire, cutting down Major 
Ringgold and Captain Page at their guns. Again and again his 
splendid cavalry swept down in the vain endeavor to break the Amer- 
ican lines. At last, despairing of the attempt. Arista drew off his 
whole force, leaving Taylor in possession of the field. In this first 
battle of the war, which lasted five hours, Taylor lost about fifty in 
killed and wounded. Arista six times as many. 

Early the next morning, Taylor resumed the march for Fort Brown. 
At Eesaca de la Palma he came upon Arista's army, well posted and 
drawn up to receive him. Here the second battle was fought. The 
Mexicans again endeavored to silence the American guns with their 
well-handled artillery ; but the American dragoons, under May, drove 
the Mexican gunners from their pieces, and the American infantry, by 
a bayonet charge, carried their best battery. Taylor's main body, 
almost at the same instant, forced Arista's center from the ravine, 
t^rhich they held. An irregular combat ensued, but the Americans 



684 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

pushed steadily forward, and drove the Mexicans from thfelr 'lotrtmch- 
ments, capturing all their cainp equipage. General La Vega and a 
hundred men were made prisoners ; eight cannons, three stand of col- 
ors, and a quantity of military stores were captured. The Mexican 
army was completely broken up, and Arista fled in disorder to Mata- 
moras. 

After this signal victory, Taylor pressed on to Fort Brown, and 
relieved that post from its long bombardment. Then, in concert with 
Commodore Connor, he took Barita, at the mouth of the Rio Grande, 
and prepared to attack Matamoras ; but that city surrendered on the 
18th of May.* 

Before these operations were known in Washington, Polk had sent 
a violent message to Congress, announcing that American blood had 
been shed on American soil, and that war existed by the act of Mex« 
ico. Congress immediately acted on this message, and on the 13th of 
May passed an act authorizing the President to raise fifty thousand 
volunteers, and appropriating ten millions of dollars to carry on the 
war. As the motive of the war was conquest, and not the possession 
of the disputed strip, a plan of campaign was formed for attacking 
Mexico in various parts, and occupying her most valuable frontier 
States. A fleet bearing an army was to sweep around South America, 
to take possession of California, a State already explored by Fremont 
and other American officers, and known to contain great mineral 
wealth; an "Army of the West" was to assemble at Fort Leaven- 
worth, march to Santa Fe, take possession of New Mexico, and invade 
the State of Coahuila ; while an army of the Center was to operate 
from Texas upon the heart of Mexico. Immediate stepi' were takeu 
to organize these armies and carry on the war. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 685' 

On her side, Mexico formally declared war on the 23d of May, 
and nerved herself for a deadly struggle with her powerful sister re- 
public, whose resources seemed inexhaustible. G-eneral Taylor in the 
mean time received reinforcements, chiedy of the newly raised volun- 
teers, and, finding himself in September at the head of six thousand 
men, resolved to advance upon Monterey, an important place in Northern 
Mexico, the route to which had been opened by General Worth with 
the -first division. On the 19th of September, the whole American 
army encamped within three miles of Monterey, which was held by 
General Ampudia with an army of nine thousand men. Although a 
strongly fortified town in a position protected by great natural de- 
fenses, Taylor prepared to attack it. Cutting off Ampudia's supplies 
by the Saltillo road, he began the siege on the 21st. An old palace 
of the bishops, now a strong work, was the chief fortification. Gen- 
eral Worth was dispatched to turn this, and attack the heights in the 
rear. To cover his attack, Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, with another 
division, attacked the lower town ; Butler and Quitman, with a third 
division, carried the enemy's advanced battery, and secured a position 
in the town. Meanwhile General Worth had encountered the enemy 
in force, repulsed him with heav}'' loss, and carried two of the heights. 
The nest day Worth carried the palace itself, and entered the town, 
while Quitman, in spite of all the efforts of the enemj' to dislodge him, 
fought his way in from house to house, and reached the plaza or great 
public square found in all Spanish cities. 

Ampudia then drew in his troops for a last struggle, but finding re- 
sistance hopeless after the dreadful carnage, he offered to capitulate, 
and on the 24th surrendered tlie city, marching out with all his 
troops. In this sanguinary battle both regulars and volunteers dis- 



686 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

played the greatest skill and courage. The American loss was one 
hundred and twenty killed, and three hundred and sixty-eight wound- 
ed, while that of the enemy was at least a tliousand. 

General Taylor placed Worth in command of Monterey, and en- 
camped himself at Walnut Springs, three miles distant. 

Another change was now to take place in Mexican affairs, which 
seemed at first to promise the Americans a satisfactory solution of the 
war question, but which proved a delusion. The Mexican Govern- 
ment had thus far been in the hands of Paredes, an advocate of war. 
General Santa Anna, then in Cuba, professed a desire for peace, so that 
the administration at Washington came to an understanding with him, 
and enabled him to pass through the fleet then lying before Yera 
Cruz. No sooner, however, was that able man in his own country, 
tiian he threw himself into the hands of the war party, assumed the 
direction of affairs, and prepared to carry on the war with vigor. This' 
compelled the United States to adopt another series of plans. 

The other operations of this campaign had meanwhile succeeded, 
though not as intended. When Texas was annexed. Commodore Sloat 
was off the coast of California. Believing that war actually existed, 
he took Monterej', August 7, 1846. San Francisco soon followed 
its fate ; and the best port on the Pacific fell into the hands of the 
Americans to begin a new career. Colonel Fremont, who had ex- 
plored the passes of the mountains, was also in California with a small, 
force, and he raised the American flag at San ^]^uan. The Mexicaa 
authorities did not yield without a blow. 

Meanwhile, General Kearney, in command of the Army of the West, 
had marched across the Western plains and through the mountain 
passes, a distance of nine hundred miles, from F'ort Leavenworth to 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 687 

Santa Fe, following the well-known track of the traders. The Mexi- 
cans had anticipated no attack. Kearney met with no resistance : he 
took possession of the country, and, having made Charles Bent gover- 
nor, continued his march toward California, which he was also in- 
structed to reduce. On the way he was met by a courier from Com- 
modore Stockton and Colonel Fremont, informing him that California 
was already in the hands of the United States. Sending back his 
main army, he marched on with a hundred men, and with Stockton 
and Fremont completed the subjugation of the province. Fremont 
had been proclaimed governor, but Kearney proceeded to Monterey, 
and there assumed the office of governor, and proclaimed that California 
was annexed to the United States 

Before proceeding to California, General Kearney had detached 
Oylonel Doniphan against the Navajo Indians. He compelled that 
tribe to make peace, and then inarched toward Chihuahua to join 
General Wool. On the 22d of December he encountered a Mexican 
■force at Bracitos, whom he dispersed, and, pushing on through the 
hostile country, on the last day of February found the Sacramento 
Pass, eighteen miles from Chiliuahua, held by four thousand Mexicans, 
under General Trias. After a short but decisive struggle, in which 
the Mexicans were completely routed, Doniphan pu.shed on, and on 
the 2d of March took possession of that large city, and the province 
-of the same name. After giving his soldiers a short rest here after 
their march of many thousand miles, he advanced to Saltillo, where 
General Wool was encamped. 

The authority of the United States in these conquered parts was 
firmly established, and, though some outbreaks occurred, the Mexicans 
were never able to regain possession of any part. 



688 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

But the war was not yet ended. Thougii the Mexicans had 
been defeated in the field, and many of their provinces occupied, 
their spirit was unbi'oken, and the Americans found that they must 
strike at the capital, if they wished to conquer a peace. 

There, Santa Anna, after outwitting them, was now preparing all 
the resources of the republic for the ultimate struggle of the war. 

The Government of the United States now formed a new plan of 
operations, the first step in which was to attack and occupy Yera Cruz, 
the chief Mexican port on the Gulf; and from that point move upon 
Mexico itself. The plan was arduous and surrounded with difficulties. 
Vera Cruz was defended by the strong fortress of San Juan de Ulua, 
which had defied the French arms. The road from that port to Mex- 
ico was a gradual ascent, abounding in narrow mountain-passes, where 
a small force could hold an army at bay. 

Preparations were, however, made to carry out this plan of cam- 
paign. General Scott was directed to raise a new army, drawing such 
forces as he could safely fr&m General Taylor. This army he was to 
lead in person. After making all necessary arrangements at' Wash- 
ington, he proceeded to Texas late in the year, to form his troops for 
service as they arrived. In March, 1847, he concentrated all his 
troops at Lobos Island, about a hundred and twenty-five miles north 
of Vera Cruz, and on the 7tli embarked from that point for Vera 
Cruz, on a squadron commanded by Commodore Connor. Two days 
later he appeared before that citv with an army of thirteen thousand 
men. 

Santa Anna, who felt that he could depend on a vigorous if not suc- 
cessful resistance to the Americans, when they should appear before 
Vera Cruz, had resolvod to act with vigor -igainst Taylor, whose army 



OR, OUIl COUNTRY « ACHIEVEMENTS. 689 

was much weakened. By unparalleled exertions he assembled an 
army of twenty-two thousand men, and at the opening of the year lay 
with these at San Luis Potosi, waiting his opportunity to strike an 
effective blow. At last he resolved to hurl his whole force on Taylor 
and crush him, before he marched to check Scott's advance. 

In February, Taylor, with gloomy forebodings; heard of Santa 
Anna's approach, and, calling in his various divisions, effected a junc- 
tion with Wool at Agua Nueva. Then he fell back to a position of 
remarkable strength near Buena Yista, eleven miles frqm Saltillo, and 
there drew up his force, about six thousand strong, with his left on a 
high mountain, and his right and front so covered by a series of 
ravines as to be impracticable even for infantry. 

Santa Anna, who believed the American general to be flying before 
him, pushed on with his whole force, well equipped, but suffering sadly 
for want of provisions. About noon on the 22d of February, Santa 
Anna was within two miles of the American lines, and, assuring 
Taylor that he was surrounded so that escape was impossible, called 
on him to surrender. 

A stern refusal showed Santa Anna that he must attack the Ameri- 
can general in his strong position. Skirmishing began that day. 
Santa Anna, finding the American left ^he only feasible point, de- 
tached General Ampudia with light troops to occupy the mountain. 
These were attacked by the "American left, upder Colonel Marshall, 
and au active skirmishing was kept up till night closed on the scene. 
At the same time a detachment of Mexican cavalry, under G-eneral 
Miiion, was operating against GTeneral Taylor's rear. In the morning, 
Santa Anna again attacked Taylor's extreme left, and then threw him- 
self on the centre. Eepulsed here, he accumulated his forces, under 



fiOO. THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOJ^ ; 

G-euerals Lombardini and Pacheco, to force the left, then held bj' Lane. 
The eharge was a terrible one. In vain O'Brien's artillery hurled 
its shot and shell into the advancing corps of Mexicans. It swept 
iSteadily on. An Indiana regiment fled in confusion : the left wing 
gave way. General Wool, in command in ii'ont, called in the 
light troops on the mountain, and drew in his left. Santa Anna en- 
deavored to follow up his advantage ; but Taylor, hurrying up from 
tbe rear, threw fresh troops on the left. The battle was renewed with, 
fury. Again and again Santa Anna swept down with foot and horse 
to break the line, but always with increasing loss. One of his de- 
tachments, reaching the American rear, attacked the trains and bag- 
gage at Baena Vista, but were checked and cut off from their main 
body by Colonels Marshall and Yell. 

Then Santa Anna, calling on his left and all his reserves, led the 
last attack in person, sustained by General Perez and Pacheco. Again 
the well-handled batteries of O'Brien and Bragg poured death into the 
advancing columns ; but Santa Anna pushed on, and made a fearful 
charge. The level portion between the ravines became the scene of 
furious encounter, of alternate attack and defense. The American 
troops fought with desperate courage, conscious that retreat was im- 
possible — that they must conquer or perish. However, the Kentucky 
and Illinois regiments, after losing Colonels Clay, Hardin of the First 
Illinois, and McKee, were driven back. 

Once more Santa Anna endeavored to follow up the slight advan- 
tage gained so dearly, but the terrible American artillery and the diffi- 
culties of the ground checked him. He finally drew back ; and when 
night closed over the fearful day's battle, the two armies lay as they 
had at daybreak. 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. (591 

In the morning, G-eneral Taylor prepared to renew the battle, but 
he soon found that the work was done. The Mexicans had retreated 
during the night, leaving their dead and wounded on the tield. Such 
was the eventful battle of Bnena Vista, in which an American army 
of five thousand men sustained for a whole day the repeated attacks 
of an array four times its number. Taylor's loss was about three hun- 
dred killed, and five hundred wounded, while Santa Anna's loss was 
estimated at two thousand. 

This glorious victory confirmed the American supremacy, and over- 
threw the Mexican power in that portion of the country. General 
Taylor centered his army at Monterey, and soon after returned to the 
United States in consequence of difficulties with the War Department. 
General Wool then assumed command of the arm}^ at Monterey. 

Taylor's campaign had been most creditable to him as a commander. 
There was nothing to dim the lustre of his army but occasional law- 
less acts by some of the volunteers, among whom it was not easy to 
enforce strict discipline. 

His campaign from Palo Alto to Buena Tista had been a school 
where many officers were trained, who at a later day fought against 
each other in the terrible civil war. Here Mansfield distinguished 
himself as an engineer ; Bragg, with his artillery ; Halleck, Lowe, 
Wallace, Richardson, and many others, in both the regular and volun- 
teer service. 

The victory at Buena Vista closed the campaign of General Taylor 
in that part of Mexico. He had not an army large enough to advance, 
and he had already effected more than had been expected. He was, 
however, too brave a man and too able a general to remain idle when 
there was real service to be done. His victories made him extremely 
popular, and at last raised him to the presidential chair. 



69? THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Scott meanwhile was investing Vera Cruz and its renowned fortress. 
He sumuioucd the city to surrender, and on its refusal prepared to 
bombard it. The fleet took up a position to give the most efficient aid, 
and batteries were planted on land in the best positions the engineers 
could reach. On the 22d, the bombardment of the fortress and the 
city began. The destruction in Vera Cruz was fearful, as nearly seven 
thousand shot ^nd shell were hurled into the devoted city. The loss 
of life among the citizens, their wives and children, was terrible, one 
of the sad barbarities of modern warfare. The Mexican commander, 
General Landero, asked for a truce to allow non-combatants and neu- 
trals to withdraw ; but Scott would not consent, and the fearful bom- 
bardment went on till the 26th, when Landero made proposals for a 
capitulation. Three days after, the garrison of five thousand men 
marched out and laid down their arms, giving their parole not to serve 
in the war until exchanged. 

General Scott immediately occupied the city of Vera Cruz and the 
castle of San Juan de Ulua, with two smaller forts, Santiago and 
Concepcion, five hundred pieces of artillery falling into his hands. 

This capture was eifected with very slight loss, the Americans not 
losing in all a hundred men, while the Mexicans are said to have had 
nearly a thousand killed, and many more wounded. The reverse was 
unexpected, and gave a terrible blow to the plans of Santa Anna, as it 
was his strongest post, and was full of artillery and supplies. 

He saw that his action must be prompt and vigorous. His bloody 
repulse at Buena Vista had taught him that he was engaged with an 
enemy most difficult to cope with. But he must now meet a victorious 
army with comparatively raw troops. Gathering what forces he 
could at the instant, he marched to check Scott's advance. It was 



OK, OUR country's achievemebtts, 693 

time. Scott bad lost no time in landing wagons and other necessaries 
for transportation. On the 8th of April, Twiggs's division mjved for- 
ward to the interior, like Cortez of old. Santa Anna was approaching 
rapidly with his new army. Near the coast the territory of Mexico is 
low, flat, and unhealthy. This is the Tierra Caliente ; then it begins to 
rise gradually till in the interior it spreads out in one vast table-land. 
When G-eneral Twiggs reached the little village of Plen del Rio, on 
the limit of the Tierra Caliente, he found himself confronted by the 
Mexican army under Santa Anna, drawn up in a very strong position 
at the pass of Cerro Gordo, and numbering nearly twelve thousand 
men, with artillery well planted. Before Twiggs could attack, Gen- 
eral Scott came up with the main body, making his force in the field 
about eight thousand five hundred men. 

Early on the 17th, Twiggs began to cut a road through the brush- 
wood, to reach Cerro Gordo without l)eing exposed to a heavy Mexi- 
can battery between that point and the American camp. Here the 
battle began. Santa Anna hurried up to cheer on his men ; but the 
^Lmericans, under Colonel Childs, drove him back, and occupied the 
heights of Atalaya. The next day the American troops, under Gen- 
eral Harney and Colonel Riley, from this point stormed the heights 
.if Cerro Gordo on different sides, and killing the Mexican com- 
mander, General Vasquez, drove his force from the hill with terrible 
loss. The victorious troops now found themselves within range of an- 
other Mexican battery, and Colonel Riley, with General Shields, 
were detached to take it. Shields fell severely wounded, but Baker 
gallantly led on his men and drove the Mexicans from their guns. 

All was now confusion. Santa Anna in vain* endeavored to rally his 
men to check the progress of the Americans. His army was totally 



694 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

routed. The heavy Mexican battery nearest the American caiup had 
galhiutly repulsed an assault led by General Pillow ; but seeing Santa 
Anna routed, they hoisted a white flag, and surrendered, to the num- 
ber of three thousand men. Scott's loss was sixty-three killed and three 
hundred and sixty-seven wounded, while Santa Anna lost a thousand 
killed and wounded, and three times as manj^ remained as prisoners 
of war in the hands of the American general. Santa Anna himself 
with difficulty escaped from the field. Scott, having thus gained the 
Eastern Cordilleras, pushed on to Jalapa, and having occupied the 
strong castles of La Hoya and Perote, advanced upon the important 
city Puebla de los Angeles. Perote was the strongest fortress in Mex- 
ico after San Juan de Ulna, but it surrendered without firing a gun, 
and no resistance was made at the strongly fortified city of Puebla, 
with its population of eighty thousand people. Here Greneral Scott 
was compelled to halt in his career of victory. Three thousand of his 
volunteers had served the time for which they had enlisted, and now 
withdrew, leaving him with too small a force to continue his progress. 
This was all the more unfortunate, as it gave the brave and capable 
Santa Anna time to recover from his series of defeats, and organize 
new plans for the defense of the menaced capital, as well as to gather 
and drill the army to carr}^ out his designs. 

It was not till August that Scott, having been reinforced, so that he 
had again an army of ten thousand men, resumed his march. They 
had now left the unhealthy Tierra Caliente. The American soldiers 
found their line of march traversing a beautiful, well-watered country', 
with a fine climate. Before them rose the great Cordilleras, and as- 
cending these, they looked down into the beautiful valley where 
Mexico lay amid its lakes. 



OR, oi"i: cot^ntky's achievements. 695- 

When Scott reached the city of Mexico the Government of the United 
States had in vain endeavored to open negotiations. The Mexicans 
sternly refused ever^' proposal of peace. Indeed, those in authority 
durst not entertain for a moment any proposition. Santa Anna had 
raised an army of twenty-live thousand men, with which he held all the 
strong positions around the cit}-, and stood ready to check the American 
advance. General Scott, avoiding the regular causeways leading to the 
city, as they were all protected by fortresses, pushed on to San Augus- 
tin. Here the Mexicans had made little preparation, for at this 
point began the Pedregal, a broken field of lava, the remains of some 
extinct volcano. This rough and sterile lava-bed was deemed impassa- 
ble by troops, and no attempt was made to defend it, though General 
Valencia lay beyond it with a force of six thousand men. Undeterred 
by the nature of the ground. General Persifer F. Smith, pushed on 
across the Pedregal with his own brigade and those commanded bv 
Riley and Cadwallader. Shields pressed on steadily behind him. At 
San Hieronymo, Smith came up with Santa Anna, but the Mexican 
general fell back ; and at three o'clock in the morning, in the pitchy 
darkness, Riley advanced to assault the Mexican works at Contreras. 
He soon carried them, and was in possession of the enemy's camp. 
Smith's brigade had been attacked by Torrejon's cavalry, but the Mexi- 
can lancers with all their horsemanship and prowess could not stand 
before Smith's brigade, which utterly routed them. Cadwallader, 
Shields, hnd Pierce, who had Iteen engaged holding in check Santa 
Anna's reserves, now hemmed in the fugitives and cut them down. 

The Mexicans were utterly defeated. Although the Americans as- 
sailed strong works, their loss was comparatively small, not exceeding- 
a hundred in all, while fifteen hundred, Mexicans lay dead and wounded 



696 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

ju tlie field of Coutreras, and a thousand more were prisoners, with 
cannon, mnskets, and stores. To the delight of the whole army 
O'Brien's guns, so gallantly lost at Buena Yista, were here recov- 
ered. 

Having gained the position at Contreras, one great step was -accom- 
plished ; but Churubusco was the key to the city, and the assault upon 
it was a much more serious affair. 

Santa Anna had posted himself, with an army of thirty thousand 
:men, in a strong position. An old church and convent had been made 
part of his defenses, and strong fortifications covered the bridge by 
which the Americans could best advance to the assault. Undismayed 
by the numbers of the enemy or the strength of their works, the 
American army came on in three divisions. Worth led the right to 
attack the Mexican post covering the bridge, and drove them to the 
fortifications, which opened on him. At these he led on his men. 
Twiggs and Pillow rushed on with their gallant fellows to storm the 
convent ; while Shields, with the left, swept around to attack the 
enemy's I'eserve in the rear. The struggle was desperate : the Mexi- 
can fire of artillery and musketry swept through the small American 
line, and it was again and again driven back from the convent and for- 
tifications ; but stubborn valor prevailed : both points were carried. 
Shields and Pierce found the reserves intrenched, and they repeat- 
edly charged amid a murderous fire without success. They could 
neither carry the works nor demoralize the Mexicans ;, l)ut a loud 
American hurra rose above the din of battle. Worth, after carrying 
the works before him, was sweeping down to take the Mexican 
reserve in flank. Then the enemy gave way, and the American 
commanders pushed on in hot pursuit to the very gates of the capital. 



OR. ouPv country's achievements. 697 

Santa Anna had lost the battle of Chnrubusco, and his great army 
was shattered ; ten thousand men laj" dead or wounded, or were grim 
prisoners in the hands of General Scott. It had not been a bloodless 
Victory to that general. Of his army, less than ten thousand in all, 
one thousand fell dead or wounded at Chnrubusco, with nearly a hun- 
dred officers. 

Tlie city of Mexico was now really at the mercy of General Scott, 
as Santa Anna could not have prevented his inarching in and taking 
possession ; but the jMexican commander resolved to make one raore 
effort. To gain time to rally his forces, he opened negotiations. Scott 
fell into the snare, and, satisfied with what he had achieved, agreed to 
an armistice. He was soon, however, convinced of his mistake ; and 
finding that Santa Anna Avas insincere, and was nierelj' amusing him 
to gain time, he resolved to attack the city before all the fruit of the 
victories at Contreras and Chnrubusco was lost. 

But the conquest that might have been bloodless, was now to be pur= 
chased at a heavy cost of life. The Mexicans had been fortifying their 
position, and again breathed defiance. The point to be attacked by 
General Scott in order to gain the city, was the fortress of Chapulte- 
pec, and the defenses at its base. These consisted of a stone work 
called Molino del Rey, or the King's Mill, and the arsenal. Both were 
filled with troops, and the interval between them was occupied by a 
large force of infantry with artilleiy. Here Santa Anna himself, with 
Generals Valdarez and Leon, awaited the American attack. General 
Worth was ordered to lead the assault. Early on the morning of the 
8th of September his corps advanced by starlight. On the right a 
storming party under Wright attacked the Molino, but were driven 
back by the volleys of tlie Mexicans with terrible loss. Smith and 



»;98 

Cadwallader, however, hastened up, and Garland burst on their fiank 
These commanders at last drove the enemy irom their strong position. 

At the arsenal, on the left, the fight was oi' the fiercest description. 
Here Mcintosh led his brigade up gallantly to the assault, but he soon 
fell wounded . the next in command was killed, and finally the whole 
brigade was driven back by the tremendous fire of the Mexicans. As 
they recoiled from this almost impregnable position shattered and deci- 
mated, the Mexican G-eneral Alvarez, with his cavalry, came rushing 
down upon them ; but Sumner's dragoons and Duncan's batterj' met 
ihis charge, and at last drove Alvarez from the field. 

Duncan then opened on the arsenal, and by his steady and well- 
directed fire dislodged the enemy from that position, which was imme- 
diately occupied by our troops. So far. General Worth had carried the 
last bulwark. He had accomplished the task assigned to him, but it 
had been at fearful loss : of the brave men who went into that fight, 
eight hundred, including fifty-eight officers, lay dead or djing, reducing 
Scott's force to about three thousand men. Santa Anna, who had lost 
two of his best generals, and nearly two thousand men, fell back, and 
gathered the remainder of his troops on the .southern front of the city. 

Worth after this action dismantled the Mexican works and resumed 
his original positioa 

Chapultepec, a grim old fortress, towering high above them, remained 
to be taken by Scott before the final storming of Mexico, the capital. Its 
frowning heights, with the fortress, and militar}- academy, held by men 
now nerved with desperation, tola that its rocky sides would run with 
blood before the Stars and Stripes were planted on the summit. 

General Scott in a council planned th^ assault. He erected four 
heavy batteries to bear upon the fortress, and on the 12lh of Septem- 



OE, OFR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. TiPO 

ber began a heavy cannonade and bombardment. The next day 
Twiggs moved around to make a feigned attack on the south ; while 
two cohimns, one led by General Quitman, the other by General Pil- 
low, moved forward by different roads to attack Chapultepec. The 
Mexicans held the foot of the hill with artillery, but the American 
artillery soon silenced the Mexican cannon and drove the men from the 
guns. Then came the rush of the Americans. With a cheer liic re- 
doubt of the slope was taken, and the Mexican detachment driven up 
the hill. Up in pursuit charged the Americans. Pillow fell wounded 
before he reached the top, but the men pressed on. The fortress walls 
are reached. Some plant ladders, others batter in the gates. They 
swarm over the walls and through. Chapultepec is entered. But all 
is not won. The Mexicans made a desperate fight, although they were 
cut down on all sides. At last, seeing no hope left, they begged for 
quarter and surrendered. 

General Scott soon reached the spot to l<iok down on the humbled 
capital. Xow resolved to lose no advantage, he orders Worth with his 
fresh men to attack the San Cosme gate, and Quitman that of Belen. 
The high causeways leading to these gates w^ere defended by barri- 
cades well manned and commanded ; but both American generals car- 
ri'-d them at a charge and reached the gates. Quitman actually en- 
tered the city ; but Worth met greater opposition, as .santa Anna threw 
troops into the houses, and for a time checked Worth's advance ; liut, 
breaking through from house to house, hoisting cannon to the house- 
iops, he fought his way in. 

When night closed the two American commanders had eff'ected a 
iodgraent in the city. 



700 THK STORY OF A GREAT KATION ; 

Utterly broken and disheartened, Santa Anna lied from Mexico that 
nmht with the remnant of his force. 

The next morning a deputation came to propose a capitulation. 

General Scott refused to listen to any. {)roposals. lie had taken thfe 
city, and it was too late to talk about its surrender. Although there 
was no force of regulars to oppose him, some convicts, escaping from 
prison, began to fire on the Americans. These were soon routed, and 
Scott entered the ancient city of Montezuma, with his gallant and vic- 
torious army grimy and warworn with a long campaign, and I't'duced 
in the last desperate battles by the loss of more than fifteen hundred 
men 

Having established his headquarters, G-eneral Scott proclaimed mar- 
tial law, and established a firm discipline, to prevent any such outrages 
as had occurred in some other parts. So fi I'ui and just was the govern« 
ment of the citj^, compared with the misgovernment and tyranny to 
which they had been subjected, that many leading men of Mexico pro- 
posed to General Scott to retain possession and give them a good and 
permanent administration. 

But the American general sought only to serve his country. He 
had forced Mexico to submit. 

His Government was to settle the terms with the conquered republic. 
Peace was now certain ; but General Scott was soon after recalled, and, 
leaving the army in Mexico, he returned to New York in the spring. 

The fall of Mexico ])nt a stop to hostilities in that vicinity ; but 
Santa Anna, recovering a little courage, once more appeared in the 
field, and attempted to break the American line of communications. 
Puebla was held by a small American force under Colonel Childs, and, 
though besieged by a large body of Mexicans, refused to rm-render. 



OR, OUU COUNTRT's ACHIEA^EjMENTS. 701 

Santa Anna joined the besiegers witli his army, and used every exer- 
tion to take the place before relief could reach it. 

Failing in this, he resolved to strike a blow in another quarter, and 
Iiearing that an American detachment under Lane was marching to 
reinforce Colonel Childs, he attempted to intercept it. The two corps 
met at Huamantla, on the 9th of October, and after a brief action, 
Lane routed Santa Anna ; and pushing on to Atlixco, attacked the 
Mexican guerilla Rea, who had cut off a hundred men of Major Lally's 
command. On the 16th, he utterly routed Rea, killing and wounding 
more than five hundred of his opj)onents. 

Santa Anna, now a mere fugitive, rejected by the people whom he 
had led on to resist the Americans, resigned all his offices, and the 
govcrumout of Mexico devolved on Pena, who at once called a con- 
vention to consider the critical state of Mexican affairs. It met at 
Queretaro in November, and conforming to the expressed opinion of 
Pena, appointed commissioners to treat of peace with the United 
States. N. P. Trist, acting on the part of that republic, soon brought 
negotiations to a close, and on the 2d of Februarj', 1848, the commis- 
sioners of the two nations signed a treaty of peace at Guadalupe Hi- 
dalgo. This treaty, linally accepted by both Governments, and pro- 
claimed by President Polk on the 4th of July, gave to the United 
States the disputed territory between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, 
as to which the war had arisen, and in addition New Mexico and 
California. The American Government on its side agreed to pay 
Mexico fifteen millions of dollars, three millions in hand, and twelve 
millions in four annual installments. They were to evacuate the Mexi- 
can territory within three months. The war having thus closed, the 
American army withdrew fi-om ]\Iexico in the course of the summer. 



702 THE PTOltY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

The now tcrriLon- thus added to the United States is not without 
its interest in an liistorical point of view. New Mexico had been 
discovered by the Spaniards as early as the year ISiJO, by a Francis- 
can, Father Marli, ol' Nice in Italy, who j)cnetrated to Ziini, one of 
the Indian towns still standing. He found the country inhabited by a 
half-civilized race, living in houses built close together of sunburnt 
bricks, several stories high, each story smaller than those beneath, 
and reached by ladders, (here being no door or opening on the outside, 
The main entrance was in the roof. These Indians cultivated the soil, 
used haiul-mills for grinding corn, wove cloth, made pottery, and 
showed great intelligence. 

An expedition under Vasquez de Corouado occupied the country in 
1540, and zealous missionaries began to labor among the Indians, some 
of (hem losing their lives in the Christian work. 

California, which had been discovered by Cortez, the conqueror of 
Mexico, was visited bv a fleet under Vizcaino, at the same time that 
Coronado was exploring New Mexica. John de Oiiate finally entered 
New Mexico in 1505, under a patent from Philip 11. of Spain, with 
colonists, and founded St. Gabriel, and soon after Santa Fe, in which 
the governor of New Mexico resided as early as IGOO. Thus we see 
that that little town, even now far removed from all our thriving States 
and cities, is really, next to St. Augustine in Florida, the oldest city 
in the United States. 

The Spaniards converted nearly all the natives to Christianity by 
the 3'ear 162G, and ruled the country in peace for manj^ years ; but in 
1680, owing to the tyranny of the military governors, the Indians rose 
and nearly exterminated the Spaniards, San Juan de los Caballeros 
b*^inoc Ihe (inly large place that escaped. The Spaniards, however. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 703 

:soon recovered the country, and attempted to extend it, sending ex- 
peditions to wliat is now Kansas. New Mexico rormed a part of I\Icx- 
ieo till, by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, it became jiart of the 
United States. Before the United States had taken any steps as to its 
government, Texas claimed New Mexico as part of its terrilory. This 
claim was resisted by the Americans who had settled there ; and in 
consequence, Colonel Monroe, the governor of New Mexico, in 1850. 
called a convention, which adopted a constitution, and proceeded to 
solicit admission as a State. 

California was not so soon occupied by the Spaniards. It was too re- 
mote, and seemed to offer little inducement for colonists. 

The Jesuits began missions in Lower California, and were extending 
their labors northward at the time of their sujipression in the last cen- 
tury. In 17G9, Galvez resolved to settle Upper California, and set out 
with a considerable force, taking live stock an<l all necessaries. The 
Franciscans, who had succeeded the Jesuits, began missions in Upper 
California, with a little garrison of soldiers near each. Out of these 
grew many of the present older towns in that State. 

In this way San Diego, Monterey, San Francisco, and other cities 
of California were founded just about the time of our Kevolution. A 
few Spaniards settled in the territory, and the Indians were raised to a 
high degree of civilization by the missionaries, who taught them agri- 
culture and manufactures, and enabled them to live in comfort. The 
missions were sometimes attacked by wild Indians, and several of the 
devoted men were killed ; but the country prospered until 1824, wlien 
the Mexican Government sent out men to seize the mission lands and 
dispossess the Indians. In a short time those thriving conununities 
were broken up. nnd the Indians, left to themselves, fell back (o less 



704 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATIO:^ : 

jjivilized ways, and diminished greatly. California did not gain in 
white settlers to make up the loss, and became a languishing province 

England and France both began to feel the importance of San 
Francisco "as a port on the Pacific, and the Russians actually began a 
settlement at Bodega, not far from it. 

The mineral wealth of California was not known at that time, but 
the same month that the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, a man 
in the employ of Captain Sutter, who had settled on the Sacramento 
River discovered gold. This set others to examine, and gold was found 
in man}' places. As soon as this became known in the United States, a 
general excitement ensued. Thousands started at once for the land of 
gold, endeavoring to reach California by any kind of vessel, the only 
modes of proceeding at the time be'/ig to sail around Cape Horn, or to 
go to the Isthmus of Panama, and cross there, and take shipping on 
the Pacific. 

The population increased so that a regular Territorial Government 
was organized. 

During the war, the United States had prospered, and showed their 
appreciation of suffering abroad by sending relief to the starving poor 
in Ireland. A vessel of the United States navy on one occasion car- 
ried over a cargo of provisions : a better use than bombarding cities 
and carrjang death and desolation amid women and children cluster- 
ing around the family altar. 

During this administration, Wisconsin was admitted into the Unio» 
in 1848, and Oregon organized as a Territory, as Minnesota also Avas in 
1849. But the discovery of gold in California drew the tide of emi- 
gration to that new Territory, and checked for a time the growth of 
the Northwest. 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 705 

At the election which took phice in 1848, Lewis Cass was put for- 
ward by the Democratic party, and General Taylor by the Whigs ; 
but many of the Democrats did not accept the political views enter- 
tained by the adherents of General Cass, and Martin Van Bureu was 
nominated by a section of tlie i)art3' adverse to the extension of sla- 
very and known as Free-soilers. Zachary Taylor, accordingly, was 
elected President, and Millard Fillmore, Vice-President. 



CHAPTER XII. 



ZACHAEY TAYLOR, TWELFTH PRESIDENT— 1849-1850. 
MILLARD FILLMORE, THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT— 1850-1853. 

Brief Administration of General Taylor — Admission of California — Fillmore as President- 
Lopez and the Cuban Affairs — Sioux Indians — Kossuth — Sir John Franklin and the Grinneli 
Expedition — Fishery Question — Death of Clay and Webster — The Telegraph. 

Zachary Taylor, born in Virginia, in November, 1781, before the 
close of the Revolution, removed in childhood to Kentucky. In 1807. 
he entered the United States army, and had won distinction in the 
war with Great Britain, as well as at a later date in the Seminole war 
and the first campaign against Mexico. His brilliant victories at Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, and Buena Vista had made him 
a favorite with the people. 

xVlthough he had never fdled any civil position in the Government, 
great hopes were placed on his integrity and decisive character. He 
selected as his first Cabinet, John M. Clayton, as Secretary of State ; 
"William M. Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury ; George W. Craw- 
ford, Secretary of War ; William B. Preston, Secretary of the Navy ; 



700 THE STOllY OF A GKEAT NATIOK ; 

ami to the newly erected Department of the Interior he appointed 
Tiionias Evving. 

One of the first questions for consideration was the erection of a 
State Government in California, a somewhat premature step, but called 
for bj' the large number who had already settled in the State, and the 
constant influx from all parts. 

Governor Riley, the military governor of California, called a con- 
vention to form a State Constitution, which it did, September 1, 1849. 
"When the people adopted the instrument submitted to them by this 
convention, they elected Peter H. Burnett as Governor. This Consti- 
tution excluded slavery from California. 

The Legislature at once proceeded to e]»ect two Senators, who hast- 
ened to Washington with a petition asking the recognition of Califor- 
nia as a State. On the meeting of Congress in December, Genei'ul 
Taylor sent in these petitions and recommended action upon tliem ; but 
intense excitement prevailed through the country. Taking alarm at 
the hostility manifested by Northern members to the institution of 
slavery, the Southern members of Congress prepared to secede from 
the Union. A convention Avas called at Nashville, January, 1850 to 
consider the step. 

The question of slavery excited violent debates in Congress, which 
lasted for four months, and resulted in the Compromise Act of 1850, 
passed ou the 9th of September. By this, California was admitted as a 
free State ; the country east of it was formed into Utah Territory, with 
uo limitation in regard to slavery ; New Mexico was made a Tci-riiory 
in the same way. At the same time ])rovisiou was made for 
the return by the Northern States of fugitive slaves from the 
South. 



OR, OUR cou:xti:y's achievements. 707 

But before this act passed, Zachary Taylor passed away. He died, 
July 9, 1850, of a suddeu aud painful illness. 

Millard Fillmore, a native of Cayuga County, New York, who had 
risen from the position of au humble mechanic to a high rank at the 
bar by his own exertions, assumed the duties of the Presidency on the 
10th of July, 1850. He did not retain Taylor's Cabinet, but called 
Daniel Webster to the Department of State ; Thomas Corwin, to that 
of the Treasury ; made Charles M. Conrad Secretary of War ; Alex- 
ander H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior ; and William A. Gra- 
ham, Secretary of the Nav}'. 

Under his administration the questions as to the admission of Cali- 
fornia were, as we have seen, settled. Utah, made a Territory by the 
same act, had already been fixed upon by the Mormons as their future 
abode. In this Territory is a remarkable body of water, known as the 
Great Salt Lake, resembling the Dead Sea in the saline character of 
its waters. On this the Mormons began Salt Lake City. Here they 
commenced cultivating the soil and I'aising cattle. Missionaries were 
sent to Europe, who found many to join them in England, Wales, and 
Norwa3\ They thus increased rapidly in numbers, but being unre- 
strained b}' any neighbors, and under no control, they soon introduced 
many practices at violence with all civilized custom : among others, that 
of polygam}% by which a man had several wives at the same time. 
Brigham Young, their prophet and chief, was for a time the Governor 
appointed by the authorities at Washington, and this confirmed their 
power. As the Legislature of the Territory was entirely Mormon, and 
all the judges, there was no means of punishing a Mormon for polyg- 
amy,, or for many murders which were laid to their charge, sometimes 
of considerable bodies of emigrants. 



708 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATIOX ; 

The difficulties of treating tlie Mormon question, prevented the ad- 
nnssion of Utah as a State, and kept settlers from entering a Territory 
where they could not feel safe. 

During the troubles arising out of the French Revolution, Spain 
was for a time ruled by a brother of Napoleon, and became the scene 
of many battles between the English and French. Profiting by the 
distracted state of the mother country, all the Spanish colonies in 
North and South America threw off the Spanish yoke, and, following 
the example of the United States, formed separate republics. Spain 
was able to retain only Cuba, and Porto Rico, in the AYest Indies. 
In these, too, a republican feeling grew up ; and in 1851, 
pians were formed for a revolution in Cuba, with the design of 
throwing off all dependence on Spain, and making that island a 
republic. 

There were manj^ in the United States who sympathized with the 
Cubans, and who were ready to join in the attempt, many having 
seen service in Mexico. President Fillmore acted with decision, and 
prevented the organization and fitting out of a military force in the 
United States ; but in August, an expedition of four hundred and 
eighty men, under G-eueral Narciso Lopez, a native of South America, 
who had been in the Spanish service, sailed from New Orleans, in the 
steamer Pampero, and landed, on the 11th day of August, at Playtas, 
on the northern coast of Cuba. Leaving a small party under Colonel 
Crittenden, of Kentucky, at the landing, Lopez penetrated into the in- 
terior, expecting a general uprising of the people. None rallied to his 
standard. Crittenden and his party were captured by Spanish troops, 
and shot ; Lopez was soon defeated and his men dispersed. He. him- 
eeif, with some of his officers, was taken to Havana, and there garroted, 



OK, OUR COUXTRt's ACHIEVEMENTS. 709 

the mode of death used in Spanish parts. Others were condemned, 
but most of them were ultimate!}- pardoned. 

As emigration was steadily pouring to the Northwest, it became de- 
sirable to extinguish the Indian title to lands in Minnesota, and induce 
the powerful nation of Sioux to retire farther westward. By two trea- 
ties in 1851, they yielded large tracts of land ; but though the Indians 
thus ceded part of their hunting-grounds, they viewed with jealousy . 
the increase of the whites, and nourished a spirit of revenge. 

Among the acts of the first Congress under Fillmore's administra- 
tion, was one reducing the postage on letters to three cents for any 
distance under three thousand miles. The experiment of cheap post- 
age had been tried already in England, and found to be equally bene- 
ficial to the Grovernment and the people. Another act authorized the 
Government to send a vessel to bring to the United States Kossuth 
and other Hungarians, who had been exiled for their opposition to the 
Austrians. He in fact came over, and for a time excited attention by 
his eloquence, but the public interest in him soon died away. He was 
for the time the lion of the day — one of those distinguished foreigners 
over whom an excitement occurs every few years. The sympathy 
shown in the United States, and even by the G-overument, for the Hun- 
garians, had already elicited protests from the Austrian Government. 

This year witnessed the return of the first Grinnell expedition sent 
out under Lieutenant De Haven to the Arctic Ocean, to discover and 
rescue, if possible. Sir John Franklin, an English explorer, who had set 
out to seek the passage through to the Pacific, but who hnd not been 
heard of since 1848. Dr. Kane, who had accompanied De Haven, 
was sent out in 1853 on a second expedition, by the generous public 
spirit of Mr. Moses H. Grinnell, but failed to find the lost English 



710 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

navigator. Sir John Franklin had undoubtecllj^ perished amid the 
northern ice. 

An outrage on American shipping occurred at Grey town, Nicaragua, 
in November, 1851, which showed the English to be actuated by their 
old overbearing and arbitrary ideas. The American steamer Prome- 
theus was twice fired into by the British brig-of-war Uxpress, and 
compelled to pay illegal port dues before it was permitted to proceed. 
The English Government recoiled from any attempt to justify so gross 
an outrage, and disavowed the acts of the Express. It was the more 
necessary to maintain a good understanding between the two countries, 
as violent disputes already existed in regard to the fisheries. By the 
treaty of 1818, Americans were not to fish within three miles of the 
shore of the British provinces. On an irregular and much-indented 
shore, it became a question how this three miles was to be reckoned. 
The Americans considered the three-mile line to be one following the 
coast, and three-miles distant from it point for point, while the English 
drew a line between the most prominent points on the coast, and 
wished the Americans to be kept three miles beyond that, which 
would in some cases be five or six miles from the coast. The adjust- 
ment of this matter was one of Mr. Webster's last great acts. A mutu- 
ally satisfactory arrangement of the fishery question was effected 
by the Eeciprocity Treaty with the British colonies. 

Henry Clay, long a prominent American statesman representing the 
South, had died in June, 1852, having resigned his position as Sena- 
tor from Kentuck3^ Mr. Webster was now to follow. He died on 
the 21st of October. These two great men were universally lamented, 
as all felt that never perhaps in the country's history were such wise 
and experienced statesmen more needed in the management of pub- 



OPv, OUE COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 711 

lie affairs. Webster was succeeded as Secretary of State by the elo- 
quent Edward Everett, one of whose first duties was to reply to tha 
proposal of England and France to join them in a treaty by which 
Cuba should be secured to Spain. This was a step that America could 
never take. Everett replied distinctly, " that the United States could 
not see with indifference the Island of Cuba fall into the possession of 
any other European Government than Spain." While disclaiming any 
wish on the part of the United Slates to wrest Cuba from Spain, he 
showed that the power of Spain over that island must soon cease, and 
that, from its very position, America must be free to do what her inter- 
est demanded. 

In the last session under Mr. Fillmore, Washington Territory was 
formed out of part of Oregon ; money was appropriated to survey a 
line of railroad from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, so as t« 
bring the two shores of the continent into closer connection. 

A wonderful invention, the magnetic telegraph, perfected by Samuel 
F. B. Morse, an artist and polemical writer, had alreadj- been widely 
adopted. Companies had been formed which extended lines of tele- 
graph to all parts of the country, by which messages were sent over 
insulated wires with almost the speed of light, making the diffusion of 
intelligence nearly instantaneous. 

In the Presidential election of 1852, there were several candidates. 
The Democrats nominated Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, and as 
Vice-President, William R. King, of Alabama. The Whigs put for- 
ward G-eneral Scott as their candidate for the Presidency, with Wil- 
liam A, G-raham as Vice-President. The Free-soil party nominated 
John P. Hale, of New Hampshire. Mr. Pierce was elected by a 
large majority. 



CHAPTER XTII. 

FRANKLIN PIERCE, FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT— 18r.3-1857. 

The Mcgilla Valley Difficulty — Growth of the Country — Walker and Nicaragua — The Ostend 
Manifesto — Kansas and Nebraska — The Dangerous Excitement as to the Growth of Slavery. 

Franklin Pierce, born at Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 180*, 
received a finished education, and rose to a high rank at the bar. After 
holding various public positions, as member of the State Legislature, 
and Representative and Senator in Congress, he entered the army in 
the Mexican war as a private soldier, but was commissioned as briga- 
dier general. We have seen him already, with Shields, leading on the 
troops in some of the most important battles of the war. He came to 
the Presidency with a high reputation as a statesman and commander. 
His Cabinet was composed of men of mark : William L. Marcy, Sec- 
retary of State ; James Gruthrie, Secretary of the Treasury ; Robert 
McClellan, Secretary of the Interior ; Jefferson Davis, Secretary of 
War ; James Q. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navj- ; James Campbell, Post- 
master Greneral ; and Caleb Cushing as Attorney General. 

Mr. King, who had as President of the Senate acted as Vice-Presi- 
dent under Fillmore, did not long survive his election to that office. 
The oath of inauguration was administered to him in Cuba, whither he 
had gone to regain his shattered health ; but he died in April, 1853, 
and Mr. Atchison, of Missouri, as President of the Senate, acted as 
Vice-President. 

A border difficulty occurred in this administration in regard to a 
tract called the Mesilla Valley, which it was important for the United 
States to possess, but which Mexico claimed. After some negotiations, 
Mexico finally ceded it to the United States, relinquishing all her right 
on payment of a stipulated amount. 



OUR country's iCHIEVEMENTS. 7l S 

Settlements haci pushed on beyond the limits of Missouri, and when 
Congress met it was proposed to organize this tract into two Terri- 
tories, by the names of Kansas and Nebraska, the former Ij'ing be- 
tween 37° and 40° N., and the jiatter between 40^^ and 49° N. The 
question whether slavery should be admitted into these Territories 
aroused the whole country. The discussion was not confined to the 
halls where men met to discuss politics : churches rang with the ex- 
citing topic. A petition was presented to Congress against the 
admission of slavery into tliese Territories, and it was signed by three 
thousand clergymen. A bill was finallj^ passed, May 22d, organizing 
Nebraska as a Territorj", and leaving the question of slaver3' entirely 
to the people of the Territory, who were to permit or prohibit it as 
they chose. Kansas was soon after admitted on the same plan. 

America had refused to enter into the Tripartite Treat}^ and bind 
herself not to deprive Spain of the Island of Cuba. But the European 
Powers did not let the matter drop. The American ministers to Eng- 
land and France and Spain resolved to confer with each other, and 
they accordingly' met at Ostend, in Belgium, October 9, 18-54. Here Jlr. 
Buchanan, minister to England, Mr. Mason, minister to France, and 
Mr. Pierre Soule, minister to Spain, drew up the famous Ostend Mani- 
festo, in which they said : "If Spain, actuated by stubborn pride, and 
a false sense of honor, shall refuse to sell Cuba to the United States, 
by ever}^ law, human and divine, we (the United States) shall be 
justified in wresting it from Spain, if we possess the power." 

This document excited considerable discussion at home and abroad, 
but Government did not notice the affair. 

Meanwhile another occasion of difficulty arose from expeditions from 
the United States. The travel to California was .shortened bv crossing 



714 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the Isthmus of Panama, and a railroad opened in 1855 made the 
crossing easy and rapid. Another route led through the State of Nica- 
ragua in Central America. The project of a railroad there attracted 
many Americans to that country, and some began to take part in the 
endless revolutions which have proved ruinous to most of the repub- 
lics in Spanish America. William Walker, an American raised to 
office in Nicaragua, returned to the United States to obtain troops, and 
numbers enlisted under his standard. The Grovernraent of the United 
States used every effort to prevent their departure, but manj' got 
away. Walker succeeded in his attempt, and his Grovernment was 
recognized by President Pierce. It did not last long, however. 
Walker was driven out, and, in a subsequent attempt to regain his lost 
power, was captured and shot. 

While we were not very strict in enforcing neutrality on our citi- 
zens, we showed promptness in rebuking othei- Governments oft that 
score. About this very time, England and France were at war with 
Russia, and as England found it difficult to raise a sufficient number of 
soldiers, never having ventured to adopt the French system of con- 
scription, by which men are dragged from their business and forced 
into the army, it endeavored to recruit soldiei's in the United States. 
President Pierce, to check it, dismissed the British minister at Wash- 
ington, as well as the English consuls in New York and Cincinnati. 

The slavery question, so far as Nebraska was concerned, was settled 
by the very nature of the country. It was adapted only for noi'thern 
crops, and slave labor could not be profitable. Kansas became the 
scene of strife. If the South sent in most settlers, it would be a slave 
State ; if the North sent most, it would be another free State. The 
whole country was again convulsed, and the most inflammatory articles 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 715 

in tlie papers and speeches iv the people kept the excitement 
alive. 

Amid it all a new eleciioii took place. The Democratic party put 
forward as its candidate James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, with 
John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, as Vice-President. The new 
party opposed to the extension of slavery, which now assumed the 
name of the Republican party, selected as their candidate John C. 
Fremont, who had played so prominent a part in the conquest of Cali- 
fornia. The party opposed to the immigration of foreigners and the 
extension of the Catholic Church had revived, and gained strength in 
some parts to such an extent that for the first time it put forward a 
Presidential candidate. It was called the American or Know-Nothing 
party, and its choice fell on jMillard Fillmore, who had already so hon- 
orably filled the Presidential chair. After an exciting election, Mr. 
Buchanan was chosen, the Know-Nothing party showing itself insig- 
nificant ; but it was evident that the Republican party was rapidly 
gaining in strength. This sought only to limit slavery, but declared 
that it did not seek to interfere with the old slave States, or abolish 
slavery there, as a little party called Abolitionists demanded. Many 
who respected the rights of slaveholders under the Constitution, were 
averse to seeing slavery extend farther into the country. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

JAMES BUCHANAN, FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT— 1857-1861. 

Kansas — Its Civil War and final Admission as a Free State — Admission of other New States — 
Territories Organized — Party Violence — Joim Brown and Harper's Ferry — Four Presiden- 
tial Tickets — Election of Abraham Lincoln — Secession of Soutli Carolina and six other 
States — Tlicy form the Confederate States of America — Seizure of Forts — Anderson and 
Fort Sumter — Tlie Ineffectual Attempt to Relieve it. 

James Buchanan brought to the Presidency long experience in pub- 
lic affairs as a Cabinet officer, legislator, and diplomatist. He was 
born in the State of Pennsylvania, in April, 1791, and was elected to 
the Legislature of his native State at the age of twenty-three. His 
Cabinet was composed of Lewis Cass, Secretary of State ; Howell 
Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury; John B.Floyd, Secretary of W;ir; 
Isaac Toucey, Secretary of the Navy ; Jacob Thompson, Secrelary of 
the Interior ; Aaron V. Brown, Postmaster General ; and Jeremiah 
S. Black, Attorney General. 

Kansas was the great difficulty. The animosity of the two parties 
there led to repeated acts of violence, and the governors with great 
difficulty prevented a civil war. When the time came ibr framing a^ 
Constitution, two conventions met ; one, of those favoring slaverj-, at 
Lecompton ; the other, adverse to it, at Tojjeka. Each adopted a Con- 
stitution. The elections that followed were marked b}^ every species of 
fraud and violence. Buchanan, recognizing the Lecompton Constitution, 
sent it to Congress in Februaiy, 1858, with a message recommending 
its acceptance. Congress, however, directed its submission to the people, 
by whom it was ultimately rejected. Popular sovereignty had decided 
against slaveiy ; and a Constitution having been adopted, suppressing 



ouK country's achievements, 717 

slavery, Kansas, on the 29th of January, was admitted as a free 
State. 

Another Territory gave trouble also. This was Utah. As it was 
inhabited entirely by Mormons, whose strange religion and shameful 
practice of polygamy cut them off from the rest of the people, Con- 
gress had always deferred admitting them as a State. Incensed at this, 
they commenced revolutionary proceedings in 1857, destroying the 
records of the United States, and aiming at a separate existence. Brig- 
ham Young, who had unwisely been made governor by President 
Fillmore, was removed, and Colonel Cumniing appointed. A small army 
was sent to enforce the laws of the United States. Brigham Young 
threatened to resist, but, when the troops appeared, surrendered the 
reins of power to the new governor. From this moment the Mormons 
announced their intention of migrating, but for many years no such 
step was taken. The army, which had fortunately no necessit}- for 
action, was recalled, having lost a provision-train destroyed by the Mor. 
mons in the mountains. 

The year 1858 showed, though only for a time, the triumph of enter- 
prise and science in the laying of a transatlantic cable, extending from 
Europe to America, for the working of a magnetic telegraph. The 
wire was insulated by a coating of gutta-percha, and sunk in the ocean, 
a plateau having been discovered, extending from Ireland to New- 
foundland, where the depth of the water was remarkably less than in 
other parts. This great undertaking, due in no small degree to the 
energy of Cyrus W. Fields, of New York, was successfully accom- 
plished on the 5th of August, 1858, a cable sixteen hundred miles 
long extending from Valentia Bay, Ireland, to Trinity Bay, New- 
foundland. On the IGth, the whole machinery was in working. 



718 THE STOIIY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

order, and a message was sent over it from Queen Yictoria to Pres- 
ident Buchauau, and his reply was telegraphed back. But the cable 
almost immediately parted. 

The great objeel was, however, attained. It was possible to lay 
such a cable, and work it. In a few years another cable was laid, 
which excited competition. In our time we have our daily news from 
Europe, and know great events taking place in foreign countries often 
long before they are known in many parts of those very states where 
they occur. 

Lopez, who had made himself dictator of Paraguay, acted in so 
hostile a manner to American vessels, that a squadron was sent out 
under Commodore Sliubrick, which obtained satisfactory apology. 

England gave annoyance during this administration, b}^ reviving her 
old right of search, boarding many American vessels under the pre- 
text of their being engaged in the slave trade. 

The questions arising from slavery were exciting the whole country. 
Congress, carrying out the Constitution, had passed a law regulating 
the mode of returning to their masters fugitive slaves. This law was 
odious in the North, and was nullified by State laws, rendering it 
practically a dead letter. The South, in its exasperation, sought to 
revive the slave trade, and introduce new slaves direct from Africa. It 
was evident that a great struggle was at hand. The Republican party, 
though professedly moderate, disavowing any design to interfere with 
slavery in the South, would evidently be satisfied with nothing short 
of the absolute abolition of slavery. They were evidently aggressive, 
as the South was conservative. That the Republican party then 
aimed at the liberation of the slaves, and investing them with the 
almost exclusive political power, so that ignorant and violent negroes 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 719 

should legislate foi' and govern the cultivated white owners of the soil, 
no one then dreamed ; yet the result proved that the project existed. 

The first blow that showed the aggressive character of the North was 
the action of John Brown, in Virginia. On the dark night, October 
16th, 1859, this man, who had become a perfect fanatic during the 
civil war in Kansas, with a few followers, black and white, seized the 
United States arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and called on the 
slaves in that State to rise and strike for freedom. The call was un- 
heeded. The next day, the State mihtia invested the place, but Brown 
kept up the fight, and was finally reduced by a party of United States 
marines. Brown was badl}- wounded, and, with the survivors of his 
band, captured, indicted for treason, and tried within two weeks after his 
mad attempt, being brought into court on a mattress. He was promptly 
convicted, and, with his followers, was executed in December. The 
excitement caused by this aifair throughout the country was 
intense. 

The Presidential election was approaching. A Democratic conven- 
tion met in Charleston, but it broke up on the slavery question. At 
an adjoarned convention in Baltimore, Stephen A. Douglas was nomin- 
ated for President, but the members of the Slave States in a separate 
convention nominated John C.Breckinridge. A new party, taking a sort 
x)f middle course, put forward John Bell of Tennessee, and Edward 
Everett of Massachusetts. The Republican party united in putting 
forward Abraham Lincoln of Illinois, for President, and Hannibal 
Hamlin of Maine, for Vice-President. 

The election was very warndy contested, and showed some strange 
results in the method of electing a President. Mr. Lincoln received 
1,866,452 votes of the people, and 180 in the electoral college. 



720 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Douglas, though he was voted for by 1,375.14 4 citizens, had only 12 
votes in the electoral college ; while Breckinridge, who received only 
847,953 popular votes, had 72 electors in his favor ; and Bell, with a 
still smaller popular vote, 591,631, had 39 electoral votes. 

The excitement in the Southern States during the election had 
been intense, and the people were filled with the most bitter feel- 
ings. 

To their minds there was no alternative between a condition of vas- 
sals and war. South Carolina acted at once. She held that, under the 
Constitution of the United States, a State might at any time secede, as 
there was nothing in the instrument den3'ing the right, and that in the 
Convention the right had been virtually admitted. The Legislature 
of South Carolina accordinglj^ called a convention of the people. 
That body, on the 20th of December, unanimously adopted an ordi- 
nance repealing the adoption of the Constitution of the United States 
by South Carolina, and dissolving the Union on the part of that State. 
Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, approved the 
course of South Carolina, and prepared for secession. The other slave 
States hesitated. 

While the country was convulsed with excitement and the forebod- 
ings of a terrible future. Congress met. President Buchanan, in his 
message, calmly reviewed the whole situation. He deplored the vio- 
lent interference of the North in the matter of slavery, but showed 
that no act had yet been done by the General Government which could 
justify revolutionary resistance : "In order to justify secession as a con- 
stitutional reined}', it must be on the principle that the Federal Gov= 
ernnicnt is a mere voluntar}^ association of States, to be dissolved at 
pleasure by any one of the contracting parties If this be so, the 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 721 

cynnfederacy is a rope of sand, to be penetrated and dissolved by the 
first adverse wave of public opinion in any of the States. By this 
process, a Union might be entirely broken into fragments in a few 
weeks, which cost our fathers many j^ears of toil, privation, and blood 
to establish." But he did not believe that Congress had tlie right to 
com])cl the submission of a State by force of arms. He urged concilia- 
tion, and proposed such an amendment to the Constitution as would 
relieve the fears of the South. 

The coarse of the President pleased neither section of the country. 
But as he adopted the plan of not interfering to prevent secession, and 
several members of his Cabinet, including the Secretary of War, were 
avowed secessionists, they had nothing to oppose their work. The 
discussions in Congress were violent, but no measures were adopted. 

As soon as South Carolina seceded, the Senators and Representa- 
tives from that State left their seats in Congress, and nearly all citi- 
zens of that State who were officers in the United States service, whe- 
ther army, navj^, or civil, resigned. 

Immediately after the accomplishment of the secession of South 
Carolina, the people of that State prepared to seize the arsenals, cus- 
tom-houses, and other property of the United States. The harbor of 
Charleston was defended by Forts Moultrie, Sumter, and Castle Pinck- 
ney. There was a small garrison in IMonltrie, under Major Anderson, 
but the other works were not protected ; and Floyd, the Secretary of 
War, who had long been working to carry out the Southern plans, de- 
termined that they should not be. Major Anderson had in vain ap- 
pealed to Washington for reinforcements to secure all the forts. Find- 
ing that in case of attack he could not hold ^Moultrie with his small 
garriaon, Anderson, on the 26th of December, transferred his force to 



722 THE STOKT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Fort Sumter, wliicli, lying on an island in Charleston Harbor, v/as nm&h 
more easily defemled. 

The eifect of this movement was startling. General Cass, as Secre- 
tary of State, had urged the reinforcement of the forts, but Iiad been 
forced to retire from Mr. Buchanan's Cabinet. Now Floyd, insisting 
on the removal of Anderson and liis garrison, withdrew, and Joseph 
Holt of Kentucky became Secretary of War. 

The Grovernor of South Carolina at onc« seized Fort Moultrie and 
Castle Pinckney, the arsenal, custom-house, and post-office, and ordered 
Anderson to return to Fort Moultrie, an order which he of cour.se de- 
clined to obey. At Washington, three commissioners, sent from South 
Carolina to treat with the Government of the United States for the 
deliver}' of the forts and other property, denounced in violent lan- 
guage the conduct of Miijor Anderson. The President declined to re- 
ceive them in any but their individual capacity, or to order the evacua- 
tion of Fort Sumter. Their reply was in such language that Mr. 
Buchanan refused to receive it. 

South Carolina at once began to throw up works to besiege Fort 
Sumter. And other Southern States followed the example she had 
set of seizing the forts and other property belonging to the Federal 
Government. Georgia troops, by order of the Governor, seized Fort 
Pulaski, and, under orders of Governor Ellis of North Carolina, Fort 
Macon, the forts at Wilmington, and the United States arsenal at Fay- 
etteville were seized. Fort Morgan at Mobile, with an arsenal well 
stored with arms and ammunition, was seized by Alabama, although 
none of those States had yet pretended to secede. 

It became a question whether Major Anderson was to be reinforced 
or left to his fate. The Brooklyn man-of-war was at one time ordered 



OE, OUR country's ACniEVEMENTS. 723 

to proceed to that fort with reinforcements. This order was revoked; 
General Scott acting with great indecision, and when troops were 
finally sent it was in the Star of the West, an unarmed merchant 
steamer. It reached Charleston harbor on the 9th of January, 1861, 
bat, in trying to reach Fort Sumter, was fired at from a battery on 
Morris Island, manned by the cadets of a Charleston school. One ball 
struck the steamer, and as the fort did not open fire to protect it, the 
iStar of the West wore round and steei'ed down the channel. 

That same day, Mississippi, by the vote of a convention, seceded from' 
the United States. On the 11th, Florida which was territory pur- 
chased by the United States Government from Spain, passed a similar 
ordinance of secession, and Alabama did the same. On the 14th, 
the troops of these two States seized Fort Barrancas and the navy- 
j^ard at Pensacola, with large supplies of arms, ammunition, and 
stores. 

On the 19th, Georgia adopted the same course, although Alexander 
H. Stephens and Herschel V. Johnson labored earnestly to prevent 
the disastrous action. A week later, Louisiana, which, like Florida, 
was formed from territory purchased by the United States Government, 
adopted a secession ordinance, and seized the Government forts, 
arsenals, and treasure. 

In Texas, General Houston, the old hero who overthrew Santa 
Anna at San Jacinto, earnestly opposed secession, but the convention 
\>n the 23d of February finally adopted it, but in a more republican 
method. The question was submitted to the vote of the people of the 
State, and they on the 4th of March adopted the ordinance of seces- 
sion. 

When this movement had been accomplished, the Representatives. 



724 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

and Senators of those States in Congress withdrew, ma:iy of them 
talving leave in speeches defending the course of the Southern States. 

The Northern States were now roused to a sense of danger, and be- 
gan to offer the President aid in men or money to enforce the laws 
and uphold the authority of the Federal Government. 

The position of the country was strange. In all the Southern States, 
from South Carolina to Texas, the flag of the United States had dis- 
appeared ; the forts were all held by the State troops, the custom- 
houses were in State hands, the United States Courts had ceased, the 
post-offices had been seized, and the militia were under arms, well sup- 
plied with all necessaries for actual service ; Floyd, recently Secretary 
of War, having, as part of the plan of secession, sent to the South large 
quantities of cannon, muskets, and ammunition for the purpose. 

Their next step was to organize a new government. In accordance 
with a proposition of Alabama, all the seceding States sent delegates 
to a general congress which met in Montgomery, Alabama, on the 4th 
c'' February. They at once adopted a constitution based upon that 
of the United States, and then elected Jefferson Davis of Mississipjv 
as Provisional President, and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice-Presi- 
dent of the Confederate States. 

Davis was a man of abilitj' ; he was a graduate of West Point, had 
served in Indian wars, and as colonel of a Mississippi regiment had 
fought gallantly at Monterey and Buena Vista, having been severely 
wounded in the last battle which he helped to decide. He had been 
a Representative in Congress, and Senator, and under Pierce was Sec- 
retary of War. He assumed the position of President of the Confed- 
erate States on the 18th of February, 1861, and held it till the utter 
overthrow of the new government the secessionists sought to create 



OK, OUR cor^TT^:T's aciiikyemen'ts. 725 

Like a President of the Uaited States, he at once formed a Cabinet, 
selecting the prominent men of the movement. Robert Toombs of 
Georgia was made Secretary of State ; C. J. Memminger of South 
Carolina, Secretary of the Treasury ; L. P. Walker of Alabama, Sec- 
retary of War ; Judah P. Benjamin of Louisiana, Attorney General ; 
and John H. Reagan, Postmaster. 

There were thus two o-overnmcnts in the United States, one recoa;- 
nized by seven States ; the other still obeyed by the remainder, some 
of which were read}" to join the seven. 

On the 14th of February, the votes of the electors were opened in 
the House of Representatives, by Vice-President Breckenridge, who 
declared Abraham Lincoln of Illinois duly elected President, and 
Hannibal Hamlin duly elected Vice-President of the United' States. 

Two days after, General Twiggs, commanding the American army in 
Texas, thirty-seven companies, numbering two thousand five hundred 
men, surrendered them to the Confederates under McCulIoch, with pub- 
lic stores and munitions of war to the amount of over a million of 
dollars. 



PART VI. 



THE GREAT CIVIL WAR— ABRAIIAil LINCOLN, SIXTEENTH PRESI- 
DENT— lSGl-5— 1865. 



CHAPTER I. 

A-fifairs during the Spring and Summer of 1861 — Lincoln's Cabinet — Reorganization of the 
Government, Army and Navy— Attempt to relieve Sumter — Its Bonibardmeut — The first 
call for Troops — Replies of tlie States— Blockade of the Southern ports — East Tennessee 
and AVest Virginia for the Union — Missouri saved by Lyon's energy — First movement of 
United States Troops — Ellsworth — ilcClellan in Western Virginia — Battles of Pliilippi, 
Rich Mountain, and Currick's Ford — Big Bethel — Bull liun — General Lyon and the Bat- 
tles of L'artliage, Dug Spring, Wilson's Creek, and Lexington — First operations against 
the Coast of the Confederate States. 

Owing to the excited state of Virginia and Maryland, which sym- 
pathized warmly with the socession movement, it became a question 
whether Mr. Lincoln would ever be inaus-urated in Washimi;ton. The 
country was full of rumors of conspiracies to seize Washington, and 
to assassinate Mr. Lincoln on his way to tlie seat of government 
"While proceeding to the capital, the danger was deemed such that L, 
entered the city secretly and in haste. Steps had been taken to pre- 
vent any sudden attack during the ceremony. Mr. Lincoln was duly 
inaugurated on the 4th of March. In his address he said : " The 
power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the 
property and jilaces belonging to the Government, and collect the 
duties and im|)orls ; but beyond what may be necessary for these 



OUR COl-TTTKY S ACIIIKVEJIEXTS. 727 

objects, there will be no iuvasiou, no using of force against or among 
the people anywhere."' 

Such was the extent of what the new administration proposed. But 
as the South would listen to nothing but independence and separation, 
it was impossible to recover the forts, or to re-establish custom-houses, 
without a war. The peace propositions in Congress, and the failure of 
a peace convention, showed this clearly. 

Mr. Lincoln selected as his Cabinet, "William H. Seward of Xew 
York, as Secretary of State : Salmon P. Chase of Ohio, Secretary of 
the Treasury ; Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War ; 
Gideon Welles of Connecticut, Secretary of the Xavy : Caleb B. Smith 
Secretary of the Interior ; Montgomery Blair of Maryland, Postmas- 
ter General ; and Edward Bates of Missouri, Attorney General. 

The duties devolved on these officers were important and urgent. 
The War and Xavy Departments were disorganized by the acts of seo« 
retaries under Buchanan, who had worked in favor of the South : many 
officers of the armv and navv of Southern birth had -resigned, and 
taken service in the army and navy which the Southern Confederacy 
at once organized ; the large force of regulars in Texas had been cap- 
tured ; the Northern arsenals and navy-yards had been stripped of 
great quantities of arras ; the ships of war were dismantled or ia dis- 
tant seas ; the public treasury was to be reorganized to meet any com. 
ing difficulty. 

The position of Fort Sumter was one requiring immediate attention 
Two commissioners came from the Confederate Government, but these 
the administration declined to recognize or treat with. Mr. Lincoln, 
however, agreed with Governor Pickens of South Carolina, not to re- 
lieve Sumior wrihnut notice to him. He finally determined, as'aiust 



728 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATIOK ; 

the opinion of General Scott, to attempt to throw reinforcements into 
it. A squadron was fitted out, but storms scattered it, and the ships 
that arrived found that the steamer Powhatan, which carried the ordei's 
for the operations, with the launches for landing the soldiers, had been 
sent to Pensacola. 

On receiving notice of the intention to reinforce Fort Sumter, Gen- 
eral Beauregard had been sent by the Confederate Government 
to control the military operations at Charleston. Batteries of heavy 
cannon were planted at all points near the fort, some protected by 
railroad iron, so as to be proof against shells or balls. 

On the 11th of April, Beauregard formally demanded the surren- 
der of the fort. Anderson agreed to leave the fort by the 15th, if 
he did not receive controlling instructions or additional supplies from 
"Washington. As the United States vessels were known by Beaure- 
gard to be outside at that very time, he gave notice on the 12th that 
he would open fire within an hour. The first shot was fired from a 
battery on Cummings' Point, quickly followed by others from a float- 
ing battery, Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, and other works. An- 
derson had only eighty men — ^just enough to work nine guns — and only 
seven hundred cartridges. He replied to the fire of the enemy so 
steadily that they believed he had been reinforced. The wooden bar- 
racks in the fort were soon on fire, and though they were checked from 
time to time, the flames finally swept them all, and burned away the 
gate of the fort, leaving it open to the besiegers. The flag was shot 
away, but gallantly replanted by Sergeant Hart on the shattered wall. 
After thirty-j^ix hour's bombardment, Wigfall, of Texas, came to the 
fort with a flag of truce, find Anderson agreed to evacuate the fort at 
once, as he had already agreed to do on the ISth. On raising a white 



OR, OUR COT-XTi:Y'rf ACIIIEVEJrENTS. 729 

flag at WigliiU's request, otlicers came from Beauregard to know its 
meaning. Wigl'all was disavowed, but tlie Firiug was not resumed, aud 
on Sunday, the 14tli, Anderson, willi bis garrison, evacuated Fort Sum- 
mer, witli colors flying and drums Denting. They were conveyed to the 
Baltic, Ij'ing at the entrance of the harbor. 

Fort Sumter had not been surrendered. It was evacuated one day 
earlier than Major Anderson's oiler. 

This bombardment determined one question. The dispute was now to 
be settled, not 1)}' negotiation, compromise, or convention, but by war. 
The bombardment of Fort Sumter roused the whole North. On the 
15th, President Lincoln, by proclamation, called forth the militia of 
the States to the numlx'r of seventy-live thousand men, to sup- 
press unlawful cond)inations for resisting the laws which had for some 
time existed in South Carolina and six other Southern States. The 
Governors of A'irginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee. Mis- 
souri, and Arkansas?, refused Avitli scorn to obey the call. Maryland 
and Delaware tem})orized. The other States responded with enthusi- 
asm. The apathy had been broken by the first gun fired at Fort Sum- 
ter. The general voice was for war, and public opinion became as in- 
tolerant of all argument or opposition at the North as it was already 
at the South. 

Davis, as President of the Confederate btates, called out a hundred 
and filly thousand men, besides thirty-two alreatly demanded, and at 
the same time invited privateers by oflVrs of letters of maniuo to 
cruise against Northern shipping. This, President Linctiln met by a 
threat of treating as pirates any privateers who should be captured. 

The replies of the Governors of the remaining slave States in- 
dicated that they would join the Confederacy. On the ITth of April, 



780 

Virginia passed au ordinance of secession, and attempted to seize the 
navy-yard at Grosport, near Norfollv, and the arsenal at Harper's 
Ferry. The officer in command at the hitter post, Lieutenant Jones, 
seeing the preparations, blew np the place, destroying all the arms. 
The arrival of the Pawnee enabled Commodore Macauley to save the 
archives of the Gosport navy-yard, and the ship Cumberland, and 
destro}' all vessels and arms that could not be removed, although by a 
little foresight and promptness an immense quantity of public property 
might have been saved. 

The North, now thoroughly roused, went earnestly to work to raise 
men, money, and supplies for the contest, the banks and moneyed 
corporations promptly aiding the States to effect this. 

All felt that the national capital was in imminent danger. A 
glance at the map will show you its position. Washington stands 
on the banks of the Potomaa All south of that river had joined in 
the hostile movement. Maryland, which lay around the District of 
Columbia, was so divided, that the Governor in a proclamation prom- 
ised the people that troops of his State should be used only for the 
defence of "Washington. That capital was really cut off from the 
States that were heartily in favor of the old Government. 

Every effort was made to send forward men, as the Confederates 
^ere known to be advancing on Washington. On the 19th of April, 
the Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts militia entered Baltimore on its 
way to Washington. A mob attacked thera while crossing the city to 
take the cars to Washington, and they had to fight their way, losing 
several of their men. Some Pennsylvania troops that arrived unarmed 
were forced to return to their own State. Bat other regiments poured 
down ; bridges destroyed by the Maryland mobs were rebuilt, railroads 



on, ouK coui^try's achievements. 73] 

relaid. General Butler, with the Eighth Massachusetts, came clown the 
Susquehanna, took possession of Annapolis, and restored railroad 
communication between that city and Washington. Troops poured in 
so rapidly that the hostile spirit was overawed, and the Maryland 
Legislature voted not to secede. 

Tlie northern bank of the Potomac was lined b}' troops to sustain 
the Union, and on the south were encamped several thousand mena- 
cing the capital. That city was soon safe ; and troops were thrown 
into Fortress Monroe, so as to insure the safety of that important post. 

It was now evident that the struggle was to be a long and serious 
war. On the 3d of May, President Lincoln called for forty-two 
thousand volunteers for three years, and for an increase of the regu- 
lar army and navy. A blockade of all the States from Virginia to 
Texas was also declared, and ships fitted out to maintain it. North 
Carolina had followed the course of Virginia, had seized the mint 
and arsenal, and then, on the 20th of May, passed an ordinance of se- 
-cession. Arkansas followed two days later. 

Tennessee then entered into a league with the Confederate States, 
and finally seceded ; but the eastern jiart of that State and the western 
part of Virginia opposed secession and adhered to the Union, and or- 
ganized to resist the secession movement. When two companies of 
Confederate soldiers marched into Clarksburg, Virginia, on the 20th 
•of May, they were surrounded and disarmed. 

Missouri was another State in which public opinion was divided. 
The Governor and many of the leading men were avowed sympathiz- 
ers with the Confederates. The Legislature met in secret session, and 
the Governor called out the militia of the State ; but four regiments 
f volunteers were organized by Colonel Frank P. Blair to respond 



732 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

to the President's call ; and the arsenal was held by Captain Lyon of 
the United States army, who not only furnished the G-overnor of Illinois 
with arms on a requisition from Washington, but, with authority from 
the seat of government, proceeded to thwart the plans of Gover- 
nor Jackson of Missouri. 

On the 10th of May, with his regulars and Blair's volunteers, 
he sudden!}' marched out and surrounded the militia at Camp Jackson, 
and compelled them to surrender. The column on its return was at- 
tacked by a mob, and had at last to fire on them. General Harney 
was then sent to restore order in Missouri, but he was outwitted by 
Governor Jackson and his general. Price ; and Lyon, now made a 
brigadier general of volunteers, was intrusted with full command. 
Then Governor Jackson called out fifty thousand men to repel inva- 
sion, and in a proclamation called on the people to resist the United 
States authority. The railroad bridges between St. Louis and Jeffer- 
son City were cut, and all preparations made to throw the State into 
the hands of the Confederacy. 

Illinois, running down like a wedge between the doubtful States of 
Kentucky and Missouri, was intensely Republican. At the commence^ 
ment of the troubles, she made Cairo, at the extreme southern point, 
her centre of operations, and, under directions from the War Depart- 
ment, occupied and fortified it. 

Such was the position of affairs in May. The two sections of the 
country were in arms, and the actual warfare might commence at any 
point along the line. General Scott, at Washington, was planning a 
campaign with all his long experience and ability, but he was sur- 
rounded by ofScers devoted to the South and all his plans were knowB 
almost immediately. 




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OR, OUE COUNTRY S ACUIEVEMENTS. 



7S3 



The troops of the insuvgent States had gathered in force iu Virginia, 
under officers who had left the United States arm}-, and menaced 
Washington. It, was necessary to meet them. On the 23d of May, 
the United States troops iu three columns crossed the Potomac, and 
took possession of Alexandria and its vicinity, without any opposi- 
tion, although Colonel Ellsworth, a young and highly popular officer, 
wtis tilled in attempting to lower a Confederate flag. 

The armies of the United States and of the Confederate States were, 
before the end of May, face to face, from the seaboard of Virginia to 
its western limit. 

Genei'al McDowell with his large column covered Washington, con- 
fronting a Confederate army at Manassas Junction under General 
Beauregard. General Butler held Fortress Monroe, with twelve 
thousand men, held in check by the Confederate General Magi'uder. 
General Paterson \\'as at Harper's Ferry, opposed by General J. E. 
Johnston ; and the United States Generals McClellan and Roseci'ans 
were operating on Western Vii'ginia. 

Fortifications were thrown up from the Chain Bridge to Alexandria, 
forming the first line of defence of Washington ; and as the enemy had 
planted batteries on the southern bank of the Potomac to prevent the 
navigation of that river, Commander Ward organized a flotilla, 
which, on the 29 th of May, had a sharp action with Confederate bat- 
teries at Acquia Creek. 

Some of the earliest military operations, however, took place 
in Western Virginia. As the people there were generally ad- 
verse to the secession movement, they held the action of Governor 
Letcher and his Legislature to be a dissolution of government in Vir- 
ginia. So they called a convention, and formed a provisional gov- 



734 THE STOBY OF A GREAT KATIOK ; 

ernment for the State. This was subsequently recognized by the 
trovernraent of the United States, and through it the new State of 
West Virginia was finally formed. 

When Virginia joined the Southern Confederacy, it gave command 
of its forces to Robert E. Lee, son of a Revolutionary officer, and re- 
lated to the family of Washington. Lee had enjoyed the confidence 
of General Scott up to the action of Virginia, when he resigned his 
commission iu the United States army, and received the appointment 
from his own State. To control West Virginia, he sent a force under 
Colonel Porterfield ; but the Union men were already orsianizinf'', and 
General George B. McClellan was appointed to the command of the 
Department of Ohio, which included Western Virginia. On the 26th 
of May, Colonel Kelley, with the First Virginia Regiment, advanced 
upon Grafton. Porterfield fled, but Kelley, operating in conjunction 
with Ohio and Indiana troops under Dumont, planned the surprise and 
capture of Porterfield at Philippi. Kelley, delayed by the darkness 
and a ^torm, had a longer distance to march, and did not come up in 
time ; but Dumout routed Porterfield, and Kelley joining in pursuit, com- 
pleted his overthrow. The enemy's camp, with arms, horses, and supplies, 
was captured, and confidence was at once given to all iuthe Western part 
of Virginia who wished to adhere to the old Government of the country. 
Wallace, with other Indiana troops, piade a dash at Romney, and for 
a time with great gallantry thwarted the movements of the enemy. 

On the 23d of June, McClellan took command iu person at Graf- 
ton, the troops organized by him numbering twenty thousand. With 
these he commenced operations against General Garneti, the Confed- 
erate commander. Colonel Rosecrans, scaling the mountains, attacked 
one of Garnett's divisions under Pegram, at Rich Mountain, and, in 



OR, OUR cou><try's achievemkkts. 735 

•spite of artillery, drove tliem down the raoiuitaiu-side with a loss of 
four hundred men. As McClellan approached, Pegrani fled, exposing 
Grarnett's rear. That coramauder iu turn endeavored to esca]>e into 
the wild mountains of the Cheat Range, abandoning ajl his artillery 
except one piece. The whole Confederate force was thus by a single 
blow scattered. Pegram, after a vain endeavor to escape, finally sur- 
rendered on the 14th, with his force almost starving. Garnett re- 
treated along Cheat River, hotly pursued till he reached Carrick's 
Ford. There, on the 13th of July, he made a stand, but his troops 
broke before the charge of the Western troops, who crossed the river 
under a heavy fire. In the endeavor to rally them, Garuett was killed. 
The Confederate force was for the time broken up. A small portion, 
rallied by Colonel Ramsey, reached Jackson's command beyond the 
Alleghanies, but the army of Western Virginia had lost twelve hun- 
dred in killed, wounded, and prisoners, and great quantities of arms and 
stores. General Cox had successfully occupied the Kanawha valley, 
ftnd ibr a time Western Virginia seemed secure. 

Fortress Monroe, situated at the mouth of the James River, had been 
reinforced, and was held by a large force under General Butler, and 
armed vessels blockaded the rivers emptying into the Chesapeake, 
making it easy fur the United States Government to commence opera- 
tions from that point. But the first operations iu this part of Virginia 
were ill-managed and disastrous. A force sent out to surprise a party 
of the enemy at Big Bethel was repulsed with considerable loss. 

When General Scott, urged by the voice of the Northern press and 
people, resolved to assume the offensive, an army of thirty thousand 
men, under General Irvine McDowell, moved out of the defences of 



736 THE STORY OF A GREAT >'A.TIOX ; 

Washington. These forces were in five divisions, under Generals 
Tyler and Runyon, and Colonels Hunter, Heintzelman, and Miles. The 
enemy lay behind a small stream called Bull's Run, a branch of the 
Oceoquan, its rocky, wooded banks forming an excellent natural forti- 
fication. 

On the 17th of July, Tyler, with the right wing, advanced by the 
Georgetown road ; Hunter, with the centre, on the Leesburg and Cen- 
treville road ; the left wing, under Heintzelman and Miles, by the Lit- 
tle River turnpike and Braddock road. Fairfax Court-House was 
occupied without a blow. The next day he made a feint with Tyler's 
division against Longstreet's position at Blackburn's Ford. A sharp 
engagement ensued, in which Massachusetts, Michigan, and Xew York 
troops were matched against troops from various States of the South. 
After a loss of about seventy-five on each side, McDowell withdrew 
his troops to Centreville. It had been his plan to turn the enemy's 
right flank, but a reconnoissauce proved this to be impracticable. It 
was, however, necessarv to engage tlie enemv at once, as the term of 
service of many of his troops was expiring. An attack in front was 
not to be thought of ; but he resolved to try and turn their left, force 
them from the Stone Bridge, and, by seizing the Manassas Gap Rail- 
way, break their connections and force them to fall back. Beauregard 
on his side was preparing to attack McDowell. The War Depart- 
ment at Richmond ordered Johnson to elude Patterson and join Beau- 
regard. 

The battle opened by Tyler's vigorous attack on Evans at the Stone 
Bridse. Then Hunter made a real attack, crossina: at Sudlev's Ford, 
at half-past nine, and marching down to take the Stone Bridge on 
that side. As Evans saw his rear menaced, he fell back about a mile 



OR, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. T37 

to the iatersection of tlie Sudley Road and Young's Branch. Here 
the battle raged furiously ; the Confederate line wavered under the 
charge, but G-eneral Bee hastened up with reinforcements. Hunter 
was supported, but the enemy's fire was carrying havoc through his 
line. Hunter was borne off wounded ; Colonel Slocum and Major 
Ballon were struck down. Porter, however, came up, and again the 
Confederates were checked, while over a ridge looking toward Bull 
Run came Heintzelman's fresh division. Crossing above the Stone 
Bridge, Keyes' division, led by Sherman, with the New York Sixt}-- 
Ninth, crossed above the Stone Bridge, and taking in flank the Con- 
federates retreating before Hunter's onset, drove them back on the 
reserve under Jackson. "Form! form!" cried Bee to his disheart- 
ened men; "there stands Jackson like a stone wall." Form they 
did, and from that time forth that cool and able commander was known 
as "Stonewall Jackson." The Confederates were, however, fast los- 
ing the day. Their left had been turned, an important road gained, 
and their line driven back from its original position a mile and a half. 
They now held strong ground : a hight i)lateau admirably adapted for 
defence. Before it lay McDowell's three divisions well placed, Heint- 
zelman on the right. Hunter in the centre, and Tyler on the left. 

To meet the coming attack, Johnson and Beauregard called up all 
the troops they could spare, leaving points in their line open to attack 
by McDowell's reserves before them. At last the attack began. The 
battle raged around the Robinson and Henry houses. Around 
Ricketts' and Griffin's batteries, from one o'clock to three, the hostile 
lines surged backward and forward. The batteries were captured and 
retaken, the Robinson house gained and lost. At last the United 
States troops seemed unable to carry the plateau. But the Confeder- 



TJIE STORY OF A GREAT NATIOJf : 



ates were exhausied and dangerously exposed ; McDoweH's fresh 
troops were gaining their exposed positions. The day seemed lost. Their 
only hope was in soraie fresh regiments under Early. A cloud of dust 
in the direction of the Manassas Gup railroad filled them with anxiety, 
as they were supposed to be United States troops. To their joy they 
proved to be not United States troops, but an unexpected Confederate 
reinforcement under E. Kirby Smith. This decided the day. Four thou- 
sand fresh men gave a new spirit to the Confederates. Hurled once 
more on the Union lines, already priding themselves on a victory, 
they changed the face of affairs. The Unit«d States troops were swept 
down the plateau. Regiment after regiment gave way, a panic spread ; 
and it became a general rout. The right, after a gallant fight, had 
been outnumbered, and was in a disorderly retreat, losing men, arms, 
and artillery at every step. Hoping to cut off their retreat, Johnston 
hurled Ewell on the American right at Centreville, but Davies seul 
them back in utter confusion by his fearful volleys. McDowell did 
what was possible to cover the flight of his right wing, but his army 
was hepelessly shattered, and I.3 fell back to the iiitreuchments be- 
bore Washington. 

In this battle, really hard fought, though by raw troops and inexpe- 
rienced commanders, the Confederate loss was one thousand eiajht hun- 
dred and ninety-seven, while that of the United States army was 
much more severe. McDowell left the enemy in full possession of the 
field, and lost fully three thousand men, twenty-eight cannon, six 
thousand muskets, and a \ery large quantity of ammunition. 

This victory of the Confederates decided the campaign on the Po- 
tomac. All the rest of the year the two armies lay watching each 
other. 



OR, OUR country's aciiievejiexts. 739 

The battle of Bull Euu was a ]>aiTeu victory for the South, except 
in the enthusiasm which it excited. Both sides felt that tlie war was 
to be a long and bitter struggle. Every means was employed to col- 
lect and equip armies for the field. President Lincoln issued a call 
for half a million of men, and soldiers were enlisted for the war. 

The active operations that next attract attention, ai*e those in the 
border States, Kentucky and Missouri, where part of the people sym- 
pathized with the South, and the rest still adhered to the old govern- 
ment of the United States. 

In Missouri matters Avere in a critical condition; the Confederates 
hail virtually gained the State, and Missouri could be saved only by 
an able man. It was fortunately confided to General Nathaniel Lyon. 

When General Lyon succeeded Harney in command of the Depart- 
ment of Missouri, Governor Jackson saw that disguise was useless with 
that decisive officer. He began to collect his forces at Jefferson City, 
to begin the battle for the possession of the State. Lyon moved 
promptly. Sending Colonel Sigel ahead by land with the Second Mis- 
souri regiment, he embarked on two steamers with the remainder of 
his troops, including a few regulars, and numbering in all about two 
thousand men. He entered Jefferson Cit}' on the 15th of Jime, to 
find that Jackson and Price had retreated to Booneville, some forty 
miles fnrther up, destroying bridges and telegraphs as they went. 
Lyon pushed on in pursuit, and on the 16th came upon the Confed- 
erates under Marmaduke, advantageously posted about eight miles 
below Booneville. Lyon at once formed his men on a rising ground, 
the regulars and Blair's volunteers on the left by a field of waving 
corn : the left, of volunteers under Sh.Tffer, near a grove. Totten's 
artillery opened the battle, and the left charged, the right also moving 



740 THE HiTORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

steadily on. The Confederates were driven from their position, but 
rallied, and again endeavored to I'egain the day ; but the rush of the 
United States forces was irresistible. The Confederates broke and 
fled to Booneville, leaving their camp, provisions, arms, and stores to 
Lyon. That commander occupied Booueville ; but as Price had fled 
to the southwest to form a junction with a Confederate force under 
Ben McCuUoch, he pushed on in pursuit witli about three thousand 
men, being compelled to leave some to hold various points. On 
the 5th of July, Colonel Sigel, with the advance of Lyon's army, en- 
gaged the Confederates near Carthage. There he inflicted severe loss 
on the enemy, but, being unable to rout them, had to fall back upon 
Lj'on at Springfield. That general was no longer in full command, 
General Fremont had been appointed to the Department of the West, 
and G-eneral Lyon was left to his own resources. Volunteers had 
swelled his little force, but before was Price's army reinforced by 
Generals McCulloch and Pierce, with troops of Arkansas and Texas, 
numbering in all nearly thirty thousand men. Lyon advanced to meet 
the enemy, but his appeals to General Fremont for reinforcements and 
supplies were unheeded. He fell back to Springfield. 

The Confederates under McCulloch advanced upon that town, and 
Lyon found that there was no alternative except to move out and at- 
tack hira in his camp at Wilson's Creek, ten miles southwest of Spring- 
field. On the 10th of August, the United States forces moved upon 
the Confederate camp in two columns, one under General Lj'on, to 
attack the northern point, the other, under Colonel Sigel, to attack the 
southern. Lyon began his attack at daybreak, meeting a stubborn re- 
sistance. Two or three times his troops recoiled, but were rallied, till 
the enemy gave way. Then there was a lull, and McCulloch chai-ged 



OR, ovn cotjntuy's achievements. 741 

with his whole line, Sigel had made no impression on the southern 
line, and, indeed, acted with so little energy and caution that he was 
surprised and routed, leaving Lyon to bear the brunt of the battle 
alone. For an hour the contest raged furiouslj^ sometimes one side 
gaining a little ground, then the other. Lyon, ever in the thickest of 
the fight, v/hile rallying some disordered troops was wounded in the 
head and leg, and had his horse killed under him. Mounting another 
horse, he charged at the head of the Second Kansas regiment. Almost 
at the same instant. Colonel Mitchell of that regiment and General 
Lyon fell, the latter dead, pierced through the breast by a rifle-ball. 
But the battle kept on. The United States troops fought with the en- 
ergy of despair, and at last beat back the last assault of the enemy. 
Again on the battle-field the thunder of cannon and the rattle of fire- 
arras died away : all was silent but the groans of the wounded. The 
American officers held council as to the best mode of retreat. Sud- 
denly hope sprang up. From the direction where Sigel had been sent 
came a column with the American flag. They approached, but sud- 
denly opene<l a deadly fire. Again the battle was renewed with des- 
perate fury. In spite of the fierce charges of the Confederates, the United 
States troops, drawn up in a favorable position, held their ground more 
firmly than earlier in the day. Though attacked almost muzzle to muz- 
zle, they did not flinch ; the fierce waves of attack surged upon them in 
vain, till a flank movement on the enemies' line again drove them off. 
Major Sturgis, who had so ably continued the desperate battle, 
seized the opportunity, and moved slowly out to the open prairie, and 
unpursued gained Springfield, the enemy having been too severely 
handled to molest his march. On the way he heard of the utter rou/ 
of Sigel's command. 



742 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Considering the numbers engaged, the Battle of Wilson's Creek 
showed severe losses. The United States officers admitted a loss of 
one thousand two hundred and eightj^-five ; the Confederates, cue 
thousand and ninety-five — the real losses being undoubtedly much 
'larger, as every commander tries to make his own loss as light as 
possible. But the tield was left to the Confederates, with six jiieces of 
artillery and several hundred stand of arms. At Springfield, Sigel 
appeared, and assuming command, retreated to Kolla, eluding Price 
and McCulloch. 

The death of General Lyon, who so thoroughly understood the 
position of affairs and the plans of the Confederates, was a severe 
blow to the Union cause. 

The disaster at Wilson's Creek was not the only result of Fremont's 
inefificiency and neglect. Colonel James A. Mulligan had been or- 
dered to occupj^ Lexington, with a force of about twenty-five hundred 
men. Here he was left utterly unsupported till a hostile force td 
the number of ten thousand men assailed him before he had time to 
throw up any sufficient works. Mulligan, however, never doubting 
but that support would come, met the first attack, and repulsed it, so 
that the enemy asked leave to burj' their dead. On the 18th of Sep- 
tember, a Confederate army under G-eneral Price, numbering twenty 
eight thousand, invested the place, but Mulligan refused to sur- 
render. He kept up a vigorous defense for fifty-two hours, till the 
last cartridge was fired. Then his troops laid down their useless arms, 
and surrendered as prisoners of war. 

This victory gave the Confederates three thousand stand of arma 
artillery, stores, and nearly a million of dollars in money. 

Roused to action at last, Fremont in a proclamation declared mar 



OR, omi countiiy's achievements. 743 

tial law, and emancipated the slaves of those who should be proven 
to have taken an active part with the enemy in the field. This step, 
as premature, called forth a protest from President Lincoln, who or- 
dered it to be modified so as to agree with an act passed by Congress 
on the 6th of August, 1801. 

On the 27th of September, Fremont began his march from St. 
Louis, at the head of an imposing force of thirty thousand men ; but 
it moved slowly. A brilliani dash was made by Major Frank J. 
"White from Lexington ; cid Colonel Zagonyi, of " Fremont's Body 
Guard," on the 24th of October stormed the Confederate camp at 
Springfield, and drove them from the town with severe loss. 

Price, with the main body of the Confederates, fell back rapidly, and 
would have escaped without loss but for the movements of General 
Lane from Kansas, which inflicted some loss on the retiring columns. 
Some troops under Colonels Carlin and Plumner engaged the Confed- 
rates under General Jefferson Thompson, near Fredericktown, in the 
southeast part of the State, and defeated them with severe loss. 

Just as Fremont was on the eve of engaging the enemy and doing 
something to justify his command, he was superseded by General Hunter. 

Kentuck}', like Missouri, was divided. The Governor and many of 
those under him were really Confederates ; but there was a strong por- 
tion of the people opposed to secession. In the hope of ultimately car- 
rying out his view, Governor Magoffin proposed a neutrality, agreeing 
to keep the Confederate troops off the territory of Kentucky ; but as 
he allowed open recruiting for the Confederate army, and the occupa- 
tion of some islands in the Mississippi, although the people of the 
State at a special election showed their strong attachment to the Union, 
the United States Government no longer hesitated, and sent in troops 



744 THE STcntY OF A GliEAT NATION; 

under General Anderson. Magoffin still endeavored to play into the 
hands of the Confederates ; but when he called the Legislature together 
it proved so strongly Union that the Confederates took alarm, and 
G-eneral Leonidas Polk, who had laid aside his position as bishop in 
the Episcopal Church, took possession of Colnmbus in Kentucky. The 
United States forces at Cairo were now under the command of Gen- 
eral Ulysses S. Grant, and he at once occupied Paducah. The Legis- 
lature of Kentucky compelled the Governor to call upon the Confed- 
erates to retire from the State, but they treated the request with con- 
tempt, and sent General Zollicoffer to occupy Cumberland Gap, an im- 
portant pass in the mountains in the eastern part of the State. Buck- 
ner, Magoffin's inspector general, now, as a brigadier general in the 
Confederate army, seized Bowling Green. 

While Kentucky was thus preparing to become a battle-ground, some 
sharp actions had taken place in "Western Virginia, the shrewd policy 
of the original seceding States being to have as much fighting as possi- 
ble done in the Border States. 

Rosecrans, the able successor of McClellan. came up with the Con- 
federates under Floj'd, at Carnifex Ferry, late on the 10th of Septem- 
ber. A rcconnoissance under General Benham, to ascertain the exact 
position of General Floyd's forces, which were intrenched in a dense 
forest that prevented their works being seen more than three hundred 
yards, brought on a sharp action. The enemy opened fire along their 
whole line, disclosing their position. Benham at once attacked with the 
Tenth Ohio, Colonel Lytle, on the right, and the Thirteenth on the 
left. Both attacked gallantly and suffered severely. Colonel Lowe, 
leading up the Twelfth Ohio over a rugged route to attack in front, was 
killed at the liead of his men. 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 745 

Before they could carry the works it became pitch dark, and General 
Rosecraus suspended operations till morning. Then it was d iscovered that 
Floyd had fled during the night, abandoning his camp and his strong works. 

Other operations followed in that difficult mountain region, through 
trackless woods and ranges where troops could move but slowly. G-en- 
eral Reynolds effectually held the able Lee in check at Cheat Moun- 
tain Pass, a position of great strength, until, weary of acting on the 
defensive, he made a bold dash on his works at G-reenbriar, October 2, 
1861. Soon after. General Kelley drove the Confederates under 
McDonald and Monroe out of Romney, inflicting severe loss in men 
and war material. Thus the war raged in that wild section, assuming 
at last the most ferocious character. Guyandotte, held by a small 
party of United States troops, was surprised on the 10th of November, 
and every soldier was butchered, no quarter being given, and, as was 
charged, the citizens of the place joining in the work of shooting dowa 
the soldiers. In a few days, however, a large force of United States 
troops under Colonel Zeigler entered the place, and, learning the facts, 
burned the town. 

Rosecraus was still holding Floyd, and hoped to capture hio whole 
force. A plan for crossing New River, at a neglected ford, was de- 
feated by the sudden rise of the river ; but another plan promised suc- 
cess. General Benhara was sent over with orders to push on to Cas- 
siday's Mill, and hold that key of Floyd's position, commanding his, 
only line of retreat. But neglecting this, Benham allowed Floyd to 
escape, and could only inflict some damage by attacking his rear. 
Still Floyd's flight put an end to the campaign in Western Yirginia. 
General Lee had been summoned to a more important command. Rose- 
craus, taking his position at Wheeling, had merely to hold what had 



746 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

been gained in Western Virginia, whicli now formally effected its sepa- 
ration from the eastern portion of the ^tate, and formed a new one 
under the name of Kanawha, although that of Western Virginia was 
finally adopted as the ofQcial title. 

The campaign of 18G1 had been on the part of the United States 
Government rather defensive than offensive. 

The defense of Washington, of Western Virginia, Kentucky, and 
Missouri had been the objects, and notwithstanding the terrible re- 
verse at Bull Run, these points had to a great extent been gained. 
Washington was safe, West Virginia firmly held, Kentucky had de- 
cided for the Union, and Missouri, though leaning strongly to the 
South, was held by the United States troops. 

The troubles in the United States excited great interest in Europe. 
The downfall of the great American Republic was considered certain, 
and the Governments of Great Britain and France were swayed by 
this popular feeling. Almost immediately after the commencement of 
the secession movement, England and France recognized the seceding 
States as belligerents. A congress of the great European powers, held 
at Paris, in 1856, had proposed the abolition of privateering : the United 
States Government had hesitated to accede to this unless there was a 
general exemption of private property from seizure at sea. Soon 
after Mr. Lincoln's accession to the Presidency, the Secretary of State 
notified the European powers that the United States accepted the 
action of the Congress of Paris ; but now England and France required 
that the articles of the Congress of Paris should not apply to the 
Southern Confederacy. They held the Confederate Government fully 
entitled to issue letters of marque, and send out privateers. England 
even went further : she permitted vessels to be built, manned, and 



OK, OTJR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 747 

equipped in English ports, for service as Confederate privateers, and 
no evidence could convince IJie British authorities of their real char- 
acter. At the same time, the ports of the British islands in the West 
Indies became the resort of these privateers, where they were always 
protected and supplied. On the other hand, the armed vessels of the 
United States were held to the strict rules governing the case of war 
with a recognized power. 

The ocean was soon covered with Confederate cruisers, and the 
shipping of the Northern States was exposed to utter destruction. 
Unable to carry their prizes into Southern ports, these privateers gen- 
erally destroyed the vessels captured. President Lincoln had by proc- 
lamation declared that privateers should be treated as pirates, but 
the matter was beset by diBiculties. 

On the 2d of June, 1861, the privateer Savannah sailed from 
Charleston, and the next day captured the brig Joseph, with a cargo 
of sugar ; but the Savannah soon fell in with the Perr}^ a man-of-war, 
purposely disguised. Taking her for a merchantman, the Savannah 
ran down to attack her, till, discovering her mistake, she attempted to 
escape. The Perry opened, and the Savannah surrendered. The 
captain and crew were taken to New York, indicted, and tried for 
piracy, but the jury failed to agree. A similar trial took place in 
Philadelphia, where the privateersmen were convicted. The Confed- 
erate Government at once took a number of United States prisoners 
drawn by lot as hostages, threatening to hang them should the priva- 
teersmen be executed. After a long detention, the privateersmen 
were at last treated as ordinary prisoners of war. 

The only course was for the United States to pursue these vessels at 
sea and capture them. This was a iuatter of the greatest difficulty. 



748 THE STOKY OF A GKKAT NATION ; 

The Sumter, escaping from New Orleans, though pursued, captut-ed 
eight vessels near Cuba, burned one, and then extended her ravages 
among American shipping on the coast of Brazil, and finally ran over 
to Spain. Entering the port of Gibraltar, she was blockaded there by 
the United States gunboat Tuscarora, and was finally sold. The Petrel 
was destroyed by Ihc United States frigate St. Lawrence, which she 
attacked unconscious of her real character. 

The only approach to a regular naval battle was the attempt made 
by Commodore Hollins, of the Confederate navy, to drive off the 
United States fleet blockading the moulli of the Mississippi. The Con- 
federates had adopted a sort of steam-ram, generally made of some 
very solid tug-boat, the deck covered with a slanting roof of stout 
timbers, on which iron j)lates or railroad iron was laid. The bow of 
the boat was furnished with a solid point of timber covered with iron. 
This boat could be run with all the force of heavy steam-engines 
against a wooden ship, doing great damage, and yet receive no damage 
from a broadside. Hollins, with the steam-ram Manassas, of this kind, 
and live other vessels, during the night of the 11th of October, at- 
tacked the United States fleet under Commodore Pope, injuring the 
Richmond severely with the ram, captured a coal-schooner, and forced 
the fleet to retire be^^ond the bar. Two of the United States vessels 
actually got a ground, and might have been captured had the enemy 
shown any Judgment. 

When the plans of the United States for reducing the Confederate 
States assumed the offensive, one great object was to capture and hold 
the chief ports, and thus prevent the issuing of privateers or men-of- 
war, as well as the introduction of goods from foreign countries, as* 
pccially arms and supplies for their armies. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 749 

The first of these operations was an expedition from Fortress Mon- 
roe, under Commodore Silas H. Stringliani, with the Minnesota, 
"Wabash, Pawnee, Monticello, Harriet Lane, and two transports, bear^ 
ing a considerable land force under General Butler. The object was 
Fort Hatteras, on the North Carolina coast. They arrived off Hat- 
teras, on the 27th of August, and some troops and marines were 
landed and the men-of-war then opened fire on Fort Clark, a smaller 
Confederate work. The fort at first answered with spirit, but the fire 
gradually slackened, and finally ceased. The enemy, in fact, aban- 
doned it, and the United States troops entered, but could not hold it, 
as it lay in range of the guns of the fleet, which were now turned on 
Fort Hatteras. On the 29th, that work suffered a furious bombard- 
ment, the ships pouring in effective broadsides. But the Confederates 
resisted sturdily till an eleven-inch shell exploded in their bombproof 
so near the magazine as to show them that resistance was hopeless. 
The white flag was then raised. Commodore Barron, the Confederate 
commander, sought to obtain favorable terms, but Butler would grant 
none except that they should be treated as prisoners of war. 

The fort was at once occupied, and expeditions from it planned 
against other points. But no great result followed : a movement 
agaist Chicomicomico, with a view to reduce Roanoke Island, well-nigh 
proved a serious disaster. 



CHAPTER II. 



The War in the West — Minor Operations— Battle of Belmont— Grant's First Action— Polk Crosses 
to Relieve his Men — Desperate Fighting — Grant Succeeds in Reaching his Gunboats — The Port 
Royal Expedition — A Foothold in South Carolina — Operations with no Great Result — The 
Slidell-Mason Affair — Commodore Wilkes — Attitude of the British Government — Slidell and 
Mason Given Up— Pope's Missouri Campaign — The Confederate Line in the West— Prepara/. 
tions to Break it. 



Toe war in the West still partook of the character of scattered uncon- 
nected operations, which iind no bearing on each other, or on any general 
result. The following sketch will give an account of two of these minor 
operations in Missouri, in which the gallant Majors Gavitt and Tan- 
ner fell. 

The rapid change of commanders in Missouri and the uncertain 
movements of the army had given the Confederates fresh courage. 
Many of the people of Missouri sympathized with them, and before 
long the State swarmed with small hostile parties. These were met 
in turn by United States troops and local troops, giving the war a 
terrible character, desolating the whole State, and imbittering the 
feelings of the people against each other. Such operations are the 
unfortunate result of civil war, where neighbor is arrayed against 
neighbor, and even brother against brother. 

The next battle was one fought at Belmont, a little place in Missouri, 
Km the bank of the Mississippi. General Polk, after occupying Co- 
lumbus, in Kentucky, had taken possession of Belmont, which was be- 



' I 



OUR country's achievements. 751 

low ground, completely under the guns of a force at Columbus. Greneral 
Ulysses S. Grant, who was in command at Cairo, could not, however, 
allow the enemy to hold both sides of the river, and resolved to break 
up the post at Belmont. He also wished to prevent any movement 
by General Polk in Missouri. On the 6tli of November, he left Cairo, 
with two thousand eight hundred and fifty men, on board several 
steamers, and dropped down the river, landing his men, while some of 
the steamers kept on and engaged the batteries at Columbus. The 
United States troops, Illinois and Iowa volunteers, pushed on till they 
met the enemy under Colonel Tappan, and drove them in. xi stand was 
made, but they were finally routed, and retreated to their transports 
at the waterside, leaving their camp in Grant's hands. When he had 
destroyed their war material, he prepared to return, but the troops 
bad fallen into some disorder, when they were encountered b}- General 
Pillow, who had been sent over by General Polk with three regiments. 
In a few moments the battle was renewed, Polk's batteries at Colum- 
bus pouring in their volleys, and fresh troops landing from that place, 
first three regiments, then three more, under General Cheatham, fol- 
lowed at last by Polk in person, with two other regiments. In spite 
of the United States gunboats these all landed, and it seemed for a 
time as though Grant could never reach his boats. But at last, after 
a desperate fight, in which that general's horse was killed under him. 
and a heavy loss of life, the troops reached the riverside. There the 
enemy charged again furiously, but by gunboats, musketry, and artil- 
lery they were at last driven off. This hard-fought battle lasted from 
half-past ten in the morning to five in the afternoon, almost without 
ces.sation, and cost the United States more than six hundred killed, 
wounded, and missing. The Confederates lost their camp, and some 



752 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION ; , 

artillery and small arms, and about a thousand killed, wounded, or 
taken. They claimed it as a victory, but at once abandoned Belmont, 
so that Grant, though at heavy cost, attained his object. 

One of the earliest aims of President Lincoln was to secure the 
Southern ports. He issued a proclamation declaring all the ports on 
the coast from South Carolina to Texas to be blockaded. A subsequent 
proclamation included those of Virginia and North Carolina. 

The next step was to take military possession of the chief harbors. 
As the United States by its naval vessels controlled the whole coast, 
it was easy to fit out expeditions and send steamers carrying troops, 
well equipped and supplied, against any Southern seaboard city. Gen- 
eral Butler was sent to occupy Hatteras in North Carolina. Further 
south lay Fort Pickens, near the old Spanish city of Pensacola, w'hich 
the French and Spaniards had taken and retaken in the preceding cen- 
tury. The stars and stripes still floated over this fort, and from it an 
attempt was made to secure Pensacola. Some New York volunteers 
encamped on Santa Rosa Island, near Fort Pickens, but they were 
surprised at night by a Confederate force under General Anderson, on 
the 9th of October, and an irregular fight ensued. In November, the 
United States squadron, with Fort Pickens, for a time bombarded Fort 
McRae, which was held by the Confederates. They silenced it and 
destroyed a number of houses in the town of Warrington. 

"We will now return to the operations near Washington. After the 
disaster at Bull's Run, a reorganization of the departments was made, 
and General McClellan, whose success in Western Virginia had in- 
spired confidence, was called to command the army covering Washing- 
ton, as well as the whole Department of Washington, and that of 
Northeastern Virginia. He at once proceeded to organize tlie forces 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 753 



iiiidei- liis command : abetter discipline was introduced ; inefficient offi- 
cers removed, irregular habits suppressed, and careful drilling enforced. 
At the same time, the fortifications south of the Potomac were com- 
pleted under the supervision of the best engineers. 

The Array of the Potomac lay watching the Confederate movements. 
The first operation against the enemy was a disaster. The Confeder- 
ates began-to fall back from the Potomac. Brigadier-General Stone, 
commanding at Edward's Ferry, received orders to throw a part of 
his force across the river. 

Nineteen hundred men sent across under Col. E. D. Baker, were 
rushed at Ball's Bluff In' a superior force, and. with their leader 
killed or taken. • 

The reverse at Bull's Bluff, in which the United States lost a thou- 
sand men, was atoned for in j)art soon after by a brief action at Draines- 
ville, in which General McCall defeated General J. E. B. Stuai't, and 
drove him from the field with severe loss, capturing a considerable 
quantity of forage. 

On the 31st of October, 1861, Lieutenant-General Scott, overcome 
by age and infirmities, resigned the high position which he had so long 
honorably filled. The cares and anxieties of a great war had pros- 
trated his failing health, and though all regretted his retirement, it 
was felt that the step was indeed a necessary one. 

General McClellan, already at the head of the Army of the Poto- 
mac, then assumed the command of the armies of the United States. 

Almost at the moment of this change, a formidable expedition sailed 
from Fortress Monroe, Commodore Samuel F. Dupont, with a large 
fleet, conveying an army under the command of General Thomas W. 



754 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION 



Sherman. The object was to occupy a port in South Carolina. Port 
Royal, wliere Ribault planted his little French colony, was a fine port, 
the entrance being the best channel for ships below Norfolk. Although 
efforts had been made to cover the plans with the vail of secrecy, the, 
Confederate Government received early information, and planted 
strong works at the mouth of the menaced harbor — Fort Beauregard 
on Bay Point, and Fort Walker on Hilton Head. The expedition 
sailed on the 29th of October, and after suffering much in a severe 
gale, arrived at the channel on the 5th of November. After recon- 
noitring the position of the enemy's forts and vessels, Commodore 
Dupont, on the 7th, began his attack. His ships in line swept into the 
harbor, delivering one broadside to Fort Walker as they passed, and 
wheeling, poured another into Fort Beauregard. Round and round 
went the terrible line of ships. The Confederates for a time replied, 
but when the Wabash and Susquehanna for the third time poured in 
their deadly broadside. Fort Walker made no response. The Confed- 
erates had abandoned the fort and fled to the woods. A small squad- 
ron then proceeded to invest Fort Beauregard, but that too was found 
tenantless. Both works were at once occupied by the troops of the 
United States, and Port Royal became a stirring and busy place, being 
to the close of the war the great centre of operations against the 
South. As soon as the troops landed, negroes began to flock to the 
camp, bringing cattle, poultrj^ horses, and mules, and they soon formed 
a camp of their own, occupying many of the abandoned houses. Some 
of these people were employed in fishing and gathering cotton, but 
most of them looked upon the war as their great deliverance from all 
work. The Confederates attempted to prevent any advantage arising 
to the United States, by jjlanting forces at the points by which they 



OB, OFR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 755 

could operate against Charleston or Savannah ; but the gunboats and 
land forces, on the 1st day of January, 1862, drove off with severe 
loss the troops who attempted to hold Port Roj^al Ferry and 
Seabrook. 

Meanwhile, a strange affair occurred on the ocean, which convulsed 
England and America, and forced the former power to show all her 
concealed hatred of the United States, which she had been masking 
under the pretence of neutrality. Commodore Wilkes, in the San 
Jacinto, returning from the coast of Africa, heard that Mason and 
Slidell, sent out as ambassadors of the Confederate Government to 
England and France, were endeavoring to reach English territory in 
the British mail-steamer Trent, running from Havana. He resolved 
to capture them, and, overhauling the San Jacinto, took them off, 
and carried them to the United States, where they were committed to 
prison. The British Government acted with great haughtiness, de- 
manding the surrender of the prisoners, and reparation. The Secre- 
tary of State of the United States showed that by the uniform rulings 
of British courts and authors, the seizure of contraband dispatches 
on a neutral was justifiable ; and that the British Government was now 
taking the ground heretofore taken by Americans, and always denied 
by England. Hence, as the United States had not ordered the course 
of Commodore Wilkes, and could not defend it on American grounds, 
they were accordingly given up. The British Government had 
showed its real feeling, and it was now evident that on any slight pre- 
text it would take part in the war, and assist the Confederates in 
establishing their independence. 

Carrying out its plan of controlling the Southern ports, the United 
States attempted to close some of them by sinking vessels loaded with 



756 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

stones in the main channels, adopting the plan followed by the British 
Government at Bonlogne and Alexandria. As a basis of operations 
against New Orleans, Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico was occupied 
early in December. 

Missouri continued to be the scene of military operations and gue- 
rilla warfare. General Hunter, on succeeding Fremont, fell back, and 
the Confederates advanced ; but Halleck, taking command of the 
department, assumed the offensive, and some advantages were gained, 
Brigadier-General Pope acquiring renown by a successful engagement 
at Clear Creek, in which he captured a Confederate force under Colonel 
Robinson, numbering one thousand three hundred, with all their arms 
and supplies. Alarmed at this. General Price retreated for a time 
from Springfield, but soon rallied in force at that place with reinforce- 
ments from Arkansas. Against that point, in February, a combined 
movement of the United States troops under Sigel, Asboth, Davis, 
Curtis, and Prentiss was made. As the army under General Curtis 
approached. Price abandoned his winter quarters and fled, the state of 
the roads having prevented Curtis from cutting off his retreat. Curtis 
pushed rapidly on, capturing many detached parties of the enemy, 
who made no stand till he reached Sugar Creek, after being reinforced 
by Ben McCulloch. The action there was a brief one, and Price 
again fled, losing heavily in men, influence, and war material. 

Kentucky was one of the Border States which showed least inclina- 
tion to join the fortunes of the Confederates, although a convention of 
secessionists held at Russelville, in November, passed an ordinance of 
secession, and attempted to organize a government. The Confeder- 
ates held Columbus and Hickman, while Buckner had a force at Bowl- 
ing Green, and a Confederate force under General ZoUicofFer menaced 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 757 

the State from Tennessee, at Cumberland Gap. Cleneral Zollicoffer's 
first movement was against Camp Wildcat, in Rock Castle County., 
held by only a single United States regiment under Colonel Garrard 
Thinking to surprise it, he advanced at the head of six regiments of in- 
fantry, with a large force of cavalry and artillery. But he reckoned 
without his host. General Schoepf had just reached the camp with a 
regiment of infantry and another of cavalry, and other troops were 
rapidly concentrating there. Amid the heavj^ growth of timber that 
covers the land, ZoUicoffer approached between the London road and 
the Winding Blades road, and charged with a 3'ell on Schoepf's line, 
to meet a terrible volley of musketry, which staggered and finally 
drove them back. Again ZoUicoffer led his men up on the London 
road; but the reinforcements had come in — amono- the rest a battery of 
artillery, which was planted on a conical hill between the roads. As 
ZoUicoffer charged again, covered by his artillery, this battery opened, 
and again he recoiled. A third attack, planned with care, and carried 
out with untold labor, was similarly repulsed. Volley after volley 
swept them away in confusion. 

Utterly defeated, ZoUicoffer retreated to the Gap, and confined him- 
self to plundering the country. 

General Nelson was equally successful on the Virginia border. A 
considerable force of Confederates had entered Kentucky from Vir- 
ginia, and encamped at Ivy Mountain, near Pikeville. Nelson re- 
solved to dislodge them, and did so on the 9th of November, with very 
little loss, while a division of his force under Colonel Sill took Pikes- 
ville, and the Confederate force abandoned their positions and retreated 
to Virginia. 

Encouraged by these minor snccesaes. General Don OrfIos Bnell 



THE STOBY OF A GREAT NATION ; 



resolved to make a movement against the enemy. In December he 
pushed forward his centre, forty thousand strong, under General Alex- 
ander McDowell McCook, toward Bowling Green, which was held by 
Ci-eneral Buckner with a large army. But the Confederate com- > 
mander did not risk a battle : as McCook approached, Buckner fell 
back to the southern bank of Green River, destroying as well as he 
could the fine iron bridge of the Louisville and Nashville railroad over 
that stream. McCook's advance guard, part of Willich's German regi- 
ment from Indiana, crossed the river on a temporary bridge, and en- 
camped near Munfordsville. General Hindman, the nearest Confederate 
commander, on the 17th of December sent a Texan force of Rangers 
under Terry to surprise Willich if possible. But this little party 
displayed singular courage and skill. Terry failed in his repeated 
charges to break or disorder their line, and was at last killed, with 
many of his men, the rest retreating. 

General Humphrey Marshall, once a representative of Kentucky in 
Congress, penetrated into Kentucky from Virginia, with a force of two 
or three thousand men, as far as Paiutville, on the Big Sandy River, 
among the mountains in the eastern part of the State. Here he in- 
trenched himself; but when a force of United States troops under Colo- 
nel Garfield advanced upon him, Marshall broke up his camp and, 
destroying large quantities of stores, retreated. Garfield pursued with 
energy : coming up to a part near Prestonburg, he drove them in. On 
the 10th of January he engaged Marshall's main body, and alter 
a struggle which lasted till night, di'ove Marshall from all his posi- 
tions. 

These advantages gave the Union men in Kentucky courage, and 
^inspired the hoi)e that the large army under Biiell Avoukl by a vigor 



OR, OUR OOTTNTRy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 759 

ous campaign deliver the State from the presence of the Confeder- 
ates, and save it from being a battle-ground for bodies of skirmishers 
and a field for cavalry raids. 

The plan of the campaign that was to be decisive had occurred to 
several commanders, and was presented by them to the authorities at 
Washington. The Confederate line had one weak point, in the fact 
that the Tennesee and Cumberland were navigable rivers, where land 
and naval forces could co-operate. 

They had endeavored to prevent this by erecting Fort Henry and 
Fort Donelson, but those works were far from being sufficient to pre- 
vent an advance. Taking note of the remarkable course of these rivers, 
and knowing that during the season of high water the Tennessee 
and Cumberland were navigable for large vessels to the very heart of 
the South, Buell and Grant saw that if they could force open the navi- 
gation of those rivers by reducing Forts Henry and Donelson, they 
would not only take Columbus and Bowling Green in the rear, but 
force the whole Confederate line to fall back. On the 30th of January, 
1862, General Halleck gave Grant and Foote the requisite authority. 

On this movement, which was to conquer the Western Border States 
for the Union, all now denended. 

The end of tlie first 3'ear of the war had been reached. Many had 
looked upon it as an insurrection to be put down in a few months ; a 
rebellion that Government could crush at once : but now saw that with 
so many States bound together in -a new government, with earnest 
men at the head, and armies in the field supplied with the best arms, 
and commanded by officers of undisputed skill, bravery, and deter- 
mination, the struggle was to be a long and deadly one, if victory at 
last was won by the United States Government. 



PART VI. 

THE CIVIL WAR CONTINUED— ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SIXTEENTH 

PRESIDENT— 1861-5— 1865. 



CHAPTER III. 

Buell's Campaign— Battle of Mill Spring— Zollicoffer Defeated by Thomas and Killed— The 
Confederate Line Broken — Grant and Porter Move — Fort Henry Bombarded by the Fleet, 
and Reduced before Grant Arrives — The Army and Fleet Moves upon Fort Donelson — The 
Fleet Repulsed with Loss — Grant's Attack — Battle of Fort Donelson — Desperate Fighting 
^The Confederate Commanders — Tlie Surrender of the Fort — The new Confederate Line — 
Island No. 10 Occupied by Them — It is Reduced — The War in Arkansas — Battle of Pea 
Ridge — Operations on the Coast — The Burnside Expedition — Capture of Fort Pulaski — 
Butler's Expedition to Louisiana. 

Buell's army was at last properly organized and drilled to take 
the field, and moved iu five divisions. Two, under McCook and Nelson, 
were to combine in an attack on Bowling Green, with a third under 
General Mitchell as a reserve. General Thomas, with a fourth, was 
watching Zollicoffer, who was neiir Somerset, and Crittenden, on the 
right, lay near Cumberland Gap. On the 18th of January, the Con- 
federates made the first movement against Thomas' position at Mill 
Spring. It was a night attack. At four in the morning they rushed 
011 the camp of the United States forces, hoping to take it by surprise. 



ouK couxniy's achievements. ^(U 

But they were on the alert, and for three hours a fierce fight v.'"nt on 
amid the darkness of the forest. The men of Kentucky, Minnesota, 
Ohio, and Indiana bore the brunt, and finally, by a decisive charge, 
sent their assailants back in headlong flight, leaving two pieces of 
artillery, and strewing the way with muskets and knapsacks. Then 
General ZoUicoffer, coming in the confusion on a party of United 
States officers, was killed by Colonel Fry. They did not even halt at 
their intrenched camp, which was entered b}' the victors in their pur- 
suit, and taken with all its contents. In that direction Kentucky was 
wrested from the Confederates, and so discouraged were they that, 
fearing for all their forces in that State, General Beauregard was sent 
from Virginia to take command. Their main reliance was Fort Donel- 
son and Fort Henry, on the Tennessee and Cumberland, forming, with 
Columbus, a chain of posts deemed almost impregnable. Against 
these General Halleck had planned a movement, confiding its execu- 
tion to General Grant and Commodore Foote. Early in February 
they moved from Cairo, but the land force was delayed in its march, 
and, in fact. Grant thought himself rapid enough. Accordingly, when, 
on the 6th, Foote came in view of the Confederate work Fort Henry, 
General Grant had not arrived. This fort was a bastion ea"rthwork, on 
the right bank of the Tennessee, armed with heavy guns, and inclosed 
in a line of breastworks for infantry. A road led from it across to 
Fort Donelson, on the left bank of the Cumberland. Without await- 
ing Grant's arrival, Foote resolved to attack at the hour he had 
appointed, without giving the enemy time to prepare. Advancing 
with his fleet in two divisions, he opened fire on Fort Henry, keeping 
steadily on till he was within six hundred yards. For a time the 
Confederate guns replied with vigor, even disabling the flag-ship Es.'^ex, 



762 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

but tliej' soon lost all heart, as gun after gun became disabled, and most 
of the garrison fled ; so that when, after a contest of an hour and a 
quarter, General Tilghman found it impossible to induce the men to 
continue the fight, he ordered the infantry to retire to Fort Donelson, 
leaving him with his artillerists in the fort ; so that when the Confed- 
erates raised a white flag, there were only the commander, General 
Tilghman, and sixty to surrender. 

Greneral Grant arrived at the close of the engagement, and took pos- 
session of the works, but was too late to cut off the retreat of the fugitives. 

This second disaster of the Confederate cause deprived them of the 
Tennessee Kiver, leaving it open to the United States gunboats. They 
were not slow to act : pushing on, they compelled the enemy to abandon 
and fire nearly all their boats on the river, a few only remaining to be 
captured by the flotilla, which penetrated to Florence, Alabama. 

Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland, forty miles above its mouth on 
the Ohio, was an extensive earthwork, on a commanding hill near 
the town of Dover, scientifically constructed, well supplied with artil- 
tery, and manned by at least thirteen thousand men. General Floyd 
commanded it, supported by Pillow and Buckner. Here it was evident 
that a desperate fight would be made. Concerting plans with Commo- 
dore Foote, General Grant moved upon it, and arriving before the 
fort on the 13th of February, posted his troops around it, skirmishing 
only to secure important positions. The next day Foote arrived, and 
with four ironclads and two wooden vessels opened fire on the fort. 
But the guns of Fort Donelson were better handled. After a severe 
fight, two vessels were disabled, and two seriously injured, so that he 
had to suspend the attack to repair. His fire had driven the Confed- 
erates from some of their batteries, but as the vessels drifted down 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 763 

the river, the Confederates rallied, and the dear-bought advantage 
was lost. 

General Grant intrenched to await the return of the flotilla, but the 
Confederates were too wise to allow him to carry out his plan. Re- 
solving to cut their way out by the Wjam's Ferry road, they 
boldly attacked his right under McClernand, on the 15th, earlj' in the 
morning. McClernand for a time stood the fierce onset of General 
Pillow, but gradually yielded. Buckner supported Pillow's attack by 
charging McClernand's left, the brigade of Colonel W. H. L. "Wallace ; 
but that brigade stood firm, and drove Buckner back to his intrench- 
ments. When, however, Pillow's success uncovered Wallace's flank, 
Buckner renewed the attack, and Wallace was driven back. McCler- 
nand's whole division was forced from the field a mile and a half, 
his headquarters captured, and five pieces of artillery taken. 

A brigade from General Lew. Wallace's division, coming to his 
relief, was mistaken for the enemy, and fired upon, adding to the 
general confusion. 

The Wynn's Ferry road was open to the Confederates, who might 
have retreated by it, but, in the hope of crushing Grant's whole army, 
they neglected to do so. 

When General Wallace came up to save McClernand's exhausted 
troops at noon, the Confederates formed on the ridge occupied during 
the night by McClernand, and they now charged upon Wallace's fresh 
troops with the same spirit tiiey had shown earlier in the day. But 
they found in Wallace a foeman worthy of their steel : his steady line 
met their charge, and finally drove them back to their own intrench- 
raents. During all this bloody work. Grant had been on Commodore 
Foote's %g-s;hip planning a combined movement. On arriving upon 



764 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

the field he saw that either side was readj- to give way, if the other 
showed a bokl front. He seized the opportunity, and ordered au 
advance of his whole line. 

He threw his right, Iowa and Indiana men under General Smith, on 
the Confederate left, strongly posted as it was on rising ground, with 
intrenchments and rifle-pits. The movement was successful. After a 
stubborn fight, the Confederates under Buckner, \vho had hurried to the 
spot, retired from their rifle-pits to their main works, leaving to Smith 
the ground that commanded the fort. 

These operations,, in which the Confederate troops had fought bravely, 
showed them, however, that they could not hold out. The day's 
eneao-ement had cost each side two thousand men in killed and 
wounded. A stormy debate ensued among the Confederate command- 
ers. Floyd would not surrender, nor would Pillow. They resigned 
command, and retired by night from the fort with part of the force, 
leaving General Buckner in command. In the morning, that com- 
mander sent a flag of truce to General Grant to propose a cessation 
of hostilities, and the appointment of commissioners to agree upon 
terms of capitulation. 

Grant's reply was a memorable on<i : " Xo terms except uncondi- 
tional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move 
immediately on your works." 

Buckner, in a letter expressing his deep chagrin, accepted the terms 
and surrendered. 

The fighting had been close and earnest : the losses were heavy. Of 
the Confederates engaged, one thousand two hundred and thirty-six 
escaped with Pillow, two hundred and thirty-one were killed, and more 
than a thousand wounded. Thirteen thousand surrendered, with artillery. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. VGS 

muskets, ammuuition, auci supplies ; but the loss to the Uuited States 
forces Avas five hundi'ed killed aud eight huudred wounded. 

The victory at Fort Douelsou had not Vjeen purchased without 
severe loss, but to the Southern cause the fall of the two forts was 
beyond calculation. Their military i^lan east and west of the Alle- 
ghanies was to make lines of strong positions held by armies of their 
best men, in order to compel the armies of the Uuited States to fight 
them in the border States, leaving those at the South, to a great 
extent, free from the horrors of war. In this way they made Virginia 
the battle-ground to the last; but by the recent victories of Halleck, 
Grant and Foote, the Confederate armies found it impossible to hold 
their ground in Kentucky and Tennessee. 

The loss of Forfs Henry and Donelsou completely broke the strong 
Confederate line. Bowling Green, Columbus, Clarksville, and Nash- 
ville were abandoned ; many heavy cannon which could not be moved 
were thrown into the river at Columbus, and great quantities of valuable 
stores were burned. 

General Albert S. Johnson, the Confederate commander, took up a 
new line lower down, occupying Island No. 10 in the Mississippi, New 
Madrid in Missouri, and Jackson in Tennessee. Here they prepared 
to make another effort to check the advance of the United States 
forces from the North. The Western troops, elated by their victories, 
expected to sweep all before them. 

Tennessee having been thus recovered, and being without a gov- 
ernment, the President appointed as military governor the Hon. 
Andrew Johnson, who bad been Senator in his own State, its repre- 
sentative in Congress, its Governor, and Senator at Washington. He 
.had earnestly opposed the secession movement, and now attempted to 



^OQ THE STOKY OF A GKKAT NATION ; 

reorganize public affairs ; but though East Tennessee adhered to the 
Government of the United States, the western part submitted only to 
force. 

The Confederates were not allowed to hold their new line undis- 
turbed. Halleek resolved to break this. Ivirly in March, General 
Pope invested the position at New Madrid, (he western point of tlie 
new line. Here they had thrown up a strong four-bastioned earth- 
work, outside which were the encampments of a considerable force, 
the whole surrounded with a well-erected earthwork and ditch. It 
was manned b}' more than five thousand men under General McCown, a 
distinguished officer, formerly of the United States arm3^ Although aided 
by gunboats, McCown, after some days' siege, seeing Pope's lines daily 
approach, abandoned his position, leaving artillery, field batteries, 
tents, and stores, and retired to Island No. 10. So precipitate w^as the 
flight, that their dead were left unburied, and candles burning in the . 
tents. As this post commanded the river, and was below Island No. 10, 
it enabled the United States forces to cut off the enemy's retreat from 
that point. 

This was not the only military operation west of the Mississippi. 
Curtis, following up Price, pushed into Arkansas, the Confederates 
retreatino; until swelled bv such reinforcements that thev deemed it 
safe to make a stand. General Yan Dorn, appointed to the command 
of the Confederate forces, pushed on toward Missouri, to gain Cur- 
tis' rear. On the Gth of March he fell in with and attacked Si2;el, 
marching to reinforce Curtis. Sigel cut his way through wath some 
loss, and Curtis prepared to meet the enemy from an unexpected 
point. On the 7th of ]\Iarch he drew up on Pea Ridge, to meet the 
combined forces of Van Dorn and Price, who were now between him 



OR, OTTR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 707 

and Missouri. Curtis threw out ijolouel ('arr, whose brio-ade fought 
desperately, but was steadily driveu back, losing, but regaining, some 
of their guns. Colonel Osterliaus, attacking the enemy's centre, met 
a similar result. Sigel held his own, but the position of affairs at 
nightfall was not cheering for the United States forces. 

The contending armies slept on their arms not more than three hun- 
dred yards apart. Each arm}- prepared in the darkness of night for 
the decisive struggle. On a hill that towered two hundred feet high, 
Van Dorn planted heavy batteries, with inllxntry, forming his right. 
Cavalry and artillery protected his left. Sigel, opposed to Van Dorn's 
right, drew up his men well, and pushing on, opened an artillery fire, 
which was well sustained, and linally dislodged the enemy from the 
Hill. Carr and Davis had more promptly driven in the centre and left- 
A-fter a furious battle. Van Dorn retreated, pursued for twelve miles 
by the victors. The fighting on both sides had been of the most des- 
perate character, and the losses Avere large. On the side of the 
United States, the loss in killed, woimded, and missing amounted to 
one thousand three hundred and fifty-one ; the Confederates admitted 
six hundred killed and wounded, but lost really more than their an- 
tagonists. In this bloody fight, General Beu McCulloch, who had so 
long been the soul of energy, was killed, as well as Generals Mcintosh 
and Slack. In this battle the Confederates had a number of Indians 
under General Albert Pike, and many of Curtis' army were found 
tomahawked and scalped by the savage foe. 

The battle of Pea Ridge established the superiority of the United 
States west of the Mississippi ; and even the Indians, who had been 
led to share the fortunes of the Confederacy, began to waver, seeing 
nothing but utter ruin before them. 



768 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION 

On the Atlantic coast, the year opened with another expedition of 
the naval and military forces. This was Burnside's expedition, also 
aimed at North Carolina. After severe storms, in which several ves- 
sels were wrecked, he reached Hatteras Inlet on the 13th of January, 
1862. Entering Pamlico Sound, Captain Goldsborough, on the 7th of 
February, attacked the Confederate forts and flotilla. After a spir- 
ited action, tlie Confederate gunboats retired under the guns of the 
forts. Goldsborough then bombarded Fort Barton, at Pork Point, till 
it was utterly disabled : then General Burnside landed eleven thousand 
men on Koanoke Island. On the 8th, these advanced on the enemy's 
position, under the command of General Foster, Burnside remaining 
at the landing. The Confederates were strongly posted, but, though 
well defended, it was carried by assault, the enemy ilying to the 
northern part of the island. There they, with all the other forts and 
troops on the island, finally surrendered. 

Further down the coast lay a United States force at Port Eoyal, 
gradually and slowly gaining ground. On the 10th of April, General 
Hunter's batteries, Avhich had been planted around Fort Pulaski, the 
principal work defending the port of Savannah, opened on that work. 
So powerful were the cannon brought to bear on it, that in thirty 
hours' fire a practicable breach was made in its strong walls, and the 
Confederate commander. Colonel Olrastead, finding many of his guns 
dismounted, and the rifle-shots fast working their way to his magazine, 
surrendered the fort. 

This capture, due in no small degree to the engineering skill of 
General Q. A. Gillmore, cost the United States only one man. Some 
smaller forts, and Fort Clinch, at Fernandina, Florida, were at once 
occupied, as well as Jacksonville, Apalachicola, and the ancient city 
of St. Augustine. 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Invasion of New Mexico by Sibley — Canby's Defence — The Fleet on the Mississippi — The 
Ram Fleet under Colonel Ellet—Meniphis Yields— Butler's Louisiana Campaign — Farragut's 
Naval Battle — Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip— New Orleans Taken — The Fleet Ascends 
the River — First Operations against Vicksburg — The Chesapeake Naval Battle between the 
Merrimac and Monitor — The Confederate Government — Stanton — Shields defeats Jack- 
son — JlcClellan's Peninsula Campaign — The Battle of Pittsburg Lauding. 

New Mexico, a Territory lying far to the West, had from of old 
been claimed by Texas, and although to reduce and occupy it would 
reall.y weaken and burthen the Southern Confederacy, an expedition 
of two thousand three hundred men under General Sibley, an officer 
who had shown great ability in the United States service during the 
Mexican and Indian wars, niaivlied into the Territory from Texas, in 
January, 1862. The United States forces were commnnded by Gen- 
eral Canby, who had been in a manner abandoned to his own resources 
by the authorities at Washington : but he called out volunteers, and 
with his regulars prepared to defend the Territory. Sibley attacked 
him at Valverde, in February. The battle was long a doubtful one, 
but at last the Texans made a desperate charge, killing Captain McRae 
and Lieutenant Michler at their guns, and routing the regulars and 
volunteers who formed the infantry support. A total rout ensued. 
Canby fell back to Fort Craig. Siblej^ then advanced, routing Colonel 
Slough at Apache Pass, and entered Santa Fe in triumph ; but he 
found in less than a month that his victory was useless, and that he 
had no choice but to evacuate the Territory or be cut off by Canby •, 
and, admitting that New Mexico was not worth one quarter of the 



770 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

blood expended in its conquest, he retreated to Texas h »fay, leaving 
his sick and wounded. 

After the evacuation of Island No. 10, Commode /e Foote moved 
down the Mississippi as far as Fort Pillow, where I he Confederates 
were again ready to contest the master\' of the great river. Not only 
was the fort strong and well supplied with guns and mortars which 
replied with accuracy to Foote's fire, but a ram with gunboats came 
up the river to attack his fleet. An action took place May 4th. The 
ram Mallory struck the Cincinnati in spite of her broadside and mus- 
ket fire, crippling her so that she began to sink ; but Commander Stem- 
bel killed the Confederate pilot, and managed to run his vessel on a 
shoal : and the St. Louis ran the Mallory down, sinking her in turn. 
The gunboats of the Confederate flotilla fared badly ; one was burnt, 
another blew up. 

Fort Pillow was soon after evacuated, and the fleet kept steadily 
on. 

Colonel Ellet had meanwhile organized a fleet of rams to meet those 
of the Confederates. Commodore Davis, reinforced by this ram fleet, 
moved down the river, and when approaching Memphis, June 6th, came 
in sight of the Confederate fleet lying at the levee. It at once moved 
down the river, then turned and came up in line of battle. After a 
distant cannonading, two of the Confederate rams pushed out, whea 
Ellet. with his rams, the Queen of the West and Monarch, made for 
them. The Confederates sought to elude them, but the Queen was too 
adroit, and took one of them, fairly crushing her to a wreck ; which, as 
soon as the Queen backed, sank. The other Confederate ram mean- 
while dealt the Queen a blow which disabled her, but was in turn 
struck and sank by the Monarch. That vessel was now attacked by 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 771 

the Beauregard, which, however, did her no injury, while the Monarch, 
using the ram, crushed in the Beauregard's sides, when her boiler ex- 
ploded, pierced by a ball from a gunboat, and she floated away a wreck. 
The Little Rebel next succumbed to the Monarch. The Confederate 
fleet under the broadsides Of the United Slates gunboats was as badly 
handled. Of their whole force only one armed vessel, the Van Dorn, 
escaped down the river. This extraordinary naval conflict liad lasted 
from five to seven o'clock in the morning. Not a man was*killed in 
the United States boats, and no one wounded but Colonel Ellet. 

The people at Memphis, with the Confederate force occupying it 
under Gen-eralJefifersou Thompson, watched the figiit with deep interest. 
As he saw the day going against thera, Thompson sent off his troops, 
and at the close of the battle galloped out of the city, which sullenly 
yielded. 

The United States G-overnment meanwhile pursued its course in re- 
capturing the great Southern ports. The most inijxjrtiint movement to 
secure any of these important points Avas that against New Orleans. As 
early as December 4th, 1861, Ship Island, one of a long line of small 
sandy islands between New Orleans and Mobile, was occupied hj a 
small force under G-eneral Phelps. On the 15th of February following, 
a fleet left Hampton Roads, bearing an army of fifteen thousand men 
under General Butler. They did not reach Shij) Island till March 25th. 
Then General Butler with Commodore Farragut planned an attack on 
New Orleans. The fleet was to reduce the two forts. Fort St. Philip 
and Fort Jackson, which commanded the river : and across the Missis- 
sippi just at that point ran a great raft or boom of cypress-trees fast- 
ened to chain cables. Behind this was a fleet of ironclad rams, gun- 
boats, and fireships, commanded by Commodore Whittle ; while New 



772 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Orleans itself was held by a loree imder the command of General; 
Lovell. 

On the 18th of April, 1862, Porter's mortar-boats were in position 
and opened on Fort Jackson, which replied steadily till five in the 
afternoon, when flames were seen bursting from the fort, the wooden- 
buildings within having been set on fire by the shells. But the next 
da)", and the next, the fort held out. 

Then, under cover of night, Farragut sent up the Pinola and Itasca, 
which cut the boom and cables, and on the 23d he prepared to sail 
up the river past the forts. The next night the whole fleet in three 
lines moved up, Farragut with liis largest ships near the western 
bank, to engage Fort Jackson ; Captain Bailey along the western side; 
Captain Bell keeping in the middle of the river with the rest. Bailey 
ran by with little injury ; Bell's division was less fortunate. The 
Itasca was disabled, and with the Winona and Kennebec dropped down 
to their old anchorage. Farragut, as he anticipated, had a hard fight. 
The Hartford and Richmond replied steadily to the fire of the^fort. 
The Brooklyn ran on to one of the hulks of the boom, and was then 
attacked by the steam-ram Manassas, but evaded her blow and a bolt 
aimed at her steam-chest. Another Confederate steamer then came 
up in the darkness, but Captain Craven gave her such a warm recep- 
tion that he set her on fire, and she drifted down, lighting up the scene. 
Reaching Fort St. Philip, he poured in such broadsides that he drove 
the gunners from their pieces, and pushing on, engaged gunboats fiir- 
tlier up the river. For an hour and a half he was constantly under fire. 

The Cayuga, after passing Fort St. Philip, was engaged by the whole 
Confederate fleet, but, holding her own, had forced three of the smaller 
vessels to strike, when the Varuna and Oneida came to her relief 



OR, OUR COTTISTTRT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 773 

The Varuna was at onCi surrounded, but her fight is one of the most 
memorable in history. She blew up or drove on shore four of the 
hostile gunboats in succession : but at six was encountered bj' the iron- 
clad ram Morgan, which by a raking fire killed or wounded thirteen 
of her men, and then struck her with the ram. But the Yaruna re- 
turned her fire so hotly, that the Morgan, 25artialiy disabled, drifted out 
of the fight. Another ironclad ram then struck the Varuna, the second 
thrust crushing in her side — but not with impunity ; Captain Boggs, 
aiming at her uncovered part, crippling her and setting her on fire. But 
the Varuna was going down ; so he ran her into the bank, still keep- 
ing up his fire on the Morgan, till the water rose on the sinking vessel 
over the gun-trucks. Then he got his crew ashore, and the gallant 
vessel sunk ; but not before Boggs beheld the Morgan surrender to the 
Oneida, which had come to the assistance of the Varuna, but had been 
sent against the Morgan by Boggs. 

In this desperate fight, the fleet, without losing more than a hundred 
and fifty men, had overcome all obstacles. New Orleans was at the 
mercy of (he United States forces. General Lovell, who had witnessed 
the action, attempted to raise a desperate force to attack the fleet; 
but finally sent off his munitions and provisions, and retreated, setting 
fire to all the shipping, steamboats, cargoes of cotton, etc., at the 
docks. As the fleet approached the city, batteries opened on the 
ships, but were soon silenced ; and at one o'clock in the afternoon of 
the 25th the fleet anchored in front of New Orleans, its wharves one 
mass of fire. The city refused to surrender or haul down the Con- 
federate flag, and the Stars and Stripes hoisted over the Mint was 
torn down by the mob. Porter, meanwhile, renewed the shelling of the 
forts, which surrendered on the 28th, the garrison mutinying ; the naval 



ni THE STOKY OF A GKEAT KATIO^f ; 

officers, however, towed out the ram Louisiana into the stream, and 
loading her guns, fired her, sending her down into Porter's fleet ; but 
she blew up and sank. The rest of the Confederate fleet surrendered, 
except one vessel which was scuttled. 

General Butler then advanced with his transports to New Orleans, 
and on the afternoon of May 1st began to land his troops, amid the 
curses and shouts of the mob. Butler took up his quarters at the St. 
Charles Hotel, and soon convinced the city authorities that he was 
master. The insults of the women to the officers and soldiers so ex- 
asperated Gi-eneral Butler, that he issued a famous order which called 
forth the greatest indignation throughout the South, and in the British 
Parliament, its secret ally. He sent the mayor to prison, abolished 
his municipality, and caused Mumford, who had torn down the flag 
from the Mint, to be arrested and tried. On his conviction he was banged. 

Baton Rouge and Natchez surrendered to the fleet early in May. 

Tlie advance of the United States squadron under Commander 
S. P. Lee encountered no opposition until it reached Vicksburg, 
which defiantly refused to surrender. Farragut came up bearing a 
small land force under General Williams. A bombardment was opened 
on the 29th of June, but with little effect. Farragut then ran past 
and met Commodore Davis, who had fought his way down from Cairo. 
The attempts on Vicksburg all failed, and that city was destined 
to be long a source of annoyance to the American commanders. 

Williams returned to Baton Rouge, and was there attacked on the 
5th of August by a Confederate force under General Breckinridge. 
The fighting was fierce on both sides, advantage being gained and 
lost ; and at night Breckinridge drew off, having lost three or four hun- 
dred men, including General Clarke, left mortally wounded in the 



on, ouK country's achievements. 775. 

hands of the United States forces. Ou their side the loss had been-, 
severe. Every officer of the 21st Indiana was liilled, and General 
Williams was shot down while leading it in a final charge. The Con- 
federates had counted on the co-operation of the ram Arkansas, 
which came down lioui Vicksburg ibr the purpose ; but her machinery 
gave way, and she was unable to reach Baton Eouge. The next day 
she was attacked by Commodore Porter in the Essex, who shelled her 
till her crew set her on fire and abandoned her. 

In November the President assigned General Banks to command 
the Department of the Gulf, and that commander reached New 
Orleans on the 14th of December and assumed command. Butler, 
who had gone down with thirteen thousand seven hundred men, and 
not been reinforced, turned over to General Banks an army of seven- 
teen thousand eight hundred men, including three regiments and two 
batteries of negroes. Jefferson Davis, as President of the Confeder- 
ate States, had, after Butler relinquished command at New Orleans, is- 
sued a proclamation declaring that that general and his officers should, 
if taken, be executed as robbers and criminals. 

Meanwhile a most extraordinary scene occurred in Chesapeake Bay, 
a contest that gave the world a new theory of naval warfare. 

When the Gosport navy-yard was abandoned, the steam-frigate Mer- 
riraac was one of the vessels abandoned and sunk. This the Confed- 
erates raised, and transformed into a formidable war-vessel of novel 
construction. The hull was cut down nearly to the water-line, and a 
sloping roof like that of a house placed on it. This was made of 
heavy timbers, and plated with bars of railroad iron three indies 
tliick. Her smoke-stack and pilot-house alone appeared. She was 
strengthened fore and aft, and plated with steel, while at the bow ran 



'i'V'6 THE STORY UF A OKEAT 2s ATION ; 

out a ram of steel, designed to cut into the side of any vessel she 
might engage. She carried twelve eleven-inch navj'-guns, and a hun- 
dred pounder at her bow and stern. A fleet of United States men- 
of-war, the Cumberland, Congress, Minnesota, St. Lawrence, and Ro- 
anoke, lay near Fortress Monroe, when, on the 8th of March, the Mer- 
rimac steamed out of Norfolk, with two steamers, the Yorktown and 
Jamestown. As she approached the Cumberland and Congress, 
those vessels gave her full broadsides, but the cannon-balls slid off 
from her roofing without doing the slightest damage. Though stag- 
gered by the shock, she kept on, and dashed upon the side of the 
Cumberland, laying it open, and pouring in a broadside. The Con- 
gress, engaged by the Yorktown and Jamestown, lost Captain Smith, 
her commander, and, attempting to run on shore, grounded. In this 
position the Merrimac came down upon her with a fire that raked her 
fore and aft. She struck, and the Confederates took off some pris- 
oners, but were finally driven off by the land batteries, which set the 
vessel on fire, and she burned to the water's edge. The Cumberland 
did not strike, but kept up the unequal fight most gallantly, her com- 
mander, Lieutenant Geo. W. Morris, firing his guns as she went down, 
and keeping his flag flj'ing to the last. 

The other vessels of the fleet in endeavoring to come into action 
grounded, and became disabled. Universal panic prevailed, as it was 
evident that none of them could cope with this new craft so strangely 
equipped. 

Relief was to come from a most unexpected quarter. In those days 
every one was offering G-overnment inventions and plans. A floating 
battery, called (lie Monitor, had been designed by Captain Ericsson, 
an experienced Swedish engineer, long resident in America. The 



OR, OUR COCNTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 77"/ 

Government had built a vessel according to his plan, but little confi- 
dence was placed in it. The vessel was below the water : almost on 
the water-line was a shell-proof deck : from this rose a round turret, 
which revolved by machinery, and which contained two eleven-inch 
columbiads, very heavy cannon. 

This vessel had just been completed, and ordered to the Chesapeake : 
an order countermanding this came fortunately too late, and the Moni- 
tor reached Fortress Monroe on the 8th of March, to find all in con- 
sternation. 

Her arrival was hailed with joy ; and the old navy officers, who had 
slightingly derided the cheese-box on a raft, now felt that here was 
perhai)S a match for the Merrimac. 

As the hiize cleared on the morning of the 9th, the Merrimac was 
seen coming out for a second raid on the fleet. The Minnesota, which 
had grounded, was evidently her' point of attack, and the little Moni- 
tor lying in her shadow was unnoticed. As the Minnesota opened 
with her stern guns on the dangerous enemy, the little Monitor ran 
out and laid herself alongside the Merrimac. In vain the Confeder- 
ate ironclad poured her broadsides on the little battery : the balls flew 
ofi" ; while she, steaming around, sent her raking shots through the stern 
or through tbe ports. Finding that she could make no impression on 
the Monitor, the Merrimac opened fire on the Minnesota, doing some 
damage ; but again the Monitor interposed and drove her off. Then 
the Merrimac grounded, and was at the mercy of the Monitor, and got 
off only to steam toward Norfolk, pursued by the Ericsson battery. 
In vain the Merrimac turned on her little antagonist, and attempted 
to get at the Minnesota : the day was lost. Sullenly, and discomfited, 
she with her consorts steamed back to Norfolk. 



'-'7 



7/8 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

The Monitor came off without the least iujiirv : the Merrimac had 
two cuus broken, two men killed and eight wounded. Such was the 
great fight of the ironclads in Hampton Roads. In Europe and Ameri- 
ca the battles of the two days were read with the deepest interest, 
and it became evident that the old navies of the world must give place 
to ships of new form and strength. 

Congress, in its regular session, made provisions for the great war 
raging in the land. The Government issued notes known as green- 
backs, which were to pass for all uses except the payment of duties to 
Government. To meet the immediate expenditure entailed by the 
army and navy, direct taxation was resorted to, and taxes were laid 
on liquors, tobacco, and other articles, and a tax on all incomes over 
six hundred dollars. These steps caused a complete revolution in the 
money affairs of the country. The banks suspended specie payment, 
and gold became an article of tradt, being bought and sold at rates 
exceeding the paper dollar. This rate fluctuated with militarj' success 
and other causes, and at one time the gold dollar was worth two dol- 
lars and seventy cents in paper. Twelve j-cars after the commence- 
ment of the war, and eight after its close, the gold dollar was worth 
fifteen cents, or nearly one-sixth more than the paper dollar. 

This caused an increase in prices of all goods, commodities, and 
labor. The risk from privateers made imported goods higher, 
although nearly all imports were brought in on the ships of other 
countries, England especially profiting by the difficulty which she had 
created by recognizing the Confederate privateers. Bills were passed 
abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, and making compensa- 
tion to the owners, and for a similar step in the Slave States if they 
chose to accept it ; but the Border States still adhering to the United 



f)R, OUK COX'^XTIIY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 779 

States Government all declined it. Notwithstanding the express words 
of the Constitution proliibiting acts of attainder, an act was passed 
confiscating the property of any one adjudged guilty of treason ; but no 
one was ever brought to trial on that charge and convicted. 

Meanwhile the Southern Confederacy had installed a regular govern- 
ment under the constitution adopted. Eleven States took part in the 
Presidential election, casting one hundred and nine votes, which were 
given unanimously for Jefferson Davis as President, and Alexander K. 
Stephens as Yice-President. They were inaugurated at Richmond, at 
the base of the great Washington statue, on the 2'2([ of February, 
1862, prayer being offered by Bishop Johns of the Protestarit Episco- 
pal Church. Davis' cabinet was composed of Benjamin, as Secretary of 
State ; Randolph, Secretary of War ; Mallory, of the Navy, and Mem- 
minger, of the Treasury. 

At Washington, the beginning of the new year was marked by the 
resignation of Mr. Cameron as Secretary of War, and the appoint- 
ment of Edwin M. Stanton, a man of great energy and determination, 
who to the close of the war discharged his duties with singular vigor 
and resolution. 

He became virtually commander-in-chief, new military divisions 
ivere created, and orders were issued directly in the President's name. 
Many arbitrary acts followed, such as the arrest and long imprison- 
ment of General Stone, which gave rise to strong protests in Con- 
gress. 

From this period to the close of the war, the Shenandoah Valley in 
Virginia became the battle-ground of contending armies, and it would 
require volumes to detail all the battles and skirmishes that fdled that 
beautiful valley with blood and carnage. In the first movement. Gen- 



780 THE STORY OF A GREAT jSTATION; 

eral Banks drove General Jackson back toward Johnston's array ; but 
General Shields, with the advance of Banks' army, resolved to decoy 
Jackson to a weak point. In pursuance of this plan, he fell back to 
Winchester, and took up a strong position. Jackson followed and 
began the attack (March 21st). Shields, though wounded by a frag- 
ment of a shell which broke his arm, retained command, and drew up 
his men. On the 22d, however, Jackson gave no token of his pres- 
ence, and many thought he had not come up, when he suddenly 
appeared in force, endeavoring to turn Shields' left flank and enfilade 
his position. Shields, fully aware of the skill of his antagonist, had 
been on the alert. He repulsed the attack, and when Jackson, massing 
his men, attacked the right. Shields was ready, and with a competent 
force drove Jackson back through the woods, leaving the United 
States troops in possession of the field, three hundred prisoners, two 
guns, and a thousand stand of arms. Night alone saved Jackson, who 
retreated live miles from the battle-field. Shields in this battle fought 
after being severely wounded, displayed the character of a hero and a 
general, and has the high honor of having inflicted on Jackson one of 
the few defeats he ever sustained. 

Banks followed up this victory by occupying the valley, Jackson 
retreating to Gordonsville. 

About this time the Confederates abandoned Manassas and the line 
of the Potomac, and fell back nearer to Richmond, on a line extend- 
ing: from Gordonsville to Yorktown. General McClellan, after advan- 
cing to Manassas, left General McDowell to guard that line^ and pre- 
pared to make a grand movement from Fortress Monroe on Richmond. 
Early in April he embarked an army of a hundred and twenty thou- 
sand men on a fleet of transports at Washington and Alexandria, and 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 781 

landing near Hampton, moved towai'd Yorktown. The Confederate 
lines here were held by General Magruder. McClellan's arni}^ arrived 
in face of them on the 5th. Itistead of an attempt to storm them, 
McClellan prepared for a regnlar siege, and on the 30th opened with 
his siege batteries on Yorktown and Gloucester, and the Confederate 
shipping in the river. 

The enemy for a few days replied with vigor, but on the 2d of May 
evacuated their works and retreated. McClellan immediately pursued 
on land, and sent Franklin's division and other troops up the York 
Eiver — the James, owing to danger of attack from the Merrimac, not 
being at his command. 

The Confederates made a stand at Williamsburg, where they had 
thrown up another series of intrenchments. General Hooker, with the 
advance of McClellan's army, arriving before Fort Magruder, at the 
junction of the Yorktown and Hampton roads, early on the morning 
of May 5th, began the attack ; but the enemy, unassailed at other 
points, massed their troops at the menaced point, and Hooker's attack 
was repulsed with heavy loss. Kearney's division at last came up to 
his support, and the battle was renewed. When night closed the fight 
they had at last gained some advantage, while Hancock on the right 
by a brilliant bayonet charge carried two redoubts. 

McClellan was not on the field, and arrived only on the following 
morning, prepared to renew the fight ; but the enemy had evacuated 
their works in haste, leaving seven or eight hundred wounded behind 
them. Their loss in killed and wounded is not known, but was pro- 
bably fifteen hundred in all. McClellan reported four hundred and 
fifty-six killed, one thousand four hundred wounded, and three hun- 
dred and seventv-two missiuo-. 



782 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATION ; 

l\rcCle]lan advanced in pursuit of the enemy, and on the 22d made 
his headquarters at Cold Harbor, fairly arrayed against the main Oou« 
federate armj^ at Eichmond. But he labored under the mistaken idea 
that this army was far superior to his own in numbers and equipments, 
and instead of a'vigorous attack, began to fortify his position, calling 
meanwhile for reinforcements. 

His advance, and the success of Burnside in North Carolina, left 
Norfolk no longer tenable by the Confederates, and they accordingly 
evacuated it, destroying the dry-dock and the Merrimac, as well as the 
bridges leading from the city. G-eneral Wool at once took possession 
of (he place. 

In the West, Commodore Foote had on the 15th of March begun 
the bombardment of Island No. 10, but it was found to be a strong 
position. By means of a canal, however, he ran past and joined Gen- 
eral Pope, who was on the west of the river; and Colonel Buford, by 
dispersing a Confederate force at Union City, Tennessee, completely 
hemmed in the Confederates on the island. They attempted to escape 
after sinking their vessels, but it was too late ; they were driven into 
the marshes and forced to surrender. Three generals, seven regiments, 
and a very large supply of cannon, muskets, tents, horses, and wagons 
were lost to the Confederacy on the 7th of April, 1862. 

While these operations were iu progress, General Grant with his 
army of sixtj- thousand men had pushed on to Pittsburg Landing, 
an insignificant place on the Tennessee River, eight miles above Savan- 
nah. His object was to give battle to the Confederate force under Gen- 
eral Albert Sidney Johnston, which had concentrated at Corinth. It 
equalled Grant's in numbers, and was strongly intrenched. 

While Grant Avas leisurely jircparing to cut off the retreat of this 



OK, OUR country's achikvements. 7S3 

force and effect its capture, leaving liis own nrniy meanwhile without 
the ordinary pickets, and making no reconnoissances, General Johnston 
was preparing to attack him. 
> Moving silently out of Corinth on the 3d of April, and steadily 
approaching over wretched roads with every precaution, he approached 
Grant's unsuspecting lines early on the morning of the 6th, Major- 
General Hardee leading, supported by Generals Bragg and Polk, 
General Breckinridge holding the reserve. 

When day broke, the pickets of Prentiss' division came rushing into 
the camp, as shot and shell told that the enemy were on them. The men, 
dressing, washing, cooking, were swept down and routed before they 
had time to form. Sherman saw one brigade similarly scattered, but 
for a time held the rest of his division steady ; but he too gave way, 
leaving his camp, tent, and equipage to the enemy. . 

McClernand's division coming up, found Sherman's going, its best 
officers killed or wounded ; the batteries taken or useless. Prentiss 
finally drew his men up, but so badly that they were flanked and 
utterly routed. McClernand, with Sherman beaten on one side, and 
Prentiss on the other, faced along the Corinth road, and for a time held 
it by his batteries, but b}" eleven o'clock he too was driven back. 
Stuart, on the extreme left, although supported by a brigade of W. H. 
L. Wallace's division, was also driven from his position from ridge to 
ridge. Three of the six divisions were routed. Grant reached the 
battle-field at eight o'clock to find his army beaten ; but he set to work 
to regain the day. He formed his three remaining divisions, and in- 
fused new courase into his men. Hurlbut's division stood its ground 
for five hours. Thrice the Confederates charged, and as often they 
were hurled back, the Confederate commander. General Albert Sidnev 



784 



THE STOEY OF A GKEAT NATION; 



Johnston, being mortally wounded in the attack ; but Hurlbut too gave 
way. Then W. H. L. Wallace's division, after seeing its gallant leader 
fall mortally wounded, fell back into line with Hurlbut's new position, 
losing only one gun, the carriage of which was disabled. General 
Lew Wallace, summoned to the field, found the enemy in posses- 
sion, and had to take a circuitous route. 

The rest of Grant's army was crowded on the riverside. Half the 
artillery was lost or disabled, the hospitals full, the loss in men enor- 
mous, whole regiments broken up and disorganized. The Confederates, 
had, they known the state of atfairs, might have swept all before them. 
They hesitated. Colonel Webster massed all the cannon he could find, 
with volunteer gunners, to cover the roads approaching the defeated 
army. When the enemy came up they were received with such 
warmth that they recoiled, especially as the gunboats also opened 
upon them. They had lost the moment for the decisive charge. All 
through the night the artillery kept up its thundering volleys. 

While General Beauregard, who succeeded Johnston, was telegraph- 
ing to Richmond news of his victory. General Bueil came up with the' 
Army of the Ohio. He found proofs of desperate need, and sent on 
General Nelson, who formed near Webster's guns just at nightfall. 
During the darkness, Crittenden and McCook's divisions came up and 
crossed. 

Da5dight saw the scene change. Lew Wallace's fresh division and 
the three from Buell'sarmy, with the remnant of the shattered divisions, 
now confronted Beauregard's men flushed with victory, but fearfully 
reduced by the day's battle and by straggling. He too expected aid 
from Van Dorn and Price, but it did not come. 

The second day's battle was opened by the advance of Nelson's 



OK, OUE COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 



7S5 



'livision, on which the whole force of the enemj- concentrated, so that 
its lo^ was terrible : but they drove them in ; and when, later, Critten- 
den's and McOook's opened fire, they forced the enemy back to 
McClernand's old camp, and retook some of his cannon. 

On the right, Grant threw forward Lew Wallace, Sherman, and 
McCleruand, who steadily fought their way through obstacles of 
everj' kind. 

Beauregard's army, now on the defensive, had been forced back to 
Shiloh Church, where it stood grim and undaunted, with heavy bat- 
teries to check any assault. But at one o'clock, finding his effective 
force reduced more tlian half by actual loss in killed and wounded 
and by stragglers, he resolved to draw off, and retired unpursued to 
Corinth. 

In this battle, one of the most fearful ever fought on the continent, 
the losses were terrible. The armies of Grant and Buell lost one 
thousand seven hundred and thirty-five killed, seven thousand eight 
hundred and eighty-two wounded, and three thousand nine hundred 
and fifty-six taken prisoners by the enemy. That of the Confederates, 
admitted to be nearly as many in killed and wounded, was in all pro- 
bability fully as great. In fact it may be safely stated that the loss on 
each side was about fifteen thousand men, one-third of all who went 
into action on that terrible field. This battle is called in Northern 
accounts the battle of Pittsburg Landing, while the South spoke of it 
as the battle of Shiloh. 



CHAPTER V. 

McCle/lan's Campaign against Riclimoiul— Operations in tlie Slienandoah Valley— The Seven 
Days' Battles — Mechanicsville— Fair Oaks— Gaines' Mill— White-Oak Swamp— Malvern 
Hill— McClellan Retires to Harrison's Lauding- Halleck made General-in-Chief— McClellan 
Embarks for the Potomac — Pope's Vainglorious Promises — Banks Worsted at Cedar 
Mountain — Jackson in Pope's Rear — Second Battle of Bull Run— Pope not Supported by 
McClellan — He Retreats to Washington and Resigns — Colonel Cantwe)' — Lee Enters Jlary- 
land — Outgenerals McClellan and takes Harper's Ferry — Battles '^f South Mountain and 
Antietam — Lee Retreats— Mcriclinn Pursues — Hp is Relipved. 

The new management of the War Department soon led to a disas- 
ter in the Shenandoah Yalley. The President and Secretary of War, 
with no military training, were endeavoring to carry out campaigns 
without a pUui. General Banks, pursuing Jackson, was near Harri- 
sonburg. Milroy and Schenck, with the van of Fremont's army, were 
advancing from Monterey to Staunton : a small force under Kenly was 
at Front Royal. While the United States forces were thus isolated, 
Jackson, reinforced by Ewell and Johnston, moved with his usual 
rapidity. Leaving Ewell to hold Banks in check, he pushed on to cut 
off Schenck and Milroy, and took up his position on Bull-Pasture Moun- 
tain. On the 8ih, Schenck failed in a desperate attempt to dislodge 
Jackson, and after losing two hundred and fifty-six men, retreated to 
Franklin, destroying his stores. Jackson pursue<l for a time, then 
crossed the mountains, and on the 23d swooped dowu on Kenly, whom 
he almost annihilated, capturing his train and nearly his whole force. 
Banks learned to his dismay that Jackson was i)ressing forward to 
Winchester, in his rear, with a force nearly four times his own. In his 
attempt to reach that city he encountered Jackson, but, after despe- 
rate fighting, managed to reach Winchester, and retreat thi'ough it to the 
Potomac. There his army could draw breath. Jackson had swept it 



■.)UR country's ACHIEVEJIENTS. 787 

completely from the valley, with a loss of several thousand meu, arms, 
artillery, and stores. 

From Washington, new movements were directed to intercept his 
retreat ; but the able Confederate commander eluded Fremont at Stras- 
burg, and Shields at Masamitten Mountain, and they were not able to 
bring him to action till they came to Cross Keys, where Ewell took up a 
position selected by Jackson's keen military eye. Fremont (June 8th) 
attacked, but the action was indecisive although the loss was heavy. 
Jackson himself the next day attacked Shields' advance at Port Republic, 
defeating it with severe loss, and made good his escape. " Considering 
the perils he braved, and the odds against him, his campaign was one 
of the most brilliant of the war, and stamped him as a true military 
genius." The great object of this movement was to compel the United 
States Government at Washington to keep troops near the Potomac, 
instead of co-operating with McClellan, and in this the Confederates 
succeeded. 

McClellan's array, after occupying Williamsburg, and pushing on 
toward Richmond, fought its first battle at Hanover Court House, 
where, on the 27th of May, General Fitz John Porter defeated Gen- 
eral Brand), capturing his camp with arms and railroad trains. This 
position was important, as it opened communication with McDowell's 
army expected from Fredericksburg. When, however, Keyes' corps 
reached Seven Pines, crossing the Chickahominy, and that stream was 
swollen on the 30th by sudden, rains. General Johnston, the Confeder- 
ate commander, resolved to crush ihe isolated corps before it could bo 
supported. 

Long-street and Hill attacked Casey in front, while Huger assailed 
his right flank, and Smith his left, almost the whole Confederate army 



788 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

before Richmond, some fifty thousand men, being emploj'ed in these 
movements iiuder the eve of Jefferson Davis, who was on the field 
with General Lee, while Casey was cut ofT from immediate support, 
and General McClellan was at a distance. Hill's attack in front, at one 
o'clock, took Casey by surprise, his men dropping intrenching tools to 
form in line of battle ; then Rains came up on the left, and in spite of 
Casey's efforts gained his rear. Under the terrible cross-fire, the 
officers and men were dropping so fearfully, that the whole division was 
driven back in disorder upon Couch's division, losing six guns, which 
were at once turned upon them. In vain did part of Couch's force 
endeavor to stay the onward course of the Confederates : thej' too were 
swept back, till Sumner, having with great difficulty crossed the 
swollen Chickahominy, checked them in that direction. 

Heintzelman, a little after three, came up to the aid of Couch's right. 
General Abercrombie held a position of the utmost importance at 
Fair Oaks, where the Richmond and York River railroad crossed the 
Nino-mile road. Here the fighting was deadly : but Abercrombie 
held his ground ; General Johnston, the Confederate commander-in- 
chief, falling seriously wounded, and the next in command. General 
Smith, being struck down with paralysis. One of the last charges on 
Abercrombie's inflexible line was led by Jefferson Davis in person. 

Just before sunset, Sedgwick's and Richardson's divisions of Sumner's 
corps reached the field as the Confederates had turned Couch's left. 
They completely swept the field, and saved Abercrombie, who was 
beginning at last to waver. But the Confederates did not yield the 
field till eight o'clock. They were then in possession of Couch's and 
Casey's camps, and retained possession next day, sending their con- 
tents to Richmond. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEilENTS. 789 

In the raorninp; a clesultorv cns;ao:ement followed, but at niohtfall the 
Confederate army fell back to Richmond, McClcUan making no effort 
to pursue them with his fresh troops, or take advantage of their con- 
dition. 

This battle, fought on the Confederate side with skill, judgment, and 
earnestness, was on the American side desultory, guided by no direct- 
ing commander, in which divisions brought up one after another were 
subjected to the attack of superior forces. The loss on each side was 
about six thousand men, in this Battle of Fair Oaks, which was fought 
on the last day of May and first of June. 

Hooker pushed on the next day to within four miles of Richmond, 
and an advance by McClellan might have taken the city ; but he called 
for reinforcements and waited. Meanwhile Stonewall Jackson, after 
baffling Fremont and Banks, and keeping McDowell at Manassas in- 
stead of marching to co-operate with McClellan, joined the main Con- 
federate army at Richmond ; and General Robert E. Lee, now in com- 
mand of that army, summoned reinforcements from all quarters, so 
that he had an army of nearly seventy thousand men, much inferior 
to McClellan's in numbers, although from the first that general per- 
sisted in believing that he was outnumbered. 

On the 25th of June, Lee had completed his plans, and again the 
Confederates prepared to attack and turn McClellan's right at 
Mechanicsville, held by General Fitz John Porter with twenty-seven 
thousand men. Against him Lee sent A. P. Hill, followed by D. H. 
Hill, supported by Jackson, leaving only two divisions in front of 
McClellan's centre and left, and thus again accumulating all his avail- 
able force to crush one corps. The Hills and Longstreet advanced 
rapidly and resolutely, but were repulsed with carnage in the attempt 



790 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

to turn Porters left, while Jackson failed to come up as early as was- 
expected to assail his right. Night put an end to the contest, and the 
Confederates lay near by the American lines ready to renew the battle. 
But McClellan ordered Porter to fall back to Graines' Mill. There the 
battle was renewed at two o'clock on Jane 27th, Lee's whole force 
nearly being brought into action — ^a general advance from left to right, 
made under a terrible fire of musketry and artillery. Porter's position 
was a strong one. But it was the same old story of delay in support- 
ing him, reinforcements arriving slowly and in small numbers, while 
McClellan's main army made no offensive movement to assail the 
enemy's lines or divert his attack on Porter. 

His reserve under McCall had long been in action, supporting his 
overpowered front, when Slocum's division came up ; but it was not 
enough. Porter, massing all his artillery to cover the retreat of his 
infantry, had checked the Confederates, when General Cooke's cavalry, 
attacking without orders, were sent in headlong confusion into Porter's 
line, causing fatal disorder. French's and Meagher's brigades in- 
deed came up, and Porter's men, rallying behind the two fresh bri- 
gades, advanced up the hill, down which they had been driven ; but the 
Confederates, seeing fresh troops, did not renew the attack, but halted 
on the field which they had won. Porter lost not much less than eight 
thousand men and twenty -two cannon ; the Confederate loss exceed- , 
ing five thousand. 

During the night, McClellan withdrew Porter's forces, and his whole 
army was concentrated between the Chickahomiuy and his works 
before Richmond ; he abandoned his line of supplies on the York ; his 
vast stores of munitions and provisions at White House were destroyed -, 
his cavalry fled down the Peninsula ; and he himself, with a hundred. 



OE, Ol'B country's ACinEVE:iEXTS. 791 

thousand men, exceeding Lee's by at least one-fourth in numbers, pre- 
pared, not to light, but to retreat to the James. On the 28tb of June 
the movement began, the enemy in vain expecting an attacli on their 
position before Richmond. "When they found he was retreating they 
gave chase, and attacked him in "White-Oalv Swamp, where a sharp 
action took place, resulting in another defeat of McClellan. 

The next stand was made at Malvern Hill, on the James, which 
McClellan's wasted, wayworn army reached on the morning of Jul}' 1st, 
closely pursued bj' Lee. McClellan's army was drawn up in a strong 
position, and massed so that each corps could be easily supported. 
For the first time the whole army was to meet the Confederate army 
in battle ; but it was sadly sliaken by the previous engagements, and 
it had no commander to encourage and inspirit them by the magnetism 
of his presence and confidence. Lee, filled with confidence by the 
previous successes of his army, resolved to make an attack on McClel- 
lan's concentrated army. Jackson, with his own division and three 
others, pushed on by the Quaker road, the line of McClellan's retreat, 
while Magruder from Richmond, by the direct roads threatened his 
left; Longstreet's and A. P. Hill's divisions, which had suffered most 
in the previous battles, were held in reserve. McClellan's army was 
drawn up in the following order : At the foot of the hill and on its ris- 
ing side was Porter's corps, forming the left with Couch's division of 
Keyes' corps ; Heintzelman and Sumner's corps further up the hill, 
formed the centre ; Franklin the right ; while McCall and the cavalry 
formed the reserve. 

At three o'clock the battle opened. Jackson's men, with a yell and 
a rush, charged on Couch's and G-riffin's divisions, but were hurled back 
with heavy loss as Porter's massed batteries and solid infantrj^ poured 



792 

ia their deadly voUej^s. Thi'ough the woods poured Magruder, and 
others on the left, charging up to the very guus, to be sent back in dis- 
order. Reserves were brought up, and again and again was the charge 
renewed, till night, put an end to the conflict — McClellan holding his 
ground without losing a cannon, though at a fearful sacrifice of life. 
At last the Confederates v^ithdrew, their army being in the utmost dis- 
order, while the gunboats in the James, hailing shells among them, in- 
creased the confusion. The Confederate arraj' in this rash attack must 
have lost nearly ten thousand men. McClellan had at last won a vic- 
tory ; but instead of pushing on and taking the offensive so as to enter 
Richmond, he gave orders the next day to continue the retreat, and 
withdrew his army to Harrison's Bar. The seven daj^s' battles had 
cost him twenty thousand men, artillery, arms, and stores. An army 
far exceeding that of the enemy had never begun the attack or fol- 
lowed up an advantage, and finally retreated without attempting te 
effect the object for which it was sent. 

A change was now made in the direction of the armies. General 
Halk'ck was in July made general-in-chief of the armies of the United 
States. 

President Lincoln, chagrined at this result of sucii immense prepa- 
rations, hastened to Harrison's Bar, and tliongh he found McClellan 
with eighty-six thousand men still ready for action, ordered that 'len- 
enil to withdraw his army to the Potomac, and McClellan did so, after 
a reconnoissance under Hooker, which, properly supported, might have 
carried Richmond. The withdrawal of the army was carried out 
slowly, undisturbed by the enemy ; but while this powerful army was 
thus leisurely returning, new disasters befell the arms of the United 
States. 



OR, OUR country's achievemp:nts. 793 

The success of General Pope in the West induced the President to 
contide to him the defence of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley, 
with an array composed of the corps commanded by Generals Fre- 
mont, Banks, and McDowell. This array of iifty thousand men was 
also to co-operate with McClellan, and at one time McDowell was 
almost near enough to join in any movement. When McClellan was 
forced back to Harrison's Landing, Lee took the offensive against 
Pope. General Banks, at Cedar Mountain with six or eight thousand 
men, was attacked August 9 th by Stonewall Jackson, at the head of 
at least twenty thousand veterans. Banks, stung by the taunt of one 
of Pope's staff, fought desperately till he was fairly crowded off the 
field by numbers, after losing two thousand in killed and wounded ; 
Jackson admitting his loss to be more than thirteen hundred. Pope, 
learning Banks' condition, sent up Ricketts' division to aid Fremont's 
corps, now commanded bySigel. But Jackson did not renew the fight, 
and finding his rear menaced, retired rapidly across the Rapidau pur- 
sued by cavalry. 

Having captured dispatches which showed him that Lee's whole 
army was advancing. Pope retreated across the Rappahannock, and 
being ordered by Government to maintain communications with Fred- 
ericksburg, saw his danger if reinforcements were not sent. On the 
22d of August the Confederate cavalry under Stuart surprised his 
headquarters with his papers. Heintzelman's corps of McClellan's 
army reached Warrenton Junction three days after, and Franklin was 
announced as at hand. But Lee resolved to crush Pope before McClel- 
lan came up in force. He sent Jackson across the Rappahannock to turn 
Pope's right, and strike the railroad between him and Washington. 
The energetic Southern general carried out theplan, and whil*^ Pope 



794 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

was watching in front, captured Manassas Junction, with guns, loco« 
motives, trains, and stores to an immense amount. In vain Colonel 
Scammon, with two Ohio regiments, tried to regain the point : in vain 
General Taylor, with four New Jersey regiments of Fr3.riAJiu's divis- 
ions pushed forward to regain the lost fight. Jackson held his own. 
Pope, astounded at this, next tried to concer.lt^te his forces at G-aines- 
ville and force a battle there, and Hooker drove Ewell back on Jack- 
son at Manassas. Pope endeavored to close in on Jackson, and crush 
him before Lee could come up ; but the orders of Pope were not 
heartily obeyed by some of his subordinate generals. Jackson escaped 
to Thoroughfare Gap, where McDowell met hira iu a sanguinary com- 
bat which lasted till night, Jackson having the advantage. The next 
da}', August 28th, Longstreet came up to the Gap on th*", other side 
to save Jackson, and McDowell and King, unable to drive him back, 
retreated to Manassas. 

The Southern army was now united and well in hand : Pope was in 
a position of difficulty. Sigel, who was nearest the enemy, began the 
action early on the 29th ; then Kearney's division of Heintzelman's 
corps came up on his right by the Sudle}^ Springs road, Reno supporting 
the centre, and Reynolds taking position on the left. In the after- 
noon. General Hooker's division came up to support the right. 

Pope was now facing his antagonist with an array well drawn up. 
Late in the afternoon he ordered Fitz John Porter to go into action on 
the enemy's right, while Kearney and Hooker renewed the battle, 
gaining advantage, though at last forced back a little by Longstreet. 
This battle, fought on the old Bull Run battle-ground, had been a series 
of actions in which it is supposed seven thousand men were killed or 
wounded on each side. .Pope was really beaten : he had failed to over- 



OE, OUE COUNTKT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 795 

-whelm Jackson ; and his army, brought iuto action in divisions and 
brigades, had been severely handled. His opportunity was gone. 

The next day, August 30th, he had only about forty thousand men 
ready lor action, almost out of food, and with no forage for his horses. 
His call for reinforcements and sujiplies met no response. He could 
not retreat safely ; he had no choice but to fight. He ordered Porter 
to attack Lee's right, while Heintzelraan and Eeno advanced on his 
left. Porter attacked in vaiu, and was finally thrown back in confu- 
vsion ; but the attack on Jackson, who was on the Confederate left, was 
braveljr made, and only when Lee's centre under Longstreet opened 
on them did the United States troops recoil. Jackson at once charged, 
and his movement, supported by the whole Confederate line, forced 
Pope's army back. 

Pope saw that all was lost, and ordered the corps to fall back delib- 
erately to Centreville, Reno covering the retreat across Bull Run. 
Here he found Franklin and Sumner's corps of McClellan's army, who 
had been as it were idle spectators of his defeat. 

Lee, too Avise to attack Pope in front, sent Jackson to turn his flank 
near Chantilly. General Reno met him, and a sharp action ensued, in 
which, though the United States lost General Philip Kearney and Gen- 
eral Isaac I. Stevens, Lee's plan was baffled. Pope's wliole army drew 
back within the intrenchments along the southern bank of the Poto- 
mac, an<l he resigned his command, having lost in that bloody August 
■full thirty thousand men, at least double what Lee suffered. 

This series of victories on the Confederate side had almost com- 
pletely swept the troops of the Union from Eastern Virginia; and 
flushed with triumph they menaced Washington and the Northern 
States. Li this emergency General McClellau was once more called 



796 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

to command all the troops for the defence of the capital. He at once 
concentrated the two armies to watch Lee's plans. Finding that the 
Confederates had disappeared from his front, he left G-eneral Banks to 
defend Washington, and pushed on to Frederick, which he entered jus( 
as the Confederate rear was leaving it. Here he learned Lee's plans, 
one of which was to capture Harper's Ferry, held by a United States 
force of more than ten thousand men under Colonel Miles. Apparently 
believing that officer strong enough in men and position to hold his 
own, McClellan, instead of overwhelming General McLaws, whom Leo 
had detached against Harper's Ferry, pursued Lee's main army. The 
able Confederate general saw that McLaw's success depended on his 
delaying McClellan so that he could not relieve Harper's Ferry. He 
accordingly occupied the passes of South Mountain ; and McClellan, 
swerving from the Potomac, moved for the passes. While the mass 
of Lee's army was covering McLaw's operations, the small force under 
Hill, holding Turner's G-ap, was attacked by McClellan. Hill held his 
own with remarkable tenacity till Longs treet came to his support. 
Cox and Reno led the attack on the Confederate position, and, after 
killing G-eneral Grarland, by a stubborn fight won the left of the pass : 
then Hooker came up with Rickett's, Hatch's, and Reno's divisions, 
and the battle was renewed, Hooker finally flanking and worsting th(» 
Confederate left as night fell, though Reno on his left was killed, 
Meade on the right, with the Pennsylvania reserves, reached the sum- 
mit after a fight, and then the centre of the army pressed on the turn- 
pike and reached the top of the pass. 

It had been a hard-fought battle, but Lee fought only to keep 
McClellan at bay, and had succeeded. While McClellan's whole force 
was thus occupied by Lee, McLaws had invested Miles at Harper's 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 797 

Ferry ; and that old army officer, instead of evacuating, or taking post 
on the heights and intrenching, acted most strangely. He had, though 
ordered to do so, never fortified Maryland Heights, and, when the dan- 
ger came, sent Colonel Ford there without intrenching tools, so that he 
was soon forced from it. He even paroled Confederate prisoners, 
and let them go to the enemy's camp to report his position. Seeing 
his resolution to give up the place to the enemj', the cavalry left Har- 
per's Ferry, and, capturing Longstreet's ammunition train, escaped j 
but Miles refused to permit his infantry to withdraw. "When the 
enemy opened with artillery he raised the white flag. The fire was 
kept up, however, mortal]}^ wounding Miles himself before Jackson 
could believe that the post really surrendered. Then eleven thousand 
men, with seventy-three cannon, thirteen thousand small arms, and a 
large quantity of supplies, fell into the Confederate hands. The victo- 
rious Jackson with the rest of McLaw's force at once hastened to re- 
join Lee, and that general, satisfied with the result of his movement, 
fell back from Turner's Pass. 

McClellan had no alternative but to pursue and attack Lee's army, 
now concentrated and exultant. On the afternoon of September 15th 
his advance under Richardson came up to the Confederates strongly 
posted beyond Antietara Creek, in front of the little village of Sharps- 
burg. McClellan soon arrived with three corps. The whole of Lee's 
force had not yet come on — Hill and McLaws were still on the march; 
but McClellan, instead of attacking at once, waited till morning. And 
even the morning of that day was lost in artillery fire at long range. 
At last, in the afternoon. Hooker, backed by Sumner, Franklin, and 
Mansfield, attacked the enemy's left and centre, but only to open the 
battle. At daylight next morning it began in earnest. Hooker was 



708 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

opposed to Qwell and Jackson, whom be drove from tlieir position witb 
loss in men and officers, till fresh Confederate troops enabled Jackson, 
to regain the lost ground, but only for a time, as Hooker, aided by 
Mansfield, who fell mortally wounded, again checked the enem}-, and 
forced them back, till he himself, constantly exposing his person, was 
severely wounded. Each side now sent fresh troops to this point, 
where the issue of the day seemed to lie. The slaughter was fearful 
on both sides, as the tide of battle rolled back and forward. At last 
Franklin's corps by a gallant rush swept over the long-disputed ground 
and held it. 

Richardson's division, with Caldwell's and Meagher's brigades, had 
meanwhile crossed the Antietam, and steadily fought their way up from 
the creek toward Sharpsburg, capturing many of the enemy, and de- 
feating all attempts to flank them. While directing a battery near Dr. 
Piper's house the gallant Richardson fell, and was succeeded by Hancock. 

Meanwhile, Porter's corps in the centre and Burnside's on the 
left had not been engaged. Porter's force having been weakened by 
detachments; butBurnside — ordered at eight in the morning to cross the 
Antietam and attack — moved slowl}', and did not till three in the after- 
noon actually attack in force Lee's feeble right. He soon carried the 
heights, but his delay had been fatal. Hill's division now came up 
from Harper's Ferry, and, covered by a heavy fire of artillery, charged 
his extreme left, which, confident of success, had fallen into disorder. 
General Rodman was killed, and his men driven back toward the 
Antietam, till the enemy were checked by the American batteries 
beyond. Then they retired to their lines on the heights, having lost 
'General Branch in the charge. 

So closed indecisively the bloodiest day that America had yet 



OE, OUR country's achievements. 799 

seen. Of eio;htv-seven tbousaud men whom McClellan sent into 
action, more than two thousand were killed, uearlj- ten thousand 
wounded, and a thousand missing. Lee left two thousand seven hun • 
dred dead on the field, and lost thirteen guns, many colors, six thou- 
eaud prisoners, and iifteoi thousand stand of arms. 

Hard fought as the battle of Antietam had been it was not decisive. 
During the night Lee moved off quietly across the Potomac, leaving 
his dead on the field and two thousand of his desperately wounded, 
and retired to Winchester by way of Martinsburg. 

McClellan pursued slowly, and early in November reached Warren- 
ton, when he was relieved of his command, and never again took any 
part in the wa»* 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Operations in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi— Advance of General Bragg -Battles- 
of Riclimond and Munfordsville— A Confederate Governor of Kentucky Inaugurated— 
Buell in the Field— Bragg Beaten at Perryville— Retreats through Cumberland Gap— Rose- 
crans Defeats Price at luka, and Van Dorn at Corinth— Rosecrans' Winter Campaign- 
Morgan's Raid— Bragg Defeated at Stone River— Minor Operations. 

The Confederate plan of the year comprised an invasion of Ken- 
tucky like that of Maryland by Lee. Bragg's army, swelled to forty-five 
thousand men by conscription, formed three corps, under Generals 
Hardee, Polk, and Kirby Smith. Crossing the Tennessee near Chat- 
tanooga, he traversed the mountains, and, after a feint on McMinnville, 
pressed on into Kentucky. Cumberland Gap was abandoned at his 
approach ; but at Richmond, General Hansen made a stand with raw 
troops against Kirby Smith. He unwisely left a strong position, and 
attempted to turn Smith's right, but was defeated, while the Confeder- 
ate left, under General Churchill, turned and routed his right. He fell 
back to his original position, where the battle was renewed, and 
though some reinforcements came up, and General Nelson took com- 
mand, the army of the United States was utterly defeated. Nelson 
being wounded, Manson resumed command, and attempted to retreat, 
but his rear was gained by the enemy's cavalry and light troops, his 
force was scattered in confusion, he himself, with many more falling 
into the enemy's hands, having lost nine hundred killed and wounded, 
and several thousand prisoners. Smith pushed on to Lexington, fill- 



ouE country's achievements. 801 

Ing Louisville, and even Cincinnati, with the wildest confusion and 
alarm. 

Guerilla operations were carried on in the West, with little regard 
to the rules of war that govern civilized nations. Even the sick and 
wounded were butchered. Thus fell a noble soldier, who had faced 
^leath on many a field. 

General Bragg, having completely flanked Buell's left, advanced in 
force, and enveloped a United States force of four thousand under 
Colonel Wilder, at Munfordsville, which, after a brief struggle, surren- 
dered September 17th. Bragg then addressed the people of Kentucky, 
urging them to join the Confederate cause ; but it was too late. Yet 
lie pushed on to Frankfort, the capital, where he inaugurated as Gov- 
ernor of Kentucky, one Eichard Hawes ; but even the South laughed 
at the farce. 

Buell, meanwhile, was moving slowly, waiting for reinforcements and 
supplies, although his army really outnumbered Bragg's. An order 
relieving him from command induced him to advance. Bragg then 
slowly retreated with his immense train of plunder gathered in Ken- 
tucky, and finally concentrated his forces at Perryville. Here, on the 
8th of October, Buell came up with him. McCook, in the advance, 
had posted his divisions, and was consulting with Buell, when Bragg 
suddenly began the attack, Cheatham's division ru.shing with terrific 
yells upon General Jackson, who held the left of McCook's line. In a 
moment Jackson fell dead ; Terrill, next in command, endeavoring to 
.steady the line, was killed ; Colonel Webster, commanding the other 
brigade, fell, and the whole division gave way in utter panic. Rous- 
seau's division, composed of Harris and Lytle's brigades, then received 
the shock, and stood it like heroes, fighting steadily for three hours, but 



802 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

at last fell back to a stronger ground. Gilbert's corps was then attacked 
in flank, but Generals Mitchell and Sheridan not only repulsed the 
charge, but turning their guns on the portion of the enemy which had 
driven Rousseau, advanced on the Confederates, whom they broke and 
drove through Perryville, capturing trains and ammunition wagons, 
the artillery keeping up a hot fire as they advanced. Gooding, sent to- 
McCook's aid, for a time checked tlie Confederate General "Wood, but 
Gooding was taken, and his brigade fell back. Then night closed the 
strange battle. 

The battle of Perryville was one in which individual valor was 
more displayed than any generalship ; it was on both sides a battle 
without a plan, or any attempt to do more than attack or repel attacks 
as each best could. 

Buell was not on the field, and learned the state of affairs late in. 
the day. He prepared for a general engagement the next day ; but 
Bragg, who had lost some four thousand men, and had three of his 
generals wounded, resumed his retreat, leaving many of his wounded, 
and abandoning more with his sick at Harrodsburg, with large quanti- 
ties of stores which he could not carry away in his flight. He finally 
reached Cumberland Gap, and so escaped into Tennessee, Buell failing 
to overtake him. 

The result of these operations was a great disappointment to the 
people of the North, who had expected Buell to defeat Bragg utterly, 
and prevent any similar invasion. 

The Government at once (October 30) removed Buell, and con- 
fided the command to General Rosecrans. That general had just 
displayed great ability. Left in command of Northern Mississippi 
and Alabama, his force had been greatly weakened by Buell. 



OE, OUR country's aciiieveme:^ts, 803 



when lie learned from General Grant that a large Confederate force 
was advancing. He took the field, and finding that Price had oc- 
cupied luka, concerted with Grant a plan for crushing him. On the 
19th of September, Rosecrans moved in light marching order on luka, 
expecting an attack on the o})posite side b}- General Ord from Grant's 
army ; but Ord, deluded by a Confederate demonstration upon Corinth, 
never came up. Rosecrans, finding he must attack alone, handled his 
small force with wonderful ability. After the most desperate fighting 
he inflicted such loss on Price, that the Confederate commander, who 
had eleven thousand men, after losing nearly fifteen hundred men, as 
many stands of arms, and ammunition, abandoned luka, destroying great 
quantities of stores. Rosecrans, who had in action only two thousand 
eight hundred men, had, from want of expected co-operation, failed to 
capture Price, but he had utterly routed him. 

Rosecrans, made a major-general, was placed in command at Cor- 
inth, Grant returning to Jackson. Price, united with Yan Dorn who 
had so deluded Ord, now prepared to attack Rosecrans, and they 
adroitly masked their design by feints on other points. 

General Rosecrans prepared for either event, with his army well 
in hand : his batteries were planted at points where they could com- 
mand the approaches, and his whole army was drawn up, not on the old 
Confederate fortifications, bnt on a smaller series suited to his nund^ers. 
Van Dorn and Price began the attack early in the morning of October 3d 
General Lovell assailing Colonel Oliver's hillside position : Rosecrans 
supported him, but the full weight of the Confederates, crushing back tt 
their inner lines McArthur and McKean, showed that the attack on 
Corinth was a real one and not a feint. In spite of desperate fighting. 
Yan Dorn had gained a little, and exultingly telegraphed to Rich- 



804 TUE STORY OF A GREAT KATIOK ; 

mond that he had won a great victory. He little knew the man he 
had to deal with. At three next morning the battle opened again 
from VairDorn's artillery, and shot and shell came hurtling into Cor- 
inth. Then Battery Williams replied, and silenced the Confederate 
guns. Meanwhile the rapid fire of skirmishes along the line showed 
that both were active. At half-past nine, from the woods east of the 
Memphis and Charleston railroad, a vast column of gleaming bayonets 
came in sight, and in the form of an immense wedge came down the 
Bolivar road. In vain Rosecrans' guns tore through the solid mass of 
Price's men : on it came, till within musket-shot. Then from Rose- 
crans' whole line poured out voile}' after volley ; but the Confederates 
never faltered. Up the hill they poured, and before their charge 
Greneral Davies gave way. Rosecrans rushed to the spot, rallied the 
men, and checked the enemv. Guns were taken, but the 56th Illinois 
charged, and retook them. Then Rosecrans charged with his whole 
line, and Price was hurled back, broken, and driven down the hill, 
through swamp and thicket, to the depths of the forest from which 
his troops had so grandly issued. 

Van Doru, impeded by the ground, was later than Price in attack- 
ing, and Fort Williams and Fort Robinett commanded his approach, 
but he led his men bravely on. They charged to the very ditch, mown 
down by hundreds. Then the infantry lire cut them to pieces, yet the 
survivors rushed furiously on : for a moment it was hand to hand, but 
the next Van Dorn's shattered force was in flio-ht. 

Rosecrans did not pause. He at once pursued with five fresh regi- 
ments that came up under McPherson, inflicting heavy loss at every 
step, while Hurlbut and Ord, sent on l\v General Grant from Bolivar, 
struck the Confederate advance at the Hatchie, adding to their disor- 



OB, OUR country's ACIIIEVEMElvrTS. 805 

ganization and dismay. Rosecrans wished to push on, and if possible 
anniliilate the whole force, but Grant recaHed him, and the Govern- 
ment summoned him to take command of BnclTs army. His loss at 
Corinth was two thousand three hundred and fifty-nine, in killed, 
wounded, and missing ; that of Price and Yan Dorn, nine thousand 
three hundred and sixty-three. 

Fighting against an arm}' of more than double his numbers, Rose- 
crans at Corinth achieved one of the most decisive victories of the 
war. 

Congress, meanwhile, was debating the great question of slavery, out 
of which the war originated. As the Southern States were no longer 
represented in Congress, the result was clear. On the 16th of April, 
1862, the first step was taken toward the universal emancipation of 
the slaves, by the passage of an act abolishing slavery- in the District 
of Columbia, and providing for the payment of three hundred dollars 
for each slave. Bills to extend this plan to the Border States were 
opposed by the Democrats, and failed. But an act was passed abol- 
ishing slavery forever in any Territory. Then came other acts, passed 
in July, confiscating the property and liberating the slaves of all who 
took up arms for the Confederate Government or abetted it in any 
way. 

It was very evident that slavery was doomed. The South, after 
more than a year's struggle, had not secured the Border States or 
crushed the Northern States that still adhered to the Government of 
the United States ; and nothing but such a triumph could save 
slavery. 

Rosecrans, on taking command of Buell's force, now called the Army 
of the Cumberland, found it sadly disorganized — without supplies, 



806 THE STORY OV A GREAT NATION ; 

horses, or means to take the field. Before he could put it into a posi- 
tion to take the Held, Bragg, recovering from his late overthrow, had 
marched around, and appeared in force before Murfreesborough, while 
bands of Confederate cavalry, under Morgan and Forrest, had with 
the utmost boldness raided through all parts of Kentucky, destroying 
at pleasure, capturing trains and small parties. 

Rosecrans organized his army of forty-six thousand men into three 
divisions, under Generals McCook, Thomas, and Crittenden, and on th®- 
26th of December moved out of Nashville. They found the Confed- 
erate general in position on the bluffs beyond Stone River. 

Each general formed his plan of attack. Rosecrans arranged to- 
attack the enemy with his left and centre ; but Bragg, early on the 
31st, suddenly attacked McCook, on Rosecrans' right, in front and 
flank, routing completely one of his divisions, although the others, 
under Gleuerals Jefferson C. Davis and Sheridan, held their ground til) 
most of the division and brigade commanders were killed, wounded, 
or taken. By eleven o'clock the day was apparently lost, McCook's 
corps was virtually demolished, the enemy's cavalry was on their rear. 
But Rosecrans pushed uj) Rousseau from his centre, and hurried up 
Yan Cleve's atid other divisions from the left, and when Van Cleve 
fell, led a charge which finally arrested the Confederates, and repelled 
fheir advance on his right. The centre, well handled by Thomas, bore 
the brunt of the Confederate attack, but its flanks were exposed, and 
it gradually fell back from the cedar woods to more open and favora- 
ble ground, his artillery on a ridge. This position he held firmly, 
defeating with slaughter all attacks. On the loft, Woods held his own 
against Breckinridge — Rosecrans, as ever, at the point where a 
commander was needed, his friend and chief-of-stafT Graresche being 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 807 

killed here by his side. At night, Eosecrans' army had lost half the 
ground it occupied, one-fourth its men, and the eneraj^'s cavalry was 
busy in his rear. But he had no thoughts of retreating. He still had 
ammunition, and prepared for another day's fight. That night he 
drew up his force so as to profit by every advantage of ground, and 
prepared to fight it out. Rifle-pits and hasty defences were thrown 
up on botk sides. New Year's Day passed in preparation. The next 
morning, Bragg's artillery opened, and while Van Clevo's division by 
Rosecrans' order gained a bluff, Bragg made his fierce and combined 
attack, hurling Breckinridge's corps covered by Polk's fire on Rose- 
crans' centre. It yielded to the shock : in vain the reserves came up ; 
they too were borne back, and the Confederates swept on till Crittenden's 
guns and Negley and Davis' men took them at a disadvantage, hurl- 
ing them back in disorder, leaving guns, colors, and prisoners in the 
hands of Rosecrans. 

The next day he drove Bragg's sharpshooters from the woods in his 
front, and planted his batteries to open upon the Confederate lines. 
But Bragg had had enough. His cavalry, operating in Rosecrans' rear, 
had cut off trains and stores, crippling his power of pursuit ; so the 
Confederate commander, cautiously gathering up his men and guns, 
retreated near midnight on the 3d of January. He had lost, as he 
admitted, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, ten thousand men out of 
thirty-five thousand ; but his army and his loss were in all probability 
much larger. The loss of Rosecrans was about nine thousand out of 
thirty-seven. Such was the battle of Stone River, gallantly, obsti- 
nately, desperately fought, and won by the skill, energy, and indomita- 
ble spirit of Rosecrans. 

On the 31st, when this great battle opened, Forrest, with his cav- 



808 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION. 

airy, attacked and uearly captured Colonel Dunham, witli a small 
brigade, at Parker's Cross Roads ; but just as Dunham was summoned 
to surrender, General Sullivan came suddenly up, utterly routing For- 
rest, who lost six hundred of his men, with arms and horses, and fled 
across the Tennessee. Morgan was more successful, destroying the 
railroad and bridges at Elizabethtown and Bardstown, Kentucky. 
Then the United States adopted the same course, and General Carter 
dashed into East Tennessee, destroying bridges in various parts, and 
even penetrating into Virginia. 

"Wheeler with his Confederate cavalry attacked Dover on the 3d of 
February ; but the Illinois Colonel Harding, though he had only six 
hundred men against thirty-five hundred, prepared to fight, after send- 
ing for reinforcements. He kept up the struggle so judiciously, that 
four gunboats, hearing of his position, came up at eight o'clock at night, 
and by a raking fire sent Wheeler's force in rapid flight, leaving a 
hundred and fifty dead, and as many prisoners, and losing four hun- 
dred wounded. In his flight he was struck by Colonel Minty, who 
reduced his force still more. 

The war in that portion of the country was confined for a time to 
small and indecisive operations, one of the boldest being that of Colo- 
nel Sleight, who swept through Northern Alabama and Georgia, doing 
great injurj' to the Confederate cause, till he was surrounded, and 
being out of ammunition, surrendered. The Confederates regarded his 
men as prisoners of war, but treated him as a lelou. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Jperaticlig against Vicksburg — Grant's First Attempt Defeated by Van Dorn"s Capture of 
Holly Springs — General Sherman Aided by Porter's Gunboats — Attempts to Storm it, liiit 
is Repulsed with Heavy Loss — Grant's Various Attempts — He goes down the River — Bat- 
tles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills. Big Black — Vicksburg Invested 
— Pemberton Surrenders — Grant Drives Johnston from Jackson — Fight at Milliken's Bend 
— Operations in Louisiana and Texas under General Banks — His Repulse at Port Hudson- 
Second Attack — Gardiner Surrenders — Minor Operations. 

All these operations, East and West, although they entailed great 
loss of life, had not given the United States Government command of 
a single Southern State, nor of any decisive point. The Mississippi 
was still held with a firm hand b}' the Confederates, who had made 
Vicksburg a place of great strength, and from that point controlled 
the navigation of the great river. It lies on one of the highest bluffs 
on the river, and had been fortified with great diligence and skill. 

The necessity of reducing it had early been felt by the United 
States. Greneral Grant, in November, 1862, began operations against 
it, but his depot of arms, provisions, and munitions at Holly Springs, 
left under the care of Colonel Murphy of Wisconsin, with a thousand 
men, was captured by Van Dorn, almost without striking a blow. 

This disconcerted all Grant's plans ; but General W. T. Sherman, 
with the Army of the Tennessee, descending on Commodore Porter's 
gunboats, on the 26th of December made an assault on Vicksburg 
from the north ; but the defences were impregnable to simple assault. 
A garrison there might be surprised or starved out : if it did its 



810 THE STORY OV A GREAT NATION; 

duty, the place could never be stormed. The bayous and swamps so 
covered it that there were only four points where it could be reached, 
and these were defended with all the best engineering skill. Yet 
Sherman trusted that valor could triumph. On the 2Gth and 27th of 
December, he landed his men on the south bank of the Yazoo, and 
pushed them forward in four columns, driving the enemy to the bluffs. 
But Chickasaw Bayou could be passed only at two points. General 
Steele found his way barred by an impassable swamp ; Morgan 
pushed onto the bluff; Smith came to a sand-s|)it swept by the enemy's 
fire ; farther to the right was A. J. Smith's division. The next day 
the assault was made, and never did men go more gallantly into the 
fight. But Bemberton's rifle-pits were lined with sharpshooters : his 
artillery, covering every approach, rained grape and canister on the 
advance. Human nature could not stand it : slaughtered as tliey 
struggled through morass and quicksand, the troops at length recoiled. 
Two thousand men had been sacrificed in this desperate assault. 

Sherman was baffled, but did not despair : he concerted with Bor- 
ter an attack on Drumgoold's Bluff" ; but before he could carry it out, 
General McClernand, his senior in command, arrived. 

That general led the array to a new field. He sailed down the 
Mississippi and ran up the Arkansas, to attack Fort Hindman at the 
point known from the early French times as the Bost of Arkansas. 

On the llth of Januar}^ the attack was begun by Hovey, Thayer, and 
Smith, supported by the artillery. At three the guns of the fort were 
silenced, and a general assault was ordered ; but the Confederate Gen- 
eral Churchill saw that resistance was useless. He raised the white 
flag just as the 120th Ohio was swarming over his intrenchments. 
McClernand had carried the fort, and taken some live thousand pris- 



OR, OUR COFNTRy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 811 

oners. After destroying the works, und all (hat he could not remove, 
he returned to Milliken's Bend. Just at Vicksburg is one of the 
great bends of the Mississipi)i. Grant's next project was a ship-canal 
across it, so that boats could run up and down without passing Yicks- 
burg : but after long toil, this proved utterlj- useless, and was aban- 
doned. A smaller canal to Lake Providence proved of some service. 

An attempt of General Eoss to flank the defences of Vicksburg by 
Tvay of the Yazoo Pass failed, the gunboats in March being unable to 
silence or take the enemy's works. Then a passage by Sunflower 
River was tried, but this too was well defended by nature and art. 

Meanwhile, the Queen of the "West ran past the Vicksburg batteries, 
and ascending the Red River, did considerable damage to the Confed- 
erate cause, till a treacherous pilot ran the vessel ashore. The com- 
mander, C. K. Ellet, and his crew, had to abandon the Queen, and in 
the Era reached the ironclad Iiidianola. That fine ironclad, ascending 
the Mississippi, was attacked during the night of February 13th by 
the Confederate rams "Webb and Queen of the "West, wliicli they had 
refitted, and two smaller gunboats. The}" attacked the Indianola with 
:great energy and skill, butting witli their rams, until at last the "VN^'ebb, 
striking her for the seventh time, stove in her stern. The Indianola 
in a sinking condition was then surrendered and run ashore. 

This gave the Confederates control of the Mississippi from Vicks- 
burg to New Orleans : but they lost their advantage by a queer trick 
of Commodore Porter. He fitted up an old flat-boat with clay furnace 
and smoke-stacks of pork-barrels to look like some new and terrible 
ram, and set her afloat. As the tide carried her past Vicksburg, all 
the batteries opened on her, and warning was sent to the Webb and 
Queen. Both fled in all haste ; the Indianola, wliich they were repair- 



812 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

ing, was blown up, and the river was again clear : but all attempts of 
real gunboats above Vicksburg to pass below failed — all that tried the 
experiment being lost. 

Grant resolved on another attempt. As soon as the roads were 
practicable, in March, he tooii the field and pushed down to Hard 
Times ; then Porter ran the batteries, with his gunboats well protected, 
and pouring into the Confederate batteries as they passed a furious 
broadside ; but the transports were not so fortunate : the Clay was 
burned, the Tigress sunk, the Forest Queen disabled. 

To confuse the Confederates, Grant sent Colonel Grierson, with a 
body of cavahy, to sweep as far as possible through the country. In 
a forced march of sixteen days he traversed six hundred miles, burn- 
ing railroad bridges, cars, stores, arms, and munitions, capturing five 
hundred prisoners, with the loss of only twenty-seven men. The 
enemy sent out troops in all directions to head him off, but he baffled 
them all, and rode into Baton Rouge in safety, after fighting four times 
in the last twenty-eight hours of his daring ride. 

On the •29th of April, Grant resolved to try the batteries at Grand 
Gulf. Porter opened on them with his gunboats, but the enemy's 
works were too high. Despairing of success here, Grant fell down the 
Mississippi to Rodney, and crossing there on the 30th, pushed on the 
13th Corps to Port Gibson, in the rear of Grand Gulf, the 17th Corps 
following close. Sherman, who had been left above, now with some of 
the gunboats that had not run down made a feigned attack on Haines' 
Bluff, a strong position on the Yazoo above Vicksburg, and kept it up 
till Grant summoned him to join the other corps below. 

Grant's advance under McClernand was met on May 2d, near Port 
Gibson, by a Confederate force under General Bowen, but, in spite of the 




6£NERAL GRANT IN ACTION. 




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OR, ouii country's achievf.mexts. 813 

difficult nature of the ground, McClernand finally defeated him with 
heavy loss, and drove him into Port Gibson, which was abandoned that 
night. The strong works at Grand Gulf were also evacuated by the 
Confederates, leaving Grant master of the situation. A river, the Big 
Black, which passes near Vicksburg, emptied into the Mississippi at 
Grand Gulf. Up the left bank of this river Grant advanced, McPherson's 
corps nearest the river, McClernand's on the ridge, Sherman in the rear 
Near Raymond the Confederate General Gregg attempted on the 
12th to check the advance, but the fight was a short one. The furious 
Southron charge was met with a terrible fire of grape and canis- 
ter under which it broke and fled, leaving nearl}^ a thousand dead, 
wounded, and prisoners. McPherson then pushed on to Clinton, on 
the Southern Mississippi Railroad, and began to destroy it from that 
point to Jackson, where it joins the Mississippi Central Railroad. But 
he was not to reach Jackson without a fight. A force of South Caro- 
lina and Georgia troops under General Walker, had come up, and dis- 
puted the passage. McPherson charged. His whole line swept for- 
ward, driving the enemy into JJickson. Artillery was soon planted to 
open on the capital of Mississippi, but the Confederates evacuated 
it ; and McPherson entered, Sherman reaching it almost simultaneously 
by the road from Raymond. 

Vicksburg was now cut off from all supplies or reinforcements by 
railroad. 

General Pemberton was in position near Edward's Station, and 
Grant resolved to attack him before Walker's troops from Jackson 
could reach him. General Johnston, the Confederate commander-in- 
chief, equally anxious to effect a junction with Pemberton, ordered that 
commander to march on Clinton ; but when he reached Champion Hill, 



■814 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Hovej's division in Glrant's advance met liim. McPherson supported, 
but McClernand did not come up. Unequal as the numbers were, Hovey, 
though crowded bacli again and again, massed his artillery, and finally 
drove the Confederates back, losing in the long and desperate strug- 
gle, one-third of his force, while McPherson by a brilliant charge 
gained the enemy"'s rear, and cut off one division, which fled south- 
ward. 

Grant at once pursued. Pembertou made a stand at the Black, but 
Carr's division carried an imi)ortant point, and the Confederate gen- 
eral fled across the river by bridges he had made of steamboats and 
now destroyed, leaving eighteen guns, one thousand five hundred pris- 
oners, and quantities of arms and stores ten times more valuable to 
him than to Grant. 

Before Grant could force a passage, Pemberton was safe within the 
intrenchments of Vicksburg, which was completely invested by Grant 
on the 19 th of May. Porter at once attacked Haines' Bluff, but the 
-enemy fled, leaving guns, forts, munitions, tents, everything in fact, to 
ifall into the hands of the fleet. Yazoo City, a great naval depot and 
workshop, was then taken. 

Grant was now before Vicksburg, and felt that no time was to be 
lost, as Johnston, the able Confederate commander, was in his rear, 
receiving reinforcements from Bragg's army. A general assault was 
ordered on the 19th of May. Blair's division actually planted its 
colors on the enemy's works, but the advantage gained was too slight, 
and the troops were recalled. On the 22d the assault was renewed. 
Again Blair led the storming party, but no troops could stand the 
deadly fire poured on them. The survivors recoiled. In vain did 
Ewing, Giles, and Kill)}- Smith try at various points. Flags wer» 



OK, OUIl COrXTKY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 815 

iplanted on the works, and men mowed down like grass, but at night 
the troops were withdrawn : there was no success sufficient to balance 
the heavy loss. 

McClernand had carried a couple of works, but was taken as in a trap. 
The other assaults were fruitless. At eight o'clock the men were re- 
pealled from the more advanced positions, and the assanlt ended, having 
•cost Grant nearl}^ three thousand men. 

He now determined on a regular siege, which Pemberton, driven 
into the city after a defeat, was in no position to continue long, as he 
needed provisions and ammunition. But he held out gallantly. Grant 
drew his siege-lines nearer, and ran mines under the main works. The 
first of these was sprung on the 25tli of Ma}' ; then came another 
■assanlt, that failed : and so the siege went on, fort after fort being 
mined ; Pemberton trying by countermines to defeat Grant's plans. The 
ritizens, exposed to furious bombardment from the land side and the 
river, lived in caves dug into the bluff, with famine staring them in the 
face. At last, after forty-live days' siege, Pemberton, seeing that John- 
ston could not relieve him, hoisted a white flag. Grant at first de- 
manded an unconditional surrender, but finally agreed that Pember^ 
ton's men should be paroled and marched out of his lines, arms, public 
stores, and munitions to be surrendered. On the 4th of July, Grant 
entered Vicksburg, so long (he object of the United States : the Con- 
federate arms were stacked ; the cannon looked idly on the river, 
where along the wharves lay (he American gunboats. But this tri- 
umph had not been gained without blood. Nearly nine thousand was 
the fearful loss of the armj' from i(s landing below Grand Gulf. To 
the Confederate cause the fall of Yicksburg was a terrible blow. In 
the siege and the various actions, their loss in killed and wounded was 



SI 6 THE STOT7y OF A OKEAT NATION. 

ten thousand, and in prisoners thirty-seven thousand ; besides their 
strongest post with all its war material. 

Johnston, watched by Sherman, had been endeavoring to cut his way 
into Vicksburg. On him Grant now turned his strength. Sherman 
with an army of fifty thousand men at once pursued that Confederate 
general, driving him into Jackson. There Sherman invested him, but 
Johnston, eluding him after a brief action, fled across the Pearl, destroy- 
ing bridges as he went. 

Another fortress fell soon after. General Banks had been operating- 
in Louisiana, with a view to recovering Texas, but a series of disas- 
ters on the coast of that State baffled his projects. His force was too 
small to occup}' all necessary points and invest Port Hudson, where 
the Confederates lay in strength. He began some operations on the 
Atchafalaya, but as Farragut proposed to run the Port Hudson bat- 
teries, he was summoned to attack that fortress. Farragut got past 
with part of his fleet, but the frigate Mississippi ran aground, was cut 
up and set on tire, floating down the great river at last one mass of 
flame. His other vessels suffered severelj^ and a land attack was aban- 
doned. Banks carried out his original campaign, breaking up Gen- 
eral Taylor's operations, capturing two thousand men and twenty-two 
guns. About the middle of May, on Grant's offer of aid, he proceeded 
to invest Port Hudson. This he effected May 26th, General Augur 
joining him from Baton Rouge, after defeating a force sent out by Gen- 
eral Gardiner, the Confederate commander. A gallant assault was made 
the next day, but though the fleet aided, and caused the Confederates 
great loss, Banks' columns were hurled back with severe loss by the 
unseen enemy, who poured down grape and canister and volleys of 
musketry. X loss of nearly two thousand men was the result. 



OR, OUR country's acuievements. 817 

A regular siege began, and after weary days of digging in the 
trenches, a second assault was made on the 10th of June, with no im- 
portant success. Grardiner was at the last extremity, nearly starving, 
and Banks' mines ready to blow up his citadel, when, on July 6th, 
news came that Vicksburg had fallen. When convinced of this, Gardi- 
ner at once opened communication with General Banks, and on the 8th 
surrendered the post with his garrison as prisoners of war. While 
Banks was operating before Port Hudson, the scattered posts in Lou- 
isiana were suddenly attacked by General Dick Taylor. Most of the 
commanders displayed incompetence and cowardice. Post after post 
was taken almost without a blow, no serious resistance being made ; but 
when Port Hudson fell, Taylor abandoned his conquests as rapidly as 
he had made them, and retreated toward Texas. 

That State, by the wish of the Administration, was to be the scene of 
the next operations of the United States forces. An expedition under 
General Frankliji, consisting of four thousand men, was sent with sev- 
eral gunboats under Lieutenant Crocker to attack Sabine Pass. In- 
stead of landing his troops and marching on the enemy's works, 
Franklin let Crocker attack the fortifications. He lost two vessels, a 
third ran aground, and his killed, wounded, and prisoners equalled 
the whole Confederate force engaged. Such was the affair of Septem- 
ber 8th, after which Franklin returned to New Orleans. Other re- 
verses followed at Morganzia and Opelousas. 

Banks, meanwhile, prepared a new Texas expedition, which he led 
in person. Lauding at Brazos Santiago on the 2d of November, he 
took successively Brownsville, Point Isabel, Aransas Pass, and in- 
vested Fort Esperanza at Matagorda Bay. This was all he deemed 
it prudent to do with the force he could spare. General Dana, left in 



818 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATION; 

command, scoured the country, secured Indianola, and asked to ht" 
allowed to move inland and crush the Confederate forces in the State, 
but he was overruled. 

The frontier bordering on Mesico was now, however, in the hands 
of the United States Grovernment for the first time since the commence- 
ment of the war. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The Army of the Potomac under Genera! Burnside — He Crosses the Rappahannock and At- 
tacks Lee's Position at Marye's Heights — He is Repulsed witli heavy Loss, and Recrosses thfr 
River— Removed when about to Renew the Attack — General Hooker takes Command — He- 
Crosses the Rappahannock — Battle of Chancellorsville — His Right Wing Turned by Jack- 
son, who is Killed — Desperate Fighting — Hooker Stunned by a Cannon-ball at Chancellors- 
ville — Sedgwick, Operating below. Attacked by Lee's whole Force and Driven across thfr 
River — Hooker Recrosses — Longstreet— Lee Flanks Hooker's Right — Milroy Surprised at 
Winchester — Lee Crosses the Potomac — Hooker, unable to Obtain the Garrison of Harper's 
Ferry, Resigns — Meade placed in Command — Movements of the Armies — They come in. 
Collision at Gettysburg — The Battle — General Reynolds Killed and his Corps Driven, 
through the Town — The Halt on Cemetery Hill — Sickles takes a wrong Position — Hancock 
— Meade Arrives — Sickles Driven back — The Terrible Charge of Lee's whole Line — Its Re- 
pulse — Lee Retreats — Manassas Gap — Warren and Hill — The Armies Resume their old* 
Positions — Mine Run — Droop Mountain. 

GrENERAL BuRNSiDE, when placed in command of the Army of the 
Potomac, immediately commenced preparations for a movement of 
his forces down the Rappahannock to Frederick, Lee following on 
the opposite side of the river. Sumner, with the van, attempted to 
cross at Fredericksburg on the ITtli of November, but failed, the 
Confederates having burned the bridge, and pontoons failing to arrive 
from Washington. The United States gunboats ascended the river, 
but were driven back, and the channel effectually closed by bat. 
teries. 

Fredericksburg refused to surrender, and having been occupied h^y- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 819> 

sharpshooters who annoyed the American troops, was bombarded and 
greatly damaged. 

At last pontoons came, and the array crossed between the 10th 
and 12th of December, in spite of the constant fire of Confederate 
sharpshooters, whom not even the fire of Bnrnside's batteries crashing 
into the houses could dislodge. At last a call was made for volun- 
teers to cross in small boats. Robert H. Hendershot, drummer-boy 
of the 7th Michigan, sprang into a lioat, and, when compelled to 
leave, clung to the stern and crossed. Jn.'^t as he landed, a fragment of 
a shell knocked his drum to pieces, but he soon found a musket, and 
returned to camp at the close of the day with one of the few prisoners 
brought off. 

Lee was drawn up behind the bluffs of the Rappahannock, as far 
down as the Massaponax. His army was divided into two corps, 
Jackson on the right, Longstreet on the left. Jackson was confronted 
by Franklin's division, forty thousand strong, while Hooker and Sum- 
ner were on the right, with at least sixty thousand. 

The attack began on the 13th of December, Couch's division mov- 
ing up Marye's Hill, through a storm of artillery and musketr}-, only 
to be confronted by a stone wall from which a perfect hurricane of 
fire poured on them. Hancock's corps, including Meagher's Irish bri- 
gade, charged with all the gallantry of their race against this wall of 
fire, till only two hundred and eighty men were left out of one thou- 
sand two hundred. Never was life so ruthlessly wasted. But fresh 
troops were sent up again, till the terraces and slopes leading up to the 
Confederate works were piled with dead and wounded. Franklin on 
the left lay inactive meanwhile, awaiting explicit orders, and, though 
be gained at last some advantage, fell back, when Lee, having repulsed. 



820 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

every assault on Marve's Height, could turn liis whole force against 
him. Night fell at last on this scene of unmilitary slaughter, in which 
the army o^ the United States lost fifteen thousand men, including 
many officers of high merit, like Major-General G-eorge D. Bayard, 
Brigadier-General C. F. Jackson, and Colonel Heenan. Lee's loss 
was less than half that of Burnside, as his men fought behind defences 
and used their artillery effectively. 

Yet Burnside wished to renew the attack the next day, and was with 
difficulty dissuaded. He remained two days in Fredericksburg, to see 
whether Lee would come out of his stronghold to tight him — then re- 
crossed the river. 

He prepared plans for a new flanking movement, but his army was 
thoroughly disorganized. His subordinate generals remonstrated to 
Washington against him, and while he was about to dismiss several of 
them, he was himself relieved from command on the' 28th of January', 
1863, ending his brief and unsatisfactory career. 

Major-General Hooker was then appointed to the dangerou.? post, to 
find the efficiency of the army almost destroyed. Desertion and cor- 
ruption prevailed : the enemy's cavalry were raiding all around the 
army. The first work was to reorganize, and to this Hooker devoted him- 
self for two mouths, infusing new spirit into his officers and men, and 
creating confidence in himself as commander. In April, he sent Gen- 
eral Stoneman with the cavalry to cross the river to strike Fitzhugh 
Lee's Confederate cavalry near Culpepper Court House, and then to 
push on toward Kichmond, destroying bridges, crippling railroads, and 
impeding in every way the retreat of Lee. 

Then, by a masterly movement, deceiving Lee completely by throw- 
ing troops across at Franklin's and Pollock's Mill, below Fredericks- 



OR, OTJR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 821 

burg, Hooker silently pushed his mtiiu body up the river to Kelly's 
Ford, and crossing there, moved on Chancellorsville, driving in G-en- 
eral Anderson. 

Lee at once, leaving a small force to face Sedgwick below and hold 
the heights of Fredericksburg, advanced with all his forces to meet 
Hooker. 

That general was in a difficult country of woods and thickets of 
which he knew nothing. His movements were uncertain. He could 
not tell his antagonist's force at any point. Sykes, leading the Fifth 
Corps, advanced toward Fredericksburg, but soon met the enemy in 
superior numbers, and was ordered to fall back. Sickles" corps, the 
Third, had been posted in reserve at the centre : Slocum and Howard 
held the right. Thus the army stood on the morning of May 2d. 
Sickles soon saw Lee's troops passing toward the right, and charged 
them, capturing many, but the movement was continued further off. 
He pushed on, cautious and watchful ; but his warnings had been un- 
heeded by General Hooker as well as by Generals Howard and Slo- 
cum, who had not even thrown up earthworks or batteries. 

At six o'clock, as the winter day was closing, themovemeiit w^as ex- 
plained. Stonewall Jackson, with twenty-five thousand men, attacked 
the Eleventh Corps on three sides. It was not in line, and was scat- 
tered in a moment, every general and colonel disabled or taken, and 
the whole corps driven in wild coirfusion on Chancellorsville. 

Sickles, finding at last that the Eleventh Corps was routed, called on 
Hooker to sustain him, but that general could not even send him a divis- 
ion of his own corps. Sickles, with two divisions of his corps, was left to 
hold out as best he could. He was well posted ; and Pleasanton coming 
with a small body of cavalry, arrested Stonewall Jackson's charge on 



822 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Sickles' corps, whicli he hoped to treat as he had Howard's. But 
Keenan, with the 8th Pennsylvania, died like heroes, to give Pleasanlon 
time to get into position, while Sickles gathered all the fugitives he could 
to swell his force. Suddenly fi'om the woods burst the Confederate 
line with all the fury of their usual cha rge : but the ground was cov- 
ered by Pleasanton's guns double shotted with canister, and the yell- 
ing masses were hurled back to the woods. Three times was the 
charge repeated, and as often repulsed. General Thoinas Jonathan 
Jackson, the famous Stonewall, being mortally wounded. When the 
respite came, Sickles and Pleasanton strengthened their position, and 
even regained some of Howard's lost ground. But General Hooker 
ordered Sickles to fall back. 

In the morning, his corps bore the brunt of Lee's first attack, made 
with utter recklessness by J. E. B. Stuart, reinforced again and again, 
until Sickles began to yield. He called upon Hooker for reinforce- 
xnents, but the commander of the army lay senseless at the Chancel- 
lorsville House, a cannon-ball, striking a pillar, having dashed him to 
the ground. No one assumed command. Sickles fought on, repelling 
five charges, French and Hancock charging the enemy's left, and reliev- 
ing Meade, who was hard pressed. 

At last. General Couch ordered the whole army to fall back toward 
the river. 

Meanwhile, Sedgwick had pushed on, entered Fredericksburg, and, 
with some loss, carried the heights, so fatal to Burnside. Then he 
moved forward on the Chancellorsville road. By this time, Lee, having 
seen all fighting cease at Chancellorsville, detached forces to meet 
Sedgwick. Before that general lay a strong position, which it became 
more and more difficult to carry, while his own position became criticaL 



OE, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 823 

Hooker had recovered, and taken command again ; but lie did not 
attack Lee, who, seeing all safe in that direction, turned his whole force- 
on Sedgwick, and drove hiiii across the river with the loss of five 
thousand men. Hooker then recrossed, and the strangely fought battle 
ended. 

Hooker had lost full eighteen thousand men, with a host of able and 
experienced officers, among whom may be mentioned Generals Berry 
and Whipple. The Confederates made no statement of their losses, 
but from the reckless bravery of their assaults it was probably as 
great, and the loss of Stonewall Jackson was a terrible blow. 

Stoneman's cavalry movement effected some little damage, but was 
an utter failure so far as the cutting off of Lee's communications with 
Richmond was concerned. 

While this battle was fought, General Longstreet, with part of Lee's 
array forty thousand strong, was besieging Suffolk. But General Peck, 
aided by gunboats, though his force never exceeded fourteen thousand, 
kept Longstreet at bay, and even captured one of his batteries, men and 
guns. At last, after losing nearly a month, and two thousand men, 
Longstreet retired. 

For a time the two armies lay watching each other, when Lee de- 
cided on a bold move. He resolved to elude Hooker, and strike north- 
ward. Leaving a small Ibrce in Fredericksburg, he pushed on to the 
Shenandoah Valley, unperceived by Hooker, or by the officers in com- 
mand there. Winchester was held by General Milroy, with ten thou- 
sand men ; when the approach of the enemy in force was reported, he 
derided it, but on the 14th of June was attacked by Ewell. He at- 
tempted to escape, but it was too late — the enemy were in his rear, and 
cut off his flight ; not half his force reached Harper's Ferry. 



824 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATIO:X ; 

The Government now took alarm. Pennsj^lvania called out her 
militia ; New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia were 
called upon by the President to send militia to the relief of the 
threatened State. But the country was disheartened by the length 
and errors of the war, and its bravest men were in the army, or dead 
on the countless battle-fields. Not more than lifty thousand responded 
to the call. 

G-eneral Hooker, on the day of the attack on Winchester, began his 
march northward ; but the Confederate cavalry swept along in Lee's 
front, and were already in Chambersburg, Pennsjdvania, levying con- 
tributions. G-eneral Ewcll, pursuing Milroy, entered it on the IGth of 
June. Hooker at last covered Washington, and reinforced by ])art of 
the troops in the defences at Washington, had at last a hundred thousand 
men to meet Lee, who marched through Hagerstown with ninety-one 
thousand, and six thousand cavalry, while at least five thousand cav- 
alry were .spreading havoc through Pennsylvania. Hooker, with the 
eye of a general, resolved to secure the mountain passes, and cut off 
Lee's line of retreat through the Cumberland and Shenandoah Valleys, 
and for this purpose wished to use th(i troops near Harper's Ferry. 
But General Halleck, as general-in-chief, would not permit him to add 
to his army the garrison at Maryland Heights. On this. General 
Hooker asked to be relieved of his command, and General Meade was 
appointed to command the Army of the Potomac, which thus changed 
generals on the very eve of a battle. 

Major-General George C. Meade, thus suddenly and unexpectedly 
raised to the command of the nrmy when he actually expected to be 
arrested on charges preferred by n(V)la'r, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and. from au early period of the war, connected with the re- 



OR, OUR country's achievements. 825 

serves of that State. lie was tlie very reverse of the bold and dar- 
ing Hooker; he was cautions, judicious, careful. General Hooker, oa 
yeliring, truly styled him "a, brave and accomplished officer, who had 
nobly earned the confidence and esteem of the army on mauy a well- 
fought field." He had displayed his ability at Graines' Mill, Malvern, 
South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. 

When he assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, Lee, who 
had been levying heavy contributions on the people of Pennsylvania, 
was rapidly concentrating his troops at Gettysburg, intending to march 
on Harrisburg, and not yet aware that Hooker was almost in sight. 
Meade had cither to meet Lee at Gettysburg, or draw him to ground 
of his own selection. The choice was not left to him. His cavalry, in 
the advance under General Kilpatrick, encountered Stuart's Confeder- 
ate horse near Hanover, and a sharp fight ensued, in which Kilpatrick 
drove his antagonists off only when Custer came to his aid. General 
Buford, moving from Gettysburg, at Willoughby Run, two miles from 
town, encountered the van of Lee's army, Heth's brigade of HiU's 
corps. General John F. Reynolds, with the First and Eleventh Corps, 
Wadsworth's division in the van, were near at hand, and the First press. 
ed rapidly forward through Gettysburg, and forcing back Hill, seizeti 
and held the ridge overlooking the place. Reynolds was with the ad- 
vance, and saw that it was the place for battle. He sent back for the 
other corps to support him, but while reconnoitering was struck by a 
sharpshooter's bullet, and fell forward on his face dead. Thus opened, 
on the 1st of July, the battle of Gettysburg. 

That pretty little old-fashioned village lies on the northern slope 
of a hill, Stevens' Run winding through the valley below, and a 
college and seminary dotting the opposite hillside. When Reynolds 



<.^2G THE STOKT OF A GREAT NATION; 

t 

fell, General Abiier Doubleday took command ; but the Eleventh Corps 
(lid not come up, and Hill pressed Wadsworth back. But that general 
yielded without confusion and with a purpose, for when the eager pur- 
suers under Archer were pressing on him, he suddenly swung arouiicl 
his right division, and caught Archer, and nearly a thousand men, the 
whole of Davis' Mississippi brigade, in a perfect trap, the cut of an un- 
finished railroad. 

When Doubleday reached Seminary Hill, Howard came up with the 
Eleventh Corps, and taking command of the First, put Schurz at the 
head of the Eleventh. Here the battle was renewed : the two corps, 
well posted, repelled all assaults till one o'clock, when the Confederates 
saw Ewell's corps coming to their aid from the direction of York. 
They came rapidly into the fight, and threw their whole force on the 
Eleventh Corps. It was routed and sent back on Gettysburg, carrying 
with it the First, which had hitherto done so well. The two corps, suffering 
terrible losses, were driven through the town, but were at last rallied 
on Cemetery Hill, west of the village, reduced to one-half tueir numbers. 

Sickles, with the Third Corps, was at Emmettsburg, halting by 
Meade's order ; but on Howard's call he pressed on, leaving a part 
of his force at Emmettsburg. Just as Howard had taken post on 
Cemetery Hill, Sickles came up and took post on his left. Meanwhile 
Meade, at Taneytowu, learning that the battle had unexpectedly 
opened, sent on General Hancock to assume the chief command, and 
that general stationed Wadsworth's shattered division on Culp's Hill, 
at his right ; and part of Slocum's Twelfth Corps, which now came up, 
he ordered to Eound Top on his left. Meade, satisfied now that Get- 
tysburg was the place for battle, ordered up all the corps. During the 
night, Hancock's corps, the Second, under General Gibbon, came up. 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS, 827 



aud Sedgwick's, the Sixth, was aloue wanting ; but was rapidly ap- 
proaching, having thirty-six miles to inarch. His right, consisting of 
the Twelfth Corps and Wadsworth's division of the First, on Gulp's 
Hill ; the Eleventh, with Robinson's and Doubleda^^'s divisions of the 
First, held Cemetery Hill ; left of them lay Hancock's Second Corps; 
while the Third, under Sickles, formed the left wing, running from Han- 
•cock to Eound Top. 

Lee, too, drew up his army. Hill's corps formed his centre, Ewell's 
the left ; the right to be held, when he arrived, hj Longstreet. The 
day was nearly spent in these manoeuvres, and Meade had just posted 
Sedgwick, who had arrived with the Sixth Corps, when the battle 
opened. Sickles had injudiciously advanced, exposing himself greatly. 
Lee ordered Longstreet to attack him ; while Ewell assailed Slocuni, 
who held the right. Sickles was crushed back, and the Confederates 
•pressed on to gain Little Round Top, a position of vital importance to 
Meade. They had almost carried it when Sykes, sent by Meade to 
save it, came up, and it cost a fierce and bloody struggle. S3dves suc- 
ceeded ; but Humphreys, on Sickles' right, assailed in front and fiank, 
only by a most heroic and skilful fight was able to fall back to the 
position which Sickles should never have left. Then came a deadly 
struggle for Round Top. 

Slocum, on the right, weakened by detachments, lost some ground 
under Ewell's stern pressure ; and Lee closed the day by an ineffectual 
attack on Howard's corps, which held the face of the hill. 

Lee was hopeful and confident. Three of Meade's seven corps had 
'been terribly reduced ; Reynolds was dead ; Sickles had lost a leg ; 
Zook, one of his brigadiers, was dead ; while of the rank and file the 
loss must have been nearly twenty thousand men. 



828 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

All prepared for the morrow, when the decisive struggle must be 
made. The garrison of Maryland Heights, whicli had been refused to 
Hooker, were not called on bj' Meade, who here yielded to the ideas 
of others. There was no reserve, no reinforcement to help him. He 
must fight out the battle as he was. 

Cemetery Hill was the centre of Meade's line. Early had in vain 
attacked it the first day. On it Lee now turned the fire of no less 
than a hundred and fifteen heavy guns posted along Seminary Ridge. 
It was the greatest artillery combat ever seen in America. Meade's 
guns, inferior to Lee's, were at last silent. Then Lee charged with his 
whole line, three or four miles long, and the Confederates rushed furi- 
ously on, attacking Meade's whole line as it lay vailed in smoke from 
the Round Top, where Sykes held out, to the Cemetery, where Han- 
cock was grimly awaiting them. On they came in three lines, with 
the disciplined steadiness of veterans. The first line was swept away 
by the cannonade and musketry of Meade ; but the second line 
pressed on, driving in his lines, bayoneting the gunners at their pieces : 
but where they gained an advantage like this, artillery would open 
an enfilading fire, and again they were swept away, or so isolated that 
they had no alternative but to lay down their arms and surrender. 
"Whole regiments, and even a brigade, thus yielded to Hancock's sturdy 
corps. 

In spite of their terrible earnestness, their splendid drill and 
bravery, the Confederate troops failed to carry a single point of 
Meade's line, heavy as his loss was in officers and men. Lee gathered 
up the broken fragments of his splendid force, formed his lines, and 
marched away. The day was won. The Army of the Potomac could 
boast of one decided and decisive victory. 



OR, OUR COU]STRY S .■ACHIEVEMENTS. 829 

But Meade was without amimiiiition oi- fresh troops to renew the 
struggle and profit by his victory. Sylces pushed on, indeed, recov- 
ering the arms and wounded left in Sickles' repulse, and capturing 
some prisoners. 

The battle of Gettysburg, in desperate and continued fighting, had 
as yet been unequalled in the war. Meade left nearly three thou- 
sand dead on the field, while his wounded and missing numbered 
twenty thousand. Leo's losses were fully as great, and included many 
generals and higher officers ; he lei't, too, over thirteen thousand pris- 
oners in ^leade's hands, and twice that number of arms. 

In this battle, Henry Shaler, a boy attached to an Indiana regiment, 
took more prisoners than any other. On the morning of the 4th, 
noticing a party of Confederates near where he was, he went out with 
his poncho over his shoulders, and they mistook him for one of their 
own army. He told them to lay down their arms for a minute, and 
come help carry some wounded off" the field. They followed him with- 
out mistrusting ; but when he got them some distance, he rode up to 
the lieutenant in command, and ordered him to surrender, which, with 
a revolver pointed at his head, the officer did. Henry then marched 
officer and men into camp. 

During the 2d and 3d, the cavalry of the two armies had several 
slight collisions ; but on the 3d, the Confederates, under Hood, made a 
vigorous effort to turn Meade's left on the Emmetsburg road ; 
but this was defeated by Merritt's cavalry and Farnsworth's bri- 
gade. 

■ Though urged by some of his officers to make a general advance, 
Meade only sent out bodies of cavalry on the 4th, who returned with 
prisoners, reporting the Chamber.sburg road strewn with wounded and 



■830 THE STORY OF A GUKAT NATION; 

stragglers, ambulances, and caissons, showing the enemy to be in full 
retreat and greatly demoralized. 

On the 5th, Sedgwick was at last sent in pursuit of Lee with the 
Sixth Corps. Near Funkstowu, his advance under Howe and Buford 
came upon the enemy. Althougli, from Meade's cautious policy, they 
sought to avoid a general engagement, they took up a strong position, 
which the Confederates attacked ; but Howe's troops were remarkably 
good — they quietly repulsed the Confederates twice, and the third time 
sent them in full retreat back into Funkstowu. Lee, by showing a 
bold front to Sedgwick at Fairfield Pass, prevented an attack, and at 
last, by what must be ileeuied a marvellous escape, reached the Poto- 
mac at Williamsport. But his troubles were not ended. General 
French, who had lain idle at Frederick, had sent a cavalry force to 
Falling Waters, which captured Lee's guard and destroyed his bridge. 
Lee was forced to prepare for an engagement, for Meade was in full 
force near him. He drew up his army to make a desperate fight ; but 
on Meade calling a council of his corps commanders, he found that a 
majority, and among them the oldest and most experienced, opposed 
the plan of attacking Lee. Meade yielded to their advice, and stood 
still while Lee crossed the Potomac, no attempt to molest him being 
made, except a cavahy charge by G-eneral Kilpatrick, about two miles 
from their bridge at Falling Waters. In this skirmish the Confeder- 
ate General Pettigrew, commanding Lee's rear-guard, was killed, with 
a hundred and twenty-five of his men, fifteen hundred being cap- 
tured. 

General Meade crossed the Potomac at Berlin, on the 18th, and 
pushed on to Warrenton, resuming the line of the Rappahannock, 
which the army under his command had left hardly two months before 



OR, OT'U country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 831 

—and a most eventful two months they had been. He had outstripped 
Lee, and seized the i^asses through the Blue Ridge, preventing the 
Confederate couimander from coming out of the Shenandoah Valley in 
that direction ; but that energetic general soon reached his old lines 
south of the Rappahannock. 

The two armies were thus in the same position which they had so 
long occupied. Lee soon after sent part of his forces to reinforce 
Bragg ; and Meade having by cavalry expeditions under Buford, Kil- 
patrick, and Pleasonton, ascertained this, crossed the Rappahannock, 
and took post at Culpepper Court House, throwing forward two corps 
to the Raoidan, and was about to cross it when he was ordered to send 
the Eleventh and Twefth Corps, under Hooker, to aid our army at Chat- 
tanooga. On receiving reinforcements, Meade again advanced, but 
Lee pushed boldly upon him. Then, on the 13th of October, Meade 
retreated to Cattell's Station and Centreville, pursued so rapidly by 
Lee's cavalry that they actually got into the nudst of his army. A 
sharp action occurred on the 14th, near Bristow Station, between 
Hill's corps and General Warren's, the Second Corps of Meade's army, 
in which the United States troops repulsed the Confederates, and held 
the field till evening, when they followed the rest of the army, whose 
retreat they had covered. 

Then Lee, having with an inferior force chased our army almost up 
to Washington, destroyed the railroad by which it received its sup- 
plies, and large quantities of valuable stores, and taken two thousand 
prisoners, recrossed the Rappahannock. 

At the same time, Imboden's cavalr}^ had dashed through a gap in 
the Blue Ridge and captured Charlestown, near Harper's Ferry, with 
four hundred and twentv-four men, and valuable stores. 



832 ' THE STOltY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Eager to retrieve his credit, Meade wished to attack Fredericks- 
burg, butHalleck overruled himt. Then he made au attack with Sedg- 
wick's Fifth aud Sixth Corps ou Lee's position at Rappahannock Sta- 
tion. The attack was gallantly made ou the 7th of November, by 
General David A. jRussell's division, the 6th aud 20th Maine 
and 5th Wisconsin leading. It proved perfectly successful, carrying 
the works, while the 121st New York aud 5th Maine swept down 
on the right, cutting off the retreat of the Confederate garrison, cap- 
turing sixteen hundred of them, with four cannon and two thousand 
muskets. 

At the same time, the Second and Third Corps, under General 
French, crossed on a pontoon bridge at Kelly's Ford, General de Tro- 
briand leading, and captured the 12th Virginia regiment. 

Lee, thoroughly worsted, fell back to Culpepper, and the next night 
crossed the Rapidan. 

Meade, after some delay, pushed on cautiously, and with his army 
of seventy thousand men, on the 27th of November, came up to Lee, 
who had his fifty thousand posted at Mine Run. Meade's first attack was 
delayed by French's corps fading to come into line in time. Lee kept 
strengthening his already formidable position, so that Meade found it 
rash to attack him in front, which was bristling with abattis, parapets, 
and batteries. After a careful reconnaissance, an attack directly in 
front was negatived by the majority of the generals. Then Warren 
was sent southward, with the Second and Sixth Corps, to feel the 
enemy's flank and turn it. On his report that an attack was practica- 
ble at that point, Meade massed several corps there, and prepared for 
a battle, Sedgwick to attack on tlie ritiht as soon as Warren began. 

Artillery and skirmishes opened the action early in the morning of 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 833 

November 30th, but soon word came IVoia Warreu that Lee's defences 
were too strong to attack with au}' hope of carrying them. 

Meade hastened to the spot, and concluded to desist for the day. 
The next day he fell back beyond tlic Rapidan ; and thus terminated 
the campaign of the Army of the Potomac in 1863. 

It seems strange that the army made no attempt to bring Lee to 
battle ; but Meade was not one who liked to assume too great a re- 
sponsibility, he was hampered by orders from Washington, and the 
corps coinmanders, from motives of their own, always decided against 
active measures. 

The only other operations in Virginia at this period were cavalry 
raids, sometimes successful, souietimcs repulsed. Late in the fall, 
Greneral Averill, with a force of live thousand men, engaged the Con- 
federates under General Echols, on the top of Droop Mountain, in 
Greenbrier County, and routed him with heavy loss. West Virginia 
was by this blow delivered from the Confederates, who never after- 
ward attempted to occupy it, contenting themselves with occasional 
raids. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Morgan's Raid through Indiana and Ohio — The War in Tennessee — Rosecrans flanks Bragg, 
and drives him to Lafayette— Bragg races — Battle of Chickaniauga — Rosecrans Defeated! 
— Grant succeeds him — Bragg sends Longstreet against Burnside — Campbell's Station — • 
Lougstreet Repulsed — Cavalry Raids— Grant's Campaign— Hooker Crosses the Tennessee — 
Wauhatchie— Lookout Mountain— Mission Ridge— Sherman— Cleburne checks Hooker at 
White-Oak Ridge— Knoxville Relieved— The War in Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian 
Territory— Marmaduke at Springfield, Hartsville, Batesville, and Cai)e Girardeau— Coffey's 
Operations— Quantrell's Cruelties— Indian Operations— The Sioux War. 

The West was at this time the theatre of one of the wildest and 
boldest affairs of the war. 

This was Morgan's celebrated raid into Ohio. Morgan was a great 
partisan cavalry leader in the Confederate service, and had already- 
given the United States commanders infinite trouble in Kentucky and 
Tennessee, by the boldness and celerity of his movements. This bold 
rider, who will long be remembered in the "West, started IVom Sparta 
at the end of June, and crossed the Cumberland, with some two thoiv- 
sand men and ibur pieces of light artillery. Every preparation was 
made for rapid movement, his men and horses being cf the best. His 
first operation was not ominous of success. On the 4th of July he 
came upon two hundred men of the 25th Michigan, under Colonel 
Moore, at Tebb's Bend of Green River, and summoned them 
to surrender. Moore replied that, being the glorious Fourth, he 
couldn't entertain the proposition. Morgan at once assaulted, but 
Moore had hastily and well defended his position. For several hours 
he kept Morgan at bay, killing fifty of the assailants, including sev- 
eral of Morgan's best officers, and wounding two hundred and fifty. 
At last the Confederate commander drew off. 



OCR country's ACHIEVEJrENTS. 835 

At Lebanon he was more successful. With some loss, he defeated 
Colonel Hanson, and firing the place, compelled him to surrender. 
Then he pushed on to the Ohio, and seizing two steamboats, crossed 
over, his original force being swelled to. four thousand men by recruits 
from Kentucky Secessionists. Reaching the northern shore, he moved 
irregularly to avoid pursuit, knowing that General Hobson was after 
him. He galloped through Corydon, Greenville, and Palmyra, captured 
three hundred and lifty Home Guards at Salem, Indiana, destroj^ed 
railroads, bridges, telegraphs, and depots, exacting contributions as he 
went, and sweeping off horses. The militia at Old Vernon turned out 
so formidably that he avoided an action, and sweeping around Cincin- 
nati, reached the Ohio at Buftington Island, expecting to cross and 
escape to West Virginia. 

But Hobson had resolved to head him off, and had sent to Louis- 
ville to have the river patrolled by gunboats, and the people in Ohio 
obstructed the roads leading to the river, so as to impede Morgan. 
When the Coufederates attempted to cross at Pomeroy, they were re- 
ceived by a volley, and a gunboat opened on them, while three heavy 
columns of infantry opened fire on their rear and right. There was 
little time for deliberation : leaving his guns and wagons with six hun- 
dred sick, wounded, and dismounted men, Morgan fled up the river to 
Belleville, and began to cross, when Hobson and Shackleford were on 
him again, and gunboats confronted him. Some three hundred got 
over, retreated to a high bluff, and for a time held out ; but the strug- 
gle was hopeless. Morgan and a small band managed to escape, but 
the rest surrendered. The commander himself, continuing his desper- 
ate flight, was hemmed in by militia and home guards near New Lis- 
bon, and surrendered July 25th. His raid of nearly a montli had 



836 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

thrown the whole State into confusion, and the destruction of property 
was considerable ; but of his whole force of four thousand, only four 
hundred escaped back to the Confederate lines, and at least live hun- 
dred were killed and wounded. So exasperated were the people, lliat 
Morgan and several of his officers were taken to Columbus, confined 
in the penitentiary, and treated as felons ; but Morgan, with six others, 
dug their way out, and escaped to Kentucky, where they found friends 
who aided them to reach the Confederate lines. 

The great operation of the war in the West was the advance of 
Rosecrans. Bragg lay before him, superior in cavalry, with abundant 
railroad lines of supply or retreat in his rear ; while Eosecrans, infe- 
rior in cavalry, depended on one line, which, running through a country 
favoring the Confederate cause, had to be protected by troops at almost 
every step. When Rosecrans obtained from the reluctant authorities 
,at Washington the cavalry and horses he needed, he prepared to ad- 
vance. 

Bragg's army was in three divisions. Polk was in a formidable 
position at Shelbyville, with another intrenched camp at Tulla- 
horaa. Hardee was on his right at Wartrace with twelve thousand 
men ; while Buckner was near Knoxville and Chattanooga. 

Rosecrans resolved to force him out of his strong position by a flank 
movement, and a feigned attack on Shelbyville. On the 24th of June 
he began his march, although heavy rains made the roads almost im- 
passable. G-eneral McCook, with the 20th Corps, pushed on to- 
ward Shelbyville, and carried Liberty Gap by a vigorous attack, 
Thomas pushing on Manchester, with the 14th Corps, carrying 
Hoover's Gap with Wilder's mounted brigade. On the 27th, Rose- 
crans had his headquarters in Manchester, and Bragg, overpowered and 



OR, OUR COUJSTTRY'S ACHIEVEMENTS. 837 

deceived, had been forced back to Fairfield. Grrauger and Stanley 
then carried Gruy's G-ap, the Coni'ederates retreating to their rifle-pits 
near Shelbyville. Although at the rislv of being overwhelmed by 
superior numbers, Granger and Stanley pushed on, and at six o'clock 
in the afternoon carried Shelbyville itself, with five hundred prisoners 
and a large store of provisions. 

Rosecrans at once sent Wilder with his cavalry to destroy Elk 
River bridge in Bragg's rear, and proceeded to flank the Confederates 
at Tullahoma ; but Bragg, completely outgeneralled, decamped, and fled 
so hastily, that Rosecrans, having to guard his lines, could not pursue 
him ; and though some blamed him, all who knew the country and its 
condition justified the wisdom of his course. 

In nine days, at a loss of only five hundred men, he had cleared 
Middle Tennessee of the enemy, capturing one thousand six hundred 
prisoners, with arms, artillery, and stores. 

B} the 25th of July, Rosecrans had collected the provisions re- 
quired for an advance through a sterile and exhausted mountain 
region. He then moved on Chattanooga, the remaining Confederate 
stronghold in Tennessee. Upon this Rosecrans now moved with great 
rapidity, and yet with caution. Sheridan, Reynolds, McCook, and 
Brannan crossed the Tennessee at points selected by Rosecrans, 
■where they would be least observed ; Crittenden pushed on to Look- 
out Mountain, and looked down into Chattanooga, while Thomas pushed 
across Mission Ridge to the Chickamauga Valley. Bragg was again 
outgeneralled : he relinquished Chattanooga, and saved his army, re- 
tiring South to Georgia, drawing up at Lafayette. There he concen- 
trated and called for aid. Buckner, eluding Burnside, hastened to his 
support from East Tennessee ; Lee, holding Meade inactive, sent to 



838 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Braggs aid Longstreet with his veterans ; militia were sent up to aid 
him in guarding bridges, depots, etc. 

Rosecrans, who supposed him retreating on Rome, pushed on to 
meet an army of nearly a hundred thousand men, the finest army the- 
Confederates ever massed west of the Alleghanies. 

On the 10th of September, the van of Rosecrans' army, under Crit- 
tenden and Thomas, found the enemy in force at Tunnel Hill and 
Dug Gap. McCook, flanking Bragg, found that he was no longer in 
retreat. Rosecrans had been infoi'med by General Halleck that Bragg 
had sent part of his array to reinforce Lee, and was thus misled — find- 
ing Bragg not weakened, but greatly reinforced. 

Aware now that he had been deceived and misled, he saw that he 
must concentrate and fight. Bragg, his inferior in generalship, had 
failed to entrap Rosecrans. 

The American general's armj', as now concentrated, was drawn 
up with seven divisions forming the main line, ranging from right to left 
from Gordon's Mill northward — Gordon Granger in reserve in the 
rear of the left, covering the roads to Chattanooga. Bragg attempted 
to turn and crush the left, while Polk pressed Rosecrans' front at Gor- 
don's Mills, and Hill covered his left flank. 

The battle opened on (he 19th of September, at Reed's and Alex- 
ander's bvidges over the Chickamauga, Thomas attacking : the Confed- 
erates, however, soon sent up fresh troops, and a long and fierce strug- 
gle ensued, as each side was reinforced. Bj' four o'clock, Thomas had 
repulsed the assaults, killing the Confederate General Preston Smith, 
but he prepared for fresh attack. This time it came on his right, a 
charge so impetuous that his men recoiled, I ill General Hazen, of 
Crittenden's corps, massing his artillery on a ridge, sent the enemy 



OK, OUR OOUNTTIT's ACHIEVEMENTS. 839, 

back in disorder. Cleburne, indeed, again led up the Confederates ; but 
when night fell, Thomas held his ground. 

Ou the right, Rosecrans had done well. McCook had met an4 sus- 
tained firmly the charge of Hood. 

"When night came, Rosecrans had lost no ground, but he saw that 
he was outnumbered, and could expect no reinforcements, while Bragg 
was constantly receiving them. He drew up his line to the utmost ad- 
vantage, and at daylight galloped along the lines, and ordered some 
changes of position. The battle on Sunday, the 20th, began by Breck- 
inridge making a flanking movement across the Rossville road. Rose- 
crans sent up to support Beatty and Baird, and Breckinridge was 
driven back in disorder. Other Confederate corps came up succes- 
sively, but Thomas stood like a wall of iron : Bragg failed to turn his 
flank and get between him and Chattanooga. 

Rosecrans fared badly, however, on the right, which had been weak- 
ened to support Thomas : at an unfortunate moment, when a gap was 
left in the front by a misconceived order, Longstreet charged, Hood, 
supported by Buckner, crashing through Rosecrans' line, separating 
five brigades from the rest of the armj^, cutting off nearly half of 
them, and sending the rest in confusion toward Chattanooga. Rose- 
crans rallied and reformed the commands of Sheridan and Davis at 
Rossville, and then hastened to Chattanooga, to prepare for a desperate 
effort to hold it, if the worst came to the worst. 

The main body of the army was under Thomas, and could not be in 
better hands. Brannan and Hood had been posted on Mission Ridge 
in his rear, while Gaw massed all the reserve artiller}-. Thomas thus 
provided for any attack on his rear. Gordon Granger, at Rossville, 
finding no enemy in his front, and hearing the battle going on, re- 



840 THE STORY OF A GKEAT KATION. 

ported at three o'clock to Thomas, bringing in what he greatly needed, 
a small supply of ammunition. At that time the enemy were press- 
ino- him in front and on both flanlvs, and Hindman was creeping up a 
gorge to assail his right in flank and rear. By a vigorous charge, 
Granger hurled him back, taking the gorge and a ridge beyond it. 
Bragg, furious at the stubborn resistance which seemed to sweep away 
a victory already gained, made a general attack on all points of 
Thomas' line at four o'clock ; but in vain did Longstreet, McLaw, Pres- 
ton, Breckinridge, Cleburne, Hindman, and the flower of the Confeder- 
ates pour down on his line. Thomas withstood and repelled assault 
after assault till the sun set. Then, by order of Kosecrans, he began 
to withdraw from the position he had so gallantly held. A part of the 
C<mfederate force appeared, but was charged with such effect that it 
was repulsed, leaving many prisoners in his hands. There was no pur- 
suit. Thomas retired, and took up the position at Rossville appointed 
by Eosecrans. So ended the fiercely fought battle of Chickamauga. 
Bragg admitted a loss of eighteen thousand, sixteen thousand in killed 
or wounded. Rosecrans lost about eleven thousand in killed and 
wounded, and seven thousand five hundred prisoners, thirty-six guns, 
and eight thousand arras. Bragg bad won an undoubted victory, 
but that was all. Rosecrans held Chattanooga, and was a commander 
with an army not to be despised. Though defeated, the hero of luka 
and Corinth had secured the great strategic object of the campaigu. 

The authorities at Washington, themselves responsible for the event, 
made Rosecrans the scapegoat, and on the 19 th of October that able 
general received an order removing him from command. He at once 
took leave of his companions in arms, and General Thomas became the 
general of the Army of the Cumberland. 



OK, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 841 

While Eosecrans had been conducting a life-and-death struggle with 
Bragg, General Burnside, at the head of a small independent army, 
had overrun East Tennessee, hailed with delight by the Union men, 
and finding no enemy in the field to oppose. Neither he nor his supe- 
rior, General Halleck, seem to have suspected that the Confederate 
troops had all been sent to aid Bragg. So that, instead of reinforcing 
Rosecrans, General Burnside, after capturing General Frazier with two 
thousand men in Cumberland Gap on the 9th of September, scattered 
his forces, having an occasional skirmish with some isolated Confeder- 
ate band. Had he joined Rosecrans, the result would have been dif- 
ferent. 

As it was, Bragg, after forcing Rosecrans back to Chattanooga, sent 
Longstreet to crush Burnside. Longstreet, advancing silently and 
rapidly, fell upon Colonel Wolford, at Philadelphia, on the 20th of 
October. Wolford escaped with difficulty. The surprise was com- 
plete. Six hundred and fifty men, six pieces of artillery, and a great 
stock of arms were taken. Burnside, roused by the tidings of danger, 
concentrated all his available forces at Campbell's Station. Here he 
made a bold stand, and by means of his artillery checked Longstreet; 
falling back to another ridge when the Confederate general endeav- 
ored to flank him. When his trains had a fair start he resumed his re- 
treat to Knoxville. By the 17th of November, Longstreet was before 
him ; but Burnside had not been idle. Formidable earthworks cover- 
ing heavy batteries were not to be carried without heavy loss. Long- 
street's first assault carried a hill on Burnside's right ; and ou the 
28th he assaulted, with a storming party of three brigades. Fort San- 
ders on the left of Burnside's line ; but General Ferrero repulsed the 
attack, and Longstreet drew off, after sacrificing eight hundred men 



843 THE 8T0ET OF A GKEAT NATION; 

in his rash attempt. By this time his opportunity was lost. He could 
no longer serve Bragg, and retreated rapidly into Virginia. 

When Eosecrans was removed, Halleck telegraphed to Grant to take 
command of the army, and ordered troops from all parts to Chatta- 
nooga : but Grant was sick at New Orleans, and meanwhile Bragg's 
cavalry under Wheeler had captured in Sequatchie Valley Thomas' 
train of a thousand wagons loaded with supplies ; then another train at 
McMinnville, besides destroying railroads and bridges to prevent re- 
lief reaching him. Thomas was reduced to terrible straits. When 
Grant at last reached Louisville, October 18th, he telegraphed to 
Thomas to hold Chattanooga at all hazards, and that general replied : 
" I will hold on till we starve." Grant, on arriving at Chattanooga on 
the 23d of October, proceeded with General Thomas and his chief en- 
gineer to examine the river. It was decided that Hooker should 
cross at Bridgeport, where he was, and advance on Wauhatchie, in 
Lookout Valley. This he did on the 28th, while four thousand men 
under Brigadier-General W. F. Smith dropped down the river by night 
and seized the heights at Brown's Ferry, and in the morning completed a 
pontoon bridge. Grant had thus gained the shortest line for concen- 
trating his troops, and a convenient road for supplies. With scarcely 
a skirmish between pickets he had made Chattanooga safe. 

Law's division of Longstreet's corps on Lookout Mountain had 
■watched Hooker, occasionally sending a shell into his line. He was 
not strong enough to fight Hooker by daylight, but hoped to surprise 
part of his force in the woods, and at least cripple him by capturing 
a train. At one o'clock in the morning he attacked Geary with a 
wild yell, charging on three sides at once. But Geary hold his own ; 
and Schurz came up to his aid, while Tyndale's brigade gallantly car- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 843 

ried a lull on his left, and the 73d Ohio charged up a hill still farther 
behind. Foiled and badly shattered, Law's line recoiled into the dark- 
ling woods, leaving one hundred and fifty-three dead and more than 
a hundred prisoners. Hooker followed up his success by clearing Eac- 
coon Mountain of the enemy. 

Bragg, weakened by the absence of Longstreet, made no further at- 
tack, but held to his strong line along the western and northern slopes 
of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, and across the valley at the 
mouth of Chattanooga Creek. 

Sherman, ordered by Grant to join him, had marched from Vicks- 
burg with his corps, harassed all the way by the eneni}- ; but Grant 
ordered him to use all dispatch, and on the 15th of November he re- 
ported in person. Grant at once sent this new force to threaten 
Bragg"s extreme right ; but when he had engaged Bragg's attention 
there, he quietly crossed at the pontoon bridge, and moving around 
Chattanooga, took position on Thomas' left. On the 23d, Thomas ad- 
vanced with Granger's corps, Sheridan, "Wood, and Palmer. With one 
bold rush the}' carried Orchard Ridge, taking the Confederate rifle-pits 
and many prisoners. Then Hooker moved on Lookout Mountain, 
which was held by General Stevenson with six brigades, and soon re- 
inforced. But Hooker pressed on, seizing a bridge here, building one 
there. Then he opened with all his artillery, and Wood and Gross, 
dashing across, joined Geary, and swept down the vallej^ driving the 
enemy before them up the mountain, and following at full speed over 
ledge and chasm ; while Geary swept round the summit and pressed 
on. Hooker, for fear of surprise, had ordered them to halt at the sum- 
mit ; but they kept on, driving the shattered remnant of tlie enemy 
down the eastern side of the mountain. At two o'clock so dense a 



844 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

cloud enveloped the mouatain that no further movement was possible : 
but Hooker made good his position by good though hasty works. 

About sunset the enemy made a final effort to gain the mountain-, 
before morning they abandoned it, leaving rations by the thousand, 
and abundant camp equipage. A difficult mountain position, held by a 
brave enemy, with brave troops had been carried. 

While he was resting, Sherman was busy crossing, and by noon had 
bridges across the Tennessee and Chickamauga, eight thousand men 
over, and the rest crossing, eager to join in the hot work of the day. 
The firing soon began. A sharp struggle was made for Mission Ridge, 
but Sherman planted himself there, and soon made his line too strong 
to fear attack. 

Thomas pushed on to join the advanced positions of Sherman and 
Hooker, while Thomas' cavalry under Colonel Long swept along 
Bragg's rear, burning Tyner's Station, capturing wagons, and destroy- 
ing stores — playing the same game on Bragg that he had played be- 
fore on Rosecrans. Bragg was beaten out of his strong line : he 
abandoned Lookout Mountain ; but Hooker pressed on, delayed by 
the destruction of bridges. While Osterhaus swung around Mission 
Ridge on the east, and Geary on the west, Crufts moved upon the 
enemy's front, well protected as it was by breastworks. At a charge 
they swept on, bearing the Confederates before them, flanked as they 
were by Osterhaus and Geary, who captured all who attempted to 
escape. At sunset. Hooker had cleared the mountain, and encamped 
amid the rocky heights he had so nobly won. 

Sherman met harder work as he advanced down one mountain-slope 
and up another in face of the eneni}-. A long, stubborn fight ensued, 
actually hand to hand ; but Corse could not carry the enemy's works, 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 845 

which were held by General Cleburne, under Lieutenant-General 
Hardee. But Smith aud Loomis flanked the enemy's works ; and 
though the reserves were driven back by a fierce artillery fire, Sher- 
man lost no ground, but was held by the stubborn resistance of hia 
antagonist. Generals were disabled* and carried from the field ; but 
though the fight went on, no success had been gained at threo 
o'clock. 

Thomas was already in movement. Driving the Confederates undei 
Anderson from their rifle-pits at the foot of the mountain, his mei\ 
pursued them under a fearful volley of grape and canister up the hill 
side, no wavering in his long line till he reached the summit, captur- 
ing prisoners, cannon, and ammunition. Only on the left was any 
resistance made by General Bates. Then the enemy, at the railroad 
tunnel in front of Sherman, gave way, and were captured or driven 
across Chickamauga Creek. So rapidl}^ were all these movements 
made, that large bodies of Confederates, in endeavoring to retreat, 
were caught in between different portions of Grant's army and cap- 
tured. 

By midnight the whole of Bragg's strong position on Lookout Moun- 
tain, Chattanooga Valley, and Mission Ridge, was in Grant's posses- 
sion, with prisoners, artillery, and small arms in great number ; and 
as he confessed, he owed the escape of his army only to his own 
thorough knowledge of the country, and Grant's comparative igno- 
rance of it. 

Grant, sending off- Granger to relieve Knoxville, let Sherman and 
Hooker at daylight, on the 26th, pursue Bragg, who was iu full retreat 
on Greysville and Ringgold. Many prisoners and somo gnus were 
taken in this pursuit ; but the stubborn Cleburne made a stand a*. the 



846 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Gap, in While-Oak Ridge, losing a hundred and thirt}' men, but de- 
laying Hooker, and causing hira a loss nearly four times as great. 
The pui'suit was not continued beyond Ringgold, as Sherman too turned 
toward Knoxville, and by a forced march compelled Longstreet to 
raise the siege. 

In this glorious series of battles, which effectually broke the Confed- 
erate power in that section, Grant lost, in killed, wounded, and missing, 
about fifty-six hundred men, capturing more than six thousand pris- 
oners, forty cannon, and seven thousand stand of arms. Bragg lost in 
killed and wounded about three thousand, but his loss in war material 
was very heavy ; and the spirit of his army was broken. 

The operations west of the Mississippi were occasional movements 
of Confederate forces from Arkansas, which was one of their strong- 
holds, upon Missouri, where they were always sure to find sympathizers 
and recruits. These campaigns served only to fill Missouri with des- 
olation and ruin, and did not contribute materially to the final results 
of the war. When the Confederates lost the control of the Missis- 
sippi by the battle of Belmont, the loss of Fort Henry, Donaldson, 
and Island No. 10, as well as of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and 
New Orleans below, and finally, by the loss of Vicksburg, their armies 
west of the Mississippi were completely cut off from those which were 
fighting the great contest on the oast. 

Early in 1863, four thousand men under General Marmaduke issued 
from Arkansas, and avoiding General Blunt, struck at Springfield. But 
General Brown, in command there, was a man of resolution and re- 
source. Although he had only militia at his command and men of the 
118th Iowa, and some convalescents, or, as the soldiers called them, 
"the Quinine Brigade," he fought Marmaduke so bravelj' and skil- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 84 ( 

fully, all through the 8th daj of January, that the Confederates at 
night drew off, having lost two hundred men. 

Marmaduke then moved on Hartsville, but was confronted by Colo- 
nel Merrill, and again repulsed after a spirited fight, in which he lost 
several prominent officers. Fearing that General Blunt would be 
upon him, Marmaduke retreated to Arkansas, and was soon after at- 
tacked at Batesville. 

Fayetteville was the chief outpost of the United States forces on 
the Arkansas frontier. It was held by Colonel Harrison, when, on the 
18th of April, it was attacked by General Cabell at the head of two 
thousand mounted men. But the cavalry charge of the Confederates 
was met by a determined and skilful resistance, and Cabell withdrew 
as rapidly as he advanced. 

Two days later, Marmaduke again entered Missouri at the head of 
an army swelled by reinforcements from Price's corps. The object of 
his expedition was Cape Girardeau, on the Mississippi, where there 
was a large depot of army stores. General John McNeil, seeing his 
aim, pushed for the same point from Bloomfield, with twelve hundred 
men and six guns, and took command of the post, where he found only 
five hundred men. Sending off all the stores he could remove, he pre- 
pared to fight. Marmaduke summoned him to surrender, giving him 
■ only thirty minutes to decide. McNeil at once opened, and though 
again summoned, was too bu.sy to talk, but kept on firing. Marma- 
duke, who had not expected such a warm reception, lost severely, and 
seeing gunboats approach with troops on board, again made for the 
Arkansas frontier. 

Down in the Indian Territory there was also fighting. At the be- 
ginning of the war, the agents of the Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, 



848 

and Chickasaws were Southern men, and many of the Indians, who- 
had adopted white ways, favored the cause of the seceding States. 
The Indians were easily persuaded that the United States Government 
was overthrown, ami lliat i heir only hope was to join the South. When 
the Confederate government was organized, Albert Pike was ap- 
pointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs, treaties were made with the 
tribes, and many Indians took up arms on the Confederate side. Be- 
fore the end of (he first year, however, many began to see that they 
had acted rashly. Two parties at once arose, some siding with the 
United States, while the rest adhered to the enemy. On the 20th of 
May, 1863, Colonel Phillips, who held Fort Blunt in the Creek 
Nation, with eight hundred white soldiers and a regiment of Creek 
Indians, was beset by a large Confederate force under Colonel Coffey ; 
but after driving off some cattle, they retired, and were soon pursued 
by Phillips, who drove them across the Arkansas with loss. 

On the 1st of July, a wagon-train of supplies for Fort Blunt, 
although guarded by a cavalry force, and eight hundred negro soldiers 
and five hundred Indians, was attacked at the crossing of Cabin Creek 
by a force of Texans'and Indians under Standwatie, a Cherokee. But 
the attack was as badly managed as it was rashly planned, and Stand- 
watie was driven off. 

This was a curious battle, from the mixture of races. The Confed- 
erates from the commencement of the war emploj^ed the negroes in 
building fortifications, throwing up earthworks, and even occasionally 
as soldiers. As the armies of the United States penetrated into slave 
territory, numbers of negroes flocked into camp, and it was soon found 
necessary to employ them. General Hunter at Hilton Head began to 
organize them as soldiers. This excited some protests in Congress, but 



OB, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 849 

his course was sustained. General Phelps did the same at Ship Island, 
and, when General Butler forbid it, and required him to use them only 
in menial labor, resigned his commission : yet Butler himself was soon 
forced to adopt the same course. The Confederate Government viewed 
this step with alarm and rage : the President of the Confederac}', Jef- 
ferson Davis, by an order of August 21st, 1862, declared Hunter and 
Phelps outlaws, and directed any officer who had been engaged in 
drilling or organizing negro soldiers, to be treated as a felon when 
taken, and not as a prisoner of war. 

But this threat did not deter any one. Negro regiments were 
formed, and rendered essential service on many occasions. An act 
of Congress was passed July 16th, 1862, formally authorizing it ; and 
when volunteers began to decrease in number, and it was found neces- 
sary to resort to the unpopular course of conscription or drafting, so 
repugnant to every Anglo-Saxon community, no further difficulty was 
made about accepting negro soldiers. 

President Lincoln, at a later date than that of which we are treat- 
ing, July 30th, 1863, issued an order directing that a Confederate sol- 
dier should be executed for every negro prisoner put to death by the 
Confederates ; and a Confederate soldier put to hard labor in retalia- 
tion for every negro soldier sold or enslaved by the enemy. 

The Indians employed in the contending armies did some service, 
but the tribes suff"ered terribly. Their country was ravaged, the tribes 
were divided into factions, and their progress in civilization checked, 
while all their bad qualities were called out by war. Those in the 
army gained something perhaps by the habits of subordination and 
system which they acquired, but when thrown back into the tribes 
were not improved. 



850 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

These operations around Fort Blunt roused General Blunt to take 
steps to protect that advanced post. Having ascertained that the Con- 
federate General Cooper lay at Honey Springs with six thousand men, 
awaiting reinforcements before advancing, Blunt resolved to attack him 
at once. Marching at midnight with three thousand men, he crossed 
the Arkansas, and on the 17th of July came upon Cooper's encamp- 
ment. He charged instantly, and with such a dash that he carried 
their position though well covered. The Confederates held their ground, 
fightins; well for two hours, but then broke and fled in disorder, having 
lost nearly seven hundred men. While Blunt Avas pursuing them, 
Cabell came up with the Texan reinforcements, but he did not attack 
Blunt, and that commander was too prudent to risk his battle-worn 
men with a fresh foe. By morning, however, when they were ready 
to meet the enemy, Cabell had disappeared. Blunt pursued him iu 
vain into the Choctaw Nation, and, after taking Fort Smith, was nearly 
captured by Quantrell, a sanguinary guerrilla leader, while returning 
with a small escort. The guerrilla captured and butchered in cold 
blood many on this occasion, eighty in all being killed. 

A Confederate attack on Pineville, in the southwest of Missouri, 
was repulsed by Colonel Catherwood with the Missouri cavalry ; and 
Cotfey, after suffering severe loss in men and supplies, retreated. 

About this time the sanguinary leader who went by the name of 
Qnantrell began a series of raids. His lirst blow was struck at Law- 
rence, Kansas, which had from the time of the old troubles been a 
place hateful to the South. At early dawn on the 21st of August, 
Qantrell surprised this place, killed every negro and German who 
could be found, and many others— in all, one hundred and forty unre- 
sisting persons ; he then plundered the place, and burned a hundred 



OK, OUR COUiSrTEY's ACHIEVEMENTS. S51 

and eighty-five buildings. He retreated in all haste, and managed to 
outstrip his pursuers, although some of his party were killed. 

After the siirrciRlcr of Vicksbnrg, a force under General Steele was 
sent to reduce Little Eock. With a force from Missouri under Geu- 
eral Davidson, Steele had nearly twelve thousand men at his command. 
Davidson took the advance, and, after a series of skirmishes, reached 
Bayou Fourche, five miles from Little Rock, on the 9th of September,. 
after crossing the river. Here Marmaduke was drawn up in a strong 
position to oppose him with a force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery. 
Steele, on the other side of the river, galled Marmaduke by an artillery 
fire, and then Davidson by a resolute charge broke Marmaduke'sline; 
and the United States troops, sabre in hand, rushed into the city as the 
Confederates fled thiough and beyond it. The capital of Arkansas 
was then formally surrendered, but steamboats and railroad cars had 
been destroyed by fire by Price before evacuating. 

In these operations Steele lost few men by death or wounds in bat- 
tle, yet his force was reduced nearly one-half by sickness, marching 
as they did through low swampy lands late in the summer. 

The Confederates endeavored to retrieve their loss by an attack on 
Pine Bluff ; but Marmaduke was again unfortunate. His foi'ce of 
twentj'-five hundred men was repulsed by Colonel Powell Claj'ton, 
who held the place with only six hundred men. Marmaduke's shells 
fired the town, but he utterly failed to carry it, and finally drew off, 
after losing nearly two hundred men. 

Then Shelby and Coffey made a dash into Missouri. They reached 
Booneville, only to begin a hasty retreat. General Brown was at their 
heels, and finally overtaking them at Arrow Rock, on the 12th of Oc- 
tober, fought them till nightfall, and lying on his arms during the night,. 



852 

in the morning eompletclj- routed them, with the loss of all their artil- 
lery and baggage, and some three hundred in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners. General McNeil joined in the pursuit, and was soon after 
appointed to command the Army of the Frontier. 

It was not onl}' among the Southern Indians that the Confederates 
had exerted an influence. Agents from their side, and from the Brit- 
ish possessions, had roused the Sioux against the white settlers. That 
w^arlike and treacherous nation of Indians needed little to stimulate 
them to a war. On Sunday, the 17th of August, 1862, while the 
frontier towns were in peaceful repose, the Sioux began the work of 
blood. Five persons were murdered at Acton. Then, as if maddened 
at the sight of blood, or following out the concerted plan, they fell next 
day on settlers in the fields and roads, and even lured into an ambus- 
cade a party of troops under Captain Marsli, killing him with many of 
his men. The old scenes of terror so familiar in New England, Wy- 
oming, Cherry Valley, and Kentucky, were revived. Men fled from 
their newly formed homes, happy if they reached a large village in 
safety. New Ulm was crowded with fugitives, and had just organized 
a force for defense, when, on the 19th, a body of three hundred In- 
dians assailed the place, killing some of the people, firing houses, and 
waylaying all who approached the town. But the resistance was 
sturdy, and when Captain Flandreau came dashing down upon them 
with a mounted troop, killing many of the dusky warriors, the Sioux 
drew off, nnd hastening across the country, near]}- surprised Fort 
Ridgelej', where treacherous half-breeds had rendered the guns use- 
less. For three days they kept up the attack, but were steadily re- 
pulsed. 

Then they once more tried to take New Ulm. There not a moment 



853 

had been lost — the place was made extremely strong ; but the Indian 
force had swelled in numbers, and came on with great fury. The 
pickets are driven in ; the first houses reached and fired ; the Sioux 
are actually in the town, their deadly rifles bringing down man after 
man : but Flandrean by a bold dash drives them out of the town. 
All day long the fight goes on, and the next day — half the place is in 
ruins. A small force arrives at last to help them : but all agree to 
retire and leave the town to its fate. Around that beleaguered place, 
in settlements, and in deadly fight, nearl}' five hundred people 
had fallen. Fort Abercrombie was furiously assailed by another band, 
who were driven off with loss. Here their success ended. The peo- 
ple were thoroughly alarmed and on their guard. Troops were con- 
centrating from various points. The Indians, retreating in all haste, 
are overtaken by General Sibley at Wood Lake. There Little Crow 
was utterly routed, and fled with a part of his tribe to Dakota. Five 
hundred Indians were taken, and a court martial at once proceeded to 
determine their fate. Three hundred were sentenced to be hanged ; 
but of these only some forty were actually executed. 

The next summer, General Sibley followed up his success, defeating 
the Sioux at Missouri Couteau, Big Mound, Dead-Buffalo Lake, and 
Stony Lake, killing a hundred and fifty, while Sully, in September, 1863, 
routed a band at Whitestone Hill, killing many, and capturing a hun- 
dred and fifty prisoners. The remnant fled across the Missouri and 
'eluded pursuit.- This virtually ended the Sioux War, 



CHAPTER X. 

Operations from North Carolina to Florida in 1863-3 — Capture of Fort Pulasln — Jackson- 
ville taken and abandoned — Hunter repulsed at Seccssionville — The Nashville- -Dupou4 
Repulsed — Ironclad Raid from Charleston — Attack on Fort Sumter — The Swamp Angel — 
Wagner taken— Hill at Newberne — Vallandigham's case — The Draft-Riots in New York — 
Negro Soldiers. 

On the Southern coast some operations had meanwhile taken place 
which did not reflect any great credit on the arms of the United 
States. The occupation of Port Royal had not led to any important 
result, the expeditions to various points having gained no decisive vic- 
tory. In June, General Hunter planned an attack on Secessiouvillc, a 
strong post on James Island held hj Colonel Lamar. At early dawn, 
on the 16th, a force of six thousand men under General Wright ad- 
vanced on these works. Over a narrow neck of land swept by grape 
and canister pressed the United States columns, led by General 
Stevens ; but a ditch and high parapet faced them, and the brave men 
of Michigan, and the New York 79th, Highlanders, were mercilessly 
mowed down. In half an hour half the force lay dead and dying ; and 
so fierce was the struggle that, with all their defenses, more than two 
hundred of the Confederates were struck down. 

Wright drew off, leaving his dead and wounded on the field ; and 
thus ended General Hunter's attempt to capture Charleston. 

General Mitchell, the astronomer, who next took command, planned 
U movement to break the railroad connection between Charleston and. 



ouK C'Ouxtkt's achievements. 855 

Savaimah. Bu-t iae was soon after prostrated by disease. Then 
General Brannan attempted it, and pushed on to Pocotaligo. where the 
Confederates under Walker met and checked his advance, until Bi'uu- 
nan saw that troops were coming up from Savannah and Charleston, 
and that he must retire to avoid capture. Grunboats had meanwhile 
run up the Coosawhatchie, and Colonel Barton landing, attacked a 
train bearing troops from Savannah, and after dispersing it, advanced, 
on Pocotaligo, but he too was forced to retire, and the whole object of 
the expedition was missed. 

Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee, was a strong Confederate work 
guarding the navigation of that river, interrupted here b}- piles driven 
in the channel. Under its guns lay the Nashville, ready to sail as a war 
vessel. On the 27th of February, Captain Worden, in the Montauk, 
ascended the river to attack and destroy her. In spite of the torpe- 
does in the channel and the fire of the fort, he ran within less than a 
mile of his antagonist and opened fire, sustained by three consorts 
which could not approach so near. Before long a shell exploding in 
the Nashville set her on fire, flames burst from every part, her guns 
exploded, and her magazine at last blew up, shattering the vessel to 
fragments. 

Elated by this, Commodore Dupont attacked Fort McAllister, with 
the Passaic, Patapsco, Montauk, Ericsson, and Nahant, all ironclads ; 
but this action of March 3d showed that if ironclads could stand the 
fire of forts, forts built of sand cannot be injured by ironclads. After 
a tremendous expenditure of ammunition on both sides, lasting for 
hours, not a man was killed on either side, and no material injury 
done. 

Soon after the Confederates captured the United States steamer Isaac 



■'856 THE STOEY OF A GREAT KATlOX ; 

'Smith, sent up the Stoiio, and taking heart at their recent successes, 
■von the 31st of Jauuar}' seut out from Charleston two ironclads, the 
Palmetto State and Chicora, with three steamboats as tenders, to at- 
tack the blockading fleet, having learned by spies that the Powhatan 
and Canandaigua, tlie two largest men-of-war, were at Port Royal coal- 
ing. The Palmetto State ran into the Mercedita, and seut a seven- 
mch shell through her steam-drum, completely disabling her, and com- 
pelling her to strike. Then she attacked the Keystone State, setting 
her on fire with a shell. Captain Leroy drew off to extinguish the fire, 
and then tried to run the Palmetto State down ; but his steam-chests 
were also pierced, and the rifled shells tore through his vessel. The 
fleet now bore down and rescued the two vessels; upon which the Confed- 
erate gunboats sailed back — and General Beauregard and Commodore 
Ingraham issued a proclamation declaring that the blockading fleet 
bad been sunk, dispersed, or driven ofl", and that therefore the port 
was open and the blockade raised. 

The United States G-overnment then resolved to make a serious 
effort to reduce Fort Sumter and the other defenses of Charleston. 
Twelve thousand men, Foster's 18th Corps, were sent down from North 
Carolina, and Commodore Dupont prepared his ironclads and gun- 
"boats for action. On the 6th of April, a beautiful morning, with a 
slight haze hanging over the scene, the fleet steamed in. They passed 
Morris Island, and kept on toward the channel between Fort Sumter 
and Sullivan's Island, when at last the fort opened upon the Weehaw- 
ken. The plan had been to pass beyond Sumter and attack the north- 
west face, but this was soon found impossible : the channel on each side 
was closed by rows of piles or hawsers with torpedoes attached. The 
fleet had then to engage the fort on its strongest sides, under the fire 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 857 

of all the batteries erected b}' the Confederates on the land side. 
The Keokuk, Captain Rhind, ran gallantly up to within live huudi-ed 
yards of Fort Sumter, and kept up a steady fire till she was riddled 
and sinking. The Catskill and Montauk, close up to her, the Xahant, 
Passaic, Nantucket, and Ironsides, all poured in their broadsides ; but 
the artillery of the fort, hundreds of the best rifled guns, fired with 
careful aim, proved too much for the fleet of the United States. Con- 
vinced at last of the uselessness of the attempt, the ships drew off, but 
the Keokuk sank just as she got outside, the wounded having been re- 
moved, the well swimming for their lives. 

This tremendous artillery fire had caused little loss of life on either 
side : the Confederates had two guns dismounted, and had crippled and 
sunk one vessel. 

A movement with troops under General Truman Seymour was 
abandoned on the failure of the ironclad attack. 

The next work for the navy was to capture the Atlanta, an old 
blockade-runner, which had been transformed into a sort of Merrimac 
ironclad at Savannah. On the 17th of June she came out of the 
Wilmington River, with two steamboats, the latter loaded with ladies 
and gentlemen from Savannah, who came to see a victory won. The 
Weekawken, Captain John Rodgers, seeing the ironclad, ran up to en- 
gage her. The Atlanta opened fire, but Rodgers kept steadily on till 
within three hundred yards, when he opened with his heavy fifteen-inch 
gun. His terrible balls went crashing into the Atlanta as he advanced, 
A port-hole shutter is shattered ; the pilot-house swept away like chaff • 
the iron and wood fly in splinters, as a ball tears through from side to 
side, killing and wounding fourteen men before it dropped into the 
water. Fifteen minutes' fight, and the white flag is raised : the steam- 



868 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

boats steal away crest-fallen, with grave doubts about the speedy 
raising of the blockade. 

General Gillmore and Commodore Dahlgren next took command 
of the army and navy before Charleston. In the plan of operations 
■devised by General Gillmore, the first point was to establish himself 
firmly on Morris Island. To effect this, he began a series of opera- 
tions to bewilder the Confederates : he sent out expeditions in various 
directions ; General Terry made a demonstration on James Island ; 
while Colonel Higginson ascended the Edisto as if to renew the old 
attempt to cut off communications between Charleston and Savannah 
While the enemy's attention was thus distracted, Gillmore cautiously 
threw men and guns upon Folly Island, where General Yogdes was 
already posted. 

On the 8th of July, Terry again ascended the Stono, while Strong with 
two thousand men pushed up in boats to the junction of Light-house 
Inlet. At daybreak, Yogdes' batteries, forty-seven guns in all, opened 
on the Confederates in their front, and the ironclads running up can- 
nonaded Fort Wagner. Then Strong threw his men ashore in spite 
of a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. By nine o'clock he had 
carried all the Confederate batteries on the south end of Morris Island, 
giving the United States forces possession of three-fourths of that 
island. 

The next morning. General Strong attempted to carry Fort Wag- 
ner by assault ; but the gunboat cannonade had not weakened it or 
disconcerted its defenders. Strong's columns were met by so fierce a 
fire that they recoiled. It was clear that the place was too strong to 
be captured except by regular siege. 

The Confederates saw the danger of the advantage gained, and at 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 859 

once prepared to thwart Grillmore. Terry was attacked with great spirit 
son the 16th of July, but he was on the alert, and aided by the gun- 
boats, easily repulsed the assault. 

Two days after, the bombardment of Fort Wagner began. All day 
long the land batteries and ironclads poured in shot and shell, till 
the United States commanders believed the place a wreck and the 
garrison disheartened and scattered. 

The next day the assault was made. Colonel Shaw leading with his 
Massachusetts regiment of colored men. Under a heavy lire the 
column pushed on till they reached the ditch, when cannon and mus- 
Iket opened at short range a perfect hurricane of fire. On pressed the 
assailants up the rugged face of the fort,_ and the Stars and Stripes are 
planted on the top. In a moment of deadly struggle, Shaw fell dead, 
<Greneral Strong was mortally wounded, and officer after officer went 
down, till at last, to stop the slaughter. Major Plympton, the highest 
surviving officer, drew off the remnant of the brigade — Shaw's regi- 
ttnent, commanded by a lieutenant, Higginson, himself a mere boy. 

Fearful as the slaughter had been, the United States commander did 
3iot despair. Another assault by the second brigade, led by Putnam'a 
USTew Hampshire regiment, was as nobly made and as gallantly repulsed. 
Fifteen hundred men in the uniform of the United States lay dead or 
wounded on the parapet and slopes of Wagner or the line of ap- 
proach. 

Failing in this attempt to carry Wagner by storm, Gillmore, a good 
engineer, pushed on his siege-works, defending his parallels well 
against a sudden sortie from the fort, into which the Confederates 
(Could easily throw a large force from Charleston for an}^ such move- 
ment. Gillmore had not only to meet the fire of Wagner and Battery 



S60 THE STOKT OF A GEEAT KATION ; 

Gregg behind, but also to protect himself against the cross fire of Fort 
Sumter. 

To check the latter, he planted batteries of very heavy guns within 
two miles of that renowned fort, and these, manned by Admiral Dahi- 
gren, soon began a fire that told on the stout walls of Sumter, although 
Commander George W. Rodgers, of the Catskill, was killed. 

This did not satisfy Gillmore. A marsh west of Morris Island 
seemed to him a spot from which Charleston itself could be reached 
by shot and shell. To plant a battery amid the mire and ooze, at 
least sixteen feet deep, seemed impossible ; but he drove down piles 
to reach the firm sand, and on them built a heavy-gun platform. On 
this he established the Marsh Battery, protected by a sandbag parapet 
and epaulement. One single' gun, an eight-inch rifled Parrott, was 
planted here, and all looked eagerly to see what it would effect. 

On the 17th of August the bombardment of Wagner and Sumter 
was renewed, and all day long the thunder of artillery resounded, as 
batteries and ironclads replied to the forts. By the 23d, nearly all 
the barbette guns of Sumter were dismounted, its walls were masses; 
of ruin ; so that the Confederates removed many of the cannon. 

Then Gillmore summoned Beauregard to abandon Morris Island and 
Sumter, threatening to bombard Charleston if he refused. As no re- 
ply came, Gillmore opened from the Marsh Battery, whence the 
" Swamp Angel," as the soldiers called the piece placed there, soom 
sent shells into the startled streets of Charleston. 

Wagner, however, was not surrendered ; so Gillmore pushed on his 
works till he reached a narrow neck within two hundred and forty- 
yards of the fort. Before him the ground was filled with torpedoes,, 
and the approach was covered by a concentrated fire of the fort- 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 861 

Trenching could go no further. Up then to the front came mortars 
and rifled guns, and powerful calcium lights enabled them to work 
steadily on while blinding the enemy by their glare. 

On the 5th of September these batteries and the ironclads opened, 
and the besieged were driven to their bombproofs. Then the sappers 
plied their implements, till the guns of the fort were completely under 
range of a battery as soon as it should be placed. 

The Confederates had contested the place long and well. Now the 
end had come, and while Gillmore was preparing to storm it in the 
morning, the garrison escaped silently by night, and moved so stealthily 
that only seventy men fell into Gillmore 's hands. This sand fort had 
stood a fearful cannonade from the heaviest artillery known, yet the 
bombproofs were nnharmed. 

The next day, September 8th, Commander Stephens, with thirty 
rowboats of Dahlgren's fleet attempted to take Sumter ; but the men 
clambering over the ruined wall were fired upon by Major Elliot, the 
Confederate commander, and their boats were destroyed by the Con- 
federate land-batteries. Of the two hundred gallant tars sent upon 
this rash expedition some eighty were killed, the rest made priso- 
ners. 

The Swamp Angel had done little real damage to Charleston, but 
Wagner and Battery Gregg were now turned on the city, and new 
batteries of mortars and rifled guns planted on the island brought half 
the city under fire. 

Charleston, the city where Secession was first proclaimed, was thus 
at last made to feel the realities of war. The profitable blockade run- 
ning ceased ; and day by day shot and shell eame hustling inCo the 
«ity, spreading destruction and making a part of it a de.serr. 



862 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

But the people did not yield. The barriers still prevented the approach 
of the United States ironclads. Sumter was still theirs, and they en- 
deavored to remount guns, but this only drew on the ruined fort a new 
bombardment, which was renewed whenever any signs of activity 
were perceived amid the ruined works. Then attempts were made to 
destroy the shipping by torpedoes, but this too failed, and for the rest 
of the year the coudition of affairs remained unchanged, Grillmore's 
great and well-won advantages not giving the cause as yet either Sum- 
ter or Charleston, two points on which the heart of the North was 
set. 

In North Carolina there had been no important operations. G-en- 
eral D. H. Hill was indeed sent by the Confederate government to 
recapture Newberne ; but his large force was easily held in check till 
reinforcements came up. 

Washington in that State was his next point. On the 30th of March 
he appeared before that place. Fortunately for the cause of the 
United States, General Foster, commandant of the department was 
there, and prepared for a vigorous defence, although he could not pre- 
vent Hill from securing several important ridges commanding the 
town. 

Hill, however, acted feebly, losing valuable time and enabling Fos- 
ter to strengthen his works. 

At last the bombardment began, Hill opening with fourteen heavy 
guns to which Foster steadily replied, and even endeavored to capture 
Hill's battery on Rodman's Point. 

Meanwhile a small fleet of gunboats came up with a land force of 
three thousand men under General Prince, who refused, however, to 
attack the Hill's Point battery. Foster nearly out of ammunition was 



OR, OUR COLTNTRY's ACHIEVEMENTS. 863 

thus almost reduced witu iihimdaiit reinforcements near him. Row- 
boats by night alone enabled him to obtain ammunition to keep up the 
tight, till at last a steamboat bravely ran the gauntlet of the Confeder- 
ate batteries, and debarked at the fort the Fifth Rhode Island. Fos- 
ter at once protecting the steamboat's works with hay, ran down to 
Newberne, and brought up seven thousand men stationed there under 
General Palmer, and taking up Prince's men, landed to attack Hill's 
Point. Hill, however, did not wait to receive him ; he abandoned his 
works and was in full retreat when Foster came up. 

Some minor operations took place during the summer, a bold dash 
of Colonel Jones, with some Massachusetts troops on a Confederate 
outpost at Gum Swamp in Ma}' ; and cavahy raids to break up the 
Weldon and Wilmington railroads at different points being the only 
events worth noticing. 

The war at first was carried on by militia, and the few regulars con- 
stituting the United States Army ; then volunteers were called out 
from the several States. The same course had been followed in the 
Confederate States, although they had no regular army to begin with. 

As the war which few at first supposed likely to last more than a 
few months dragged along, and became a gigantic struggle, in which 
the whole strength of two great sections of the country was arrayed 
in arms, it became evident that neither side could long depend on vol- 
unteer enlistments, which after the first enthusiasm gradually decreased 
in numbers. Large bounties were then offered, and this brought in a 
new class of enlistments. The South having less resources, was the 
first to adopt a system of conscription or drafting, similar to that in 
France. By an act of the Confederate Congress, passed April 16th, 
1862, all able-bodied white males between the ages of eighteen and 



864 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION. 

thirty-five were made liable to enrollment in the army for the period 
of the war. This enabled the South to fill up its sadly-thinned ranks. 

The government of the United States was not slow in following the 
example thus set. and which made a similar course necessary. On the 
3d of March, at the very close of a session, Congress passed an act 
by which provost marshals and other officers were to enroll all able- 
bodied white citizens, and aliens who had declared their intention to be- 
come citizens. Those between the ages of twenty and thirty-five con- 
stituted the first class, all others the second class. The President was 
authorized to draft at his discretion after Jul}' 1st the number needed 
for the army. Any one drafted had to pay a commutation of three 
hundred dollars or report himself for service within a given time un- 
der penalty of being treated as a (Jeserter. 

Such a step was unheard of ; it was repugnant to the whole feelings 
of the people, England even never having resorted to such a measure in 
tnj of her wars. It accordingly excited throughout the country the most 
indignant protests. The Supreme Court in New York and in Penn- 
sylvania declared the act unconstitutional, but the Administration 
prepared to enforce it at all hazards. To strike down opposition by a 
bold blow, Clement L. Yallandigham, a prominent Democratic politi- 
cian of Ohio, who had in recent speeches denounced with unsparing 
severit}' the acts of the Administration, which he deemed in violation 
of the Constitution and laws of the United States and the rights of the 
States, was arrested by military authority at night while in bed in his owa 
house in Ohio, for words uttered by him in a speech at Mount Vernon. 

It was one of the gravest violations of the rights of a citizen that 
had ever occurred in the United States, and one that must ever be 
deplored. 



OK, OUR COUNTKy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 805 

This civilian, in no way connected witli tlie army, was brought be- 
fore a court martial, and of course denied a trial by jury. The farce 
ended by bis conviction on a charge of expressing sympathy for those 
in arms against the government, and he was sentenced to close con- 
finement to the end of the war, General Burnside designating Fort 
"Warren in Boston harbor as the place of his confinement. 

President Lincoln recoiled from this, although he confirmed the pro- 
ceedings ; but he directed Mr. Vallandigham to be sent through the 
military lines of the United States into the Southern Confederacy, 
ordering that if he returned he was to be confined as directed by the 
Court. A United States Judge applied to for a laieas corjyus refused 
it. 

Torn from his home and sent into the scene of military operations, 
Mr. Yallaudigham made his way to Wilmington in North Carolina, and 
thence by way of Nassau to Canada. In vain meetings were called 
in various parts to protest against an act which struck at the very 
vitals of American liberty ; the Administration, conscious of its 
strength in the support of an immense army, overruled all opposition. 

It was very evident that it would enforce the obnoxious Draft Act. 
The 13th of July was appointed for its enforcement in the great city 
of New York ; everything foreboded trouble. The drawing at 
the corner of Third avenue and Forty-sixth street had gone on for 
about half an hour, when tlie mob which had gathered attacked the 
house, scattering officers and clerks, tearing up all the documents con- 
nected with the draft. The building was then set on fire. The police 
and draft officers were powerless to check the rioters, who had in- 
creased in numbers to thousands, and drove off a small force of the 
invalid corps sent to check them. Almost immediately the spirit of 



SGG THE STORY OF A GEEAT NATION; 

riot spread throughout the city ; the great factories and public works 
stopped, aud the rioters swelled b)' constant accessions. Many, who 
had beheld at first in the resistance to an unjust law only a course 
similar to that of our fathers in 1776, recoiled at the scenes of vio- 
lence and bloodshed that now disgraced New York. The rioters pur- 
sued all negroes whom they saw, hanging several in the streets, driv- 
ing others out of their houses, aud destroying all they possessed. The 
Colored Orphan Asylum was in this way attacked and burnt to the 
ground after the complete destruction of all its contents. Everywhere 
houses were pillaged and property destroyed. The mob ruled the 
city. The public conveyances stopped running ; business ceased ; peo- 
ple kept in their houses, or vainly eadeavored to escape from the city 
in their panic. This terrible state of affairs lasted for three days, and 
spread even to Brooklyn, where a rine grain elevator was destroyed 
by a mob. 

Gradually military came in, militia were called out, and a series of 
battles in various parts of the city took place, one of the most impor- 
tant being on Third avenue, where the I'ioters made a decided 
stand against Captain Putnam of the Twelfth regulars. This was on 
Thursday, and that night, and the next day, saw the city filled with 
a military force able to overawe all opposition. 

The series of battles in the streets of New York during the Draft 
Riots were attended with great loss of life, so great that every effort 
was made to suppress details. Yet there can be little doubt that 
nearly a thousand people were killed or mortally wounded. 

The City Government at once raised money to procure men to fill 
up the (|M(ita deinamled !V<mi New York, and thus prevented a repeti- 
tion of the blood V work. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 867 

The obnoxious act called out similar but less organized and bloody 
opposiliou in Boston, Jersey City, Troy, Jamaica (N. Y.), and in parts 
of "Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. 

The ensuing elections showed that a majority of voters in the 
Northern States were resolved to sustain the Administration in all 
measures, and the Eepublican party ruled with a stronger hand than 
ever ; the courts were filled up with judges who decided with the pre- 
dominant party, and it was evident that, according to the old Romau 
maxim, " amid arras the laws are silent." 



CHAPTER XI. 



An Offer of Amnesty — Gillmore's Operations in Florida^Seyrnour defeated at 01nstee---A 
Convention at Jacksonville in favor of the United States — Unsuccessful Operations in 
South Carolina — A Stirring Campaign in North Carolina on Land and Water — Bank's Red 
River Expedition — He retires — The Fleet carried over the Rapids by Engineering Skills 
Operations in Texas and Arkansas — Rosecrans in Missouri — Price's last Attempt to carry 
the State — Battles at Pilot Knob, Little and Big Blue, Little Osage and Newtonia. 

When the Congress of the United States opened on the 7th of 
December, 1863, President Lincoln sent in his annual message accom- 
panied with a proclamation of amnesty in which he offered a free par- 
don to all engaged in the opposition to the government of the United 
States, on condition of their taking an oath to support the Constitution, 
and to "abide by and faithfully support all acts of Congress passed 
during the existing rebellion, having reference to slaves." As all the 
leaders on the Confederate side, whether civil or military, were ex- 
cepted, no notice was taken of this Amnesty, and only in rare cases 
did any one come forward to profit by its terms. 

Matters remained in the same position before Charleston, but when 



808 THE riTOKY OF A GliEAT NATION ; 

Dahigreii refused to attempt to fight his way up to the city with his 
ironclads, Gillmore, not to reuiaiu idle, opened the operations of the 
year 1864 by sending a force into Florida in twenty steamers under 
the command of General Truman Seymour. 

Jacksonville was occupied without opposition on the 7th of Feb- 
ruary, and the next day Seymour's advance, under Colonel Henry, 
pushed on to surprise Finnegan's Confederate force eight miles west 
of Jacksonville. The camp was captured, most of the Confederates 
having retired ; Baldwin was next taken, with large amounts of muni- 
tions and provisions, some guns and camp equipage. Still pushing on, 
he captured Sanderson with more spoil, and at eleven o'clock on the 
morning of the 9th, he came upon Finnegan in a strong position. He 
fell back to await Seymour's arrival with the main body. Finnegan, 
however, fell back to Olustee. and when Seymour came up, he started 
in pursuit in direct contravention of the orders of General Gillmore, 
who had come to Florida, but returned. 

On the 20th «f February, Seymour's little arm}^, wearied out with a 
toilsome march, came upon Finnegan covered by a swamp and pine 
forest, with his flanks well protected. Seymour threw his troops upon 
the enemy, pushing his guns up to the very edge of the woods. The 
men went down like chaff ; regiments were cut to pieces b}^ a fire from 
an enemy whom they could not see. Seymour fought with reckless 
bravery, rushing from point to point to rally his men, but showing lit- 
tle generalship. Colonel Montgomery, by a charge of the 54th Mas- 
sachusetts, and 1st North Carolina, checked and repulsed a Confeder- 
ate attack and saved the army from a rout. Then under fire of his 
remaining guns Seymour began to retreat, having lost fifteen hundred 
ill killed and wounded on his ill-advised advance. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVElfENTS. 869 

Destroying projierty as he retired, lie at last reached Jacksonville. 
There a Convention was called, l)ut it was a mere farce. The attempt 
to restore Florida to its rank as one of the States had utterly failed. 
The defeat at Olustee destroyed all hopes of gaining the State, and 
beyond the destruction of some salt works near St. Augustine, and at 
Lake Ocola, which supplied the Confederate armj', the operations of 
the United States army in the ancient laud of Florida were perfectly 
fruitless. 

Similarly mismanaged was an expedition for South Carolina, in 
which four brigades were sent in July to attack the Confederates at 
Legareville. The troops had no artillery, and coming upon a Con- 
federate battery well supported, sent a negro regiment to attack it, 
and when in five spirited charges it had lost nearly a hundred in 
killed and wounded the whole force retired from the Battle of Bloody 
Bridge. 

The operations in North Carolina were more stirring. The foothold 
gained there by the United States forces had been retained and that 
was all. But this was galling to the Confederates, who early in 1864, 
resolved on a vigorous effort to dislodge them. On the 1st of Febru- 
ary, the Confederate General Pickett suddenlj' attacked and carried 
by assault an outpost at Bachelor's Creek, near Newbern, and raea- 
aced that city, a part of his daring men in boats gallantly boarding 
the United States gunboat Underwriter, lying at the wharf under the 
guns of two batteries. When these opened the captors fired their 
prize and retreated. Plymouth was held by General Wessels with 
twenty-four hundred men, composed of New York, Pennsylvania, and 
Connecticut men. His position was well fortified, and three gunboats 
were anchored in the river. The Confederates advanced upon the 



870 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION'; 

place so stealthily, that General Hoke, with seven thousand men, was 
within two miles of the place before Wessels was apprised of his dan- 
ger. Fort Warren, the highest outpost up the river, v»'as first attacked, 
and a gunboat going to her assistance was disabled : then Fort Wes- 
sels below was surrounded and forced to surrender. Meanwhile, the 
Albemarle, a Confederate ram ran past Fort Warren, and sinking the 
gunboat Southfield, so cut up the Miami, killing her commander and 
many of her men, that she fled down the Neuse, leaving the Albemarle 
in command of the river to co-operate with Greueral Hoke in his at- 
tack on the town. 

Next morning Hoke made his grand attack. Ransom, with one 
brigade on the right ; Hol^e himself with two on the left, in the face 
of a murderous fire carried two forts, taking the whole garrison pris- 
oners. The town was then easily carried. Wessels still held Fort 
Williams, and was pouring in grape and case-shot with deadly aim, till 
he was so enfiladed that resistance was hopeless. He at last surren- 
dered, with one thousand six hundred effective men. Hoke's loss 
was very severe, but his victory was gallantly won. 

Washington at the head of Pamlico Sound was then evacuated. 
So that almost in a moment all the posts gained by the United States 
arras were swept away, and little left of them but Newbern and Ro- 
anoke Island. Hoke prepared to follow up his advantage, but a re- 
verse came. The Albemarle ran down with two consorts to attack the 
United States gunboats at the mouth of the Roanoke. The gunboats 
soon drove her consorts out of the fight, and a struggle began between 
the Albemarle and her three antagonists. After a cannonade that did 
no harm on either side, though at short range, the Sassacus ran the 
Albemarle down, sending; her hull under water with the shock, but not 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 871 

sinking her. Then the cannonade was renewed, the Sassacus at every 
opportunity sending a shot into some vulnerable point, till a Confeder- 
ate bolt pierced one of her boilers, completely disabling her ; yet she 
kept up the fight, and as the steam lifted from the scene, she saw '^ue 
Albemarle retiring from the fight, badly injured : the Sassacus., onppled 
as she was, followed, keeping up her fire Hoke's hopes of besieging 
Newbern were based on the co-operation of the A-lbemarle. He en- 
deavored to repair her, and bring her as^aic into action, but Lieuten- 
ant Gushing, in October, ran up in a steam launch and fired a torpedo 
boat which sunk the Albemarle behind her barricade of logs. Gushing 
and ins men retusmg to surrender wnen theii ^auacii vas, iisauied by 
the Confederate batteries, but managing lo escape and reach the ves- 
sels in the river below. 

Hoke had meanwhile been summoned to Virginia, and Commander 
Macomb, running up the river, recaptured Plymouth, taking some 
prisoners, guns, and stores. 

The year wore away without any more real fighting in North Caro- 
lina, although General Wild, in October, led a force of colored troops 
mto Camden county, wnicn returned, tx Boaiiojic island with twenty- 
five hundred slaves, and a great many horses and cattle. 

On the Atlantic coast little had been gained if anything at all dur- 
ing this year. From North Carolina to Florida things remained as 
iney were : the people showed no disposition to yield, or to abandon 
their new Confederacy for. the old Union. What the United States 
could hold by its troops, that bent to its sway and no more. 

In the Southwest there were some important operations, which failed, 
however, to produce the expected results. General Halleck formed a 
plan for a campaign on the Red River, in which ten thousand men 



872 ' THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

from Sherman's army under General A. J. Smith, were to capture 
Fort de Russy, and then push on to Alexandria, where General Banks 
was to meet him with fifteen thousand men froiM New Orleans. The 
combined army was then to move on Shrevejjort, to which General 
Steele from Arkansas was also to march with fifteen thousand men. 
The plan was badly concerted, and prepared for a disastrous failure. 

Smith's force in transports conveyed by Admiral Porter's ironclads, 
ascended the Red River to Simmsport, which the Confederates evacua- 
ted, falling back to Fort de Russy. The gunboats removing obstruc- 
tions in the river, kept on to that fort as Smith did by laud. With 
remarkable energy, he started from Simmsport at daylight, marched 
forty miles, built a bridge, and finally reaching Fort de Russy, as- 
saulted it and carried the place, taking ten guns and nearly three hun- 
dred prisoners, and accomplished it all before sunset. 

The Confederate force under General Walker, retreated up the 
river. Porter's vessel then reduced Alexandria, on the 16th of March, 
and General Lee, with the cavalry of Franklin's command in Banks' 
force, entered that place on the 19th, and on the 20th, his whole force 
arrived. Steele, however, was still far away ; and part of Smith's 
command was called to Vicksburg, while the necessit}' of establishing 
a depot of supplies, and guarding it still further, reduced Banks' effec- 
tive force. The enemy were not going to let Shreveport fall without 
a struggle. Troops from Texas and Arkansas came on, so that Gen- 
eral Kirby Smith confronted Banks with a force somewhat superior 
to his in numbers. Still Banks pushed on, and met the enemy at 
Sabine Cross Roads, three miles below Mansfield ; the main body of 
the Confederate line, being hidden in pine woods beyond the crest of 
a hill. Franklin was in the rear, and the advance was outflanked hy 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 873 

the Confederates and forced back. At five o'clock Franklin came up, 
and a new line was formed, but the Confederates, elated with their first 
victory, again flanked Banks, and charging desperately crowded his 
army back, capturing nearly a thousand men and ten guns, as they, 
became crowded in the narrow road. Nearly the whole baggage and 
supply-train of two hundred and sixtj'-nine wagons fell into the hands 
of the enemy. A general rout ensued, unequaled since the field of 
Bull Run. In vain did Generals Banks and Franklin endeavor to rally 
their men. Fortunately, General Emory, hearing that the battle was 
lost, drew up his command at Pleasant Grove, four miles in the rear, 
carefully selecting his ground, and posting his men, Banks' men came 
upon them in wild confusion and were allowed to pass, and reform if 
possible. The Confederates came rapidly on. Emory reserved his 
fire till they were close, and then gave a terrible volley. The Con- 
federates were staggered ; General Mouton, and a host of their 
bravest were dead or dying ; but thej^had a great superiority in num- 
bers, and until daylight ceased they continued to charge with reckless 
bravery on Emory's division ; but it stood firm and saved the army 
from annihilation, and with it the fleet which could not have escaped 
from the shallow river. 

Falling back to Pleasant Hill during the night. Banks found Smith 
there, and now with a force of fifteen thousand men, prepared to re- 
new the battle, his line drawn up across the road. 

At eleven in the morning, tbe Confederates came up, and cautious 
skirmishing began. The day wore on, and Banks thinking that no 
general action would take place, had begun sending to the rear, artil- 
lery and trains guarded by most of his cavalry, when at four o'clock 
in the afternoon, the Confederates in two heavy columns, charged on 



874 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

his left centre, crushing back after a desperate resistance Benedict's 
brigade of Emory's division. Tiie other brigades surrounded on three 
sides were also forced back ; but Smith now led up his veterans, and 
the Confederate column was hurled back, and driven for nearly two 
miles, losing men and guns in their flight ; but the charge was not 
without its loss to the United States forces, the brave Colonel Bene- 
dict wounded in the opening of the action, here falling mortallj 
wounded as he saw the day retrieved. 

Banks had won a victory, but he had lost four thousand men ; he 
was without water, his ammunition was on tke transports : so the next 
day he fell back to G-rand Ecore. Porter's fleet which had reached 
Springfield Landing, near Shreveport, was recalled, and his passage 
down the shallow dangerous river, was under a constant fire from Con- 
federate batteries and sharpshooters, and at last by regular attacks of 
infantry and cavalry, which were driven oft' by a furious cannonade, 
inflicting such severe loss that they abandoned all hope of intercept- 
ing them. 

On the 13th, several of the vessels got aground at Compte, but 
Banks sent up troops to their relief. At Grand Ecore the large ves- 
sels were aground, and much time was lost in getting them afloat. The 
Eastport sank ; and although raised and repaired, grounded again and 
again, till at last she was fired and blown up, just as a large Confeder- 
ate force appeared. Too late to capture the Eastport, they made a 
rush at the Cricket, but were driven off by volleys of grape and can- 
ister. Fort Hindman and another gunboat also joining. 

Banks was already far ahead, and his retreat was thus covered. 
The fleet kept on undisturbed till the vessels reached Cane Elver. 
There the Confederates had planted a battery, and as the United 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 875 



States fleet rounded a point, the picket leading the line, the fire 
opened on them with well aimed guns. The shells tore through the 
Cricliet, disabling her aft gun, and killing or wounding ever}' man at 
it ; and almost as promptly and efi'ectually the after gun. Her decks 
were completely swept, but Admiral Porter who was on board put 
negroes at the gun, and with an impromptu engineer, placed himself 
in the pilot-house and ran her past. The Juliet also ran down, but the 
Hindman could not till al'ter dark. The Champion was disabled, set 
on fire, and destroyed. 

Porter had run down meanwhile to bring up an ironclad, but he got 
aground, and on reaching the Osage ironclad found her engaged with 
another Confederate battery ; the Lexington, her consort, having 
already suffered severely. 

After this terrible ordeal of fire, the fleet reached Alexandria. The 
fiver had been ingeniously used by the Confederates to embarrass the 
United States gunboats. It was the season when the water is high, 
and Porter so Expected to find it, but the Confederates b}^ damming 
up the outlets of several lakes that feed the river, kept the water at 
an unprecedentedly low state ; giving Porter great diSiculty, and 
occasioning the loss of some of his boats. 

Greneral Banks was at Grand Ecore, but hearing that General Bee 
had taken post at Cane Eiver, with eight thousand men, in hopes of 
checking Banks' army coaipletel}', the United States general, on the 
22d of April, suddenly moved at daybreak, and halted at night ready 
to attack Bee in the morning. Then Emory assailed the Confederates 
in front, while General Birge moving up the river, flanked Bee's right, 
and in a gallant charge led by Colonel Fessenden completely worsting 
the enemy. Bee abandoned his position and all attempt to assume the 



876 THE STOKY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

offensive, and retreated hastily toward Texas by the Fort Jessup 
road. 

Banks had driven off his antagonists on land, but it seemed impossi- 
ble to save his gunboats. The river was so low that the fleet could 
not be got down the falls. Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bailey, en- 
gineer of the nineteenth corps, was, however, equal to the emergency, 
and will ever be remembered for his ability. On one of the battle 
fields, he had suggested to General Franklin a plan, which General 
Banks sanctioned, although Admiral Porter did not show much faith 
in it. 

However, Bailey, now that the time of action had arrived, set to 
work and began to build a dam across the river below the falls, so as 
to give the fleet water enough to float down. After eight or nine days' 
severe toil, a dam 758 feet long, of wood and stone, was run across the 
river ; but on the 9th of May the current swept part of it away. 

Porter convinced of the success of Bailey's plan sent the Lexington 
down. She went smoothly over the falls, and flew like the wind 
through the opening in the dam, hung for a moment on the rocks, and 
then swept safely into the deep water below amid the cheers of the 
army. 

The Neosho was next sent down, but her pilot faltered, and she did 
not get through unharmed. A hole was knocked through her bottom. 
The Hindman and Osage fared better, and glided through fearlessly 
and safe. The heavier gunboats were still above. But Bailey encour- 
aged by the success already obtained, went to work again on his dam, 
and in three days more had the consolation to see the Mound City, 
Carondelet, Pittsburg, Ozark, Louisville, and Chillicothe, pass safely 
down the falls and dams. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 877 

But the Confederates still checked navigation below Alexandria by 
their batteries. On the 5th of May they riddled the gunboat Coving- 
ton, and compelled the gunboat Signal, and the transport Warren, 
with four hundred troops on board to surrender. The City Belle, 
another transport, was soon after captured. 

Banks evacuated Alexandria to march to Simmsport. At Mansura, 
he encountered the enemy, and a battle ensued. Emory with Banks' 
right, and A. J. Smith with his left, flanked the enemy's position, and 
after a sharp struggle, drove them from their position, recapturing 
some of the prisoners taken on the vessels. 

Crossing the Achafalaya, Banks after repulsing an attack on his rear, 
made by Prince Polignac at Yellow Ba^'ou, turned over the array to 
General Canby, who had been appointed to command the trans-Missis- 
sippi Department, and returned to New Orleans. Smith returned to 
his own Department, and Porter's fleet resumed its watch on the Mis- 
sissippi. The Eed Eiver expedition had been to all intents a failure. 
For the vast expenditure of labor and life, there was no result except 
the cotton seized by the fleet or collected by speculators. 

Although Banks was able to withdraw his army with little compara- 
tive loss, this was not the case with some of the smaller armies that 
were co-operating with him. General Steele, with seven thousand 
men, had marched on the 23d of March from Little Rock to join Gen- 
eral Banks, and General Thayer with the Army of the Frontier, about 
the same time marched from Fort Smith, with a view to form a junc- 
tion with Steele at Arkadelphia. The Confederates retarded both 
these commanders, and at Prairie d'Anne, Steele had a brisk .action 
with General Sterling Price, who after a desperate dash at nightfall to 
carry Steele's guns drew off. But Steele had begun to hear of Banks' 



878 THE STOTIT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

reverse, and insteaa of pursuing Price marched to Camden. Here he 
learned to a certaint}' that Baulfs' Red River expedition had been a 
failure. His own position bad now become one of peril, as the Con- 
federate forces were closing in around him rapid)}'. He moved at 
once. His trains sent out to ibrage were cut off ; lirsl one, then 
another. Lieutenant-Colonel Drake made a gallant fight at Mark's 
Mill, but he was overpowered by General Pagan's Confederate force 
six thousand strong, and his whole command killed, wounded, or cap- 
tured ; the negroes witli the force, even servants of the officers, were 
shot down in cold blood after the surrender. Steele on this continued 
his retreat, but at the crossing of the Saline, on the 30th of April, 
was attacked at daybreak by a powerful Confederate army under Gren- 
eral Kirby Smith. 

In the miry-wooded bottom, where men and horses sank at every 
step, the troops who had been toiling all niglit were in no trim for 
fighting. The wild Confi'derate rush swept back Colonel Engelmann's 
and Rice's brigades, but could not break the line. Three assaults 
were repelled with great slaughter. Then troops which had already 
crossed came to their relief; and the 43d Illinois, and 40th Iowa, 
crossing Cox's Creek, prevented a flanking movement on the 
right. 

Then gathering up for a final charge, Kirby Smith hurled his com- 
pact masses on Steele's centre and left : it yielded, but was at once 
supported, and at noon had completely repulsed Smith, and driven 
him a mile from the field. Steele now crossed quietly, having lost 
seven hundred men in this fierce infantry fight ; the Confederate loss 
amounting to three times as many. 

A Confederate force under Fagan was between Steele and Little 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 879 

Rock, but the United States general avoided it, and with almost in- 
credible hardship reached Little Rock on the 2d day of May. 

Alter this all through the summer there were partisan encounters 
and raids, which it would take long to describe. The fortune of war in 
these operations varied ; here a Confederate force would be captured ; 
there troops of the United States. The fight on Big Creek was a curi- 
ous one. The 56th United States, a regiment of negroes, was attacked 
on July 26th, b}' a large Confederate force under Greneral Dobbins. 
Brooks stood firm, but Dobbins was preparing for a decisive charge, 
when he was startled by the clattering of cavalry. Major Carmichael 
going down the Mississippi on a steamboat, with a hundred and fifty 
of the 15th Illinois, hearing the cannonade, had landed in Dobbins' 
rear to take a hand in the fighting. He came upon the Confederates 
rear at a charge, and swept through their line, enabling the hard- 
pressed troops whose gallant Colonel had just fallen, to drive Dobbins off. 

On the whole, the United States lost in these operations bej^ond the 
Mississippi. Arkansas had been recovered, a legislature organized, 
and a new State government installed ; but Steele's reverses gave two- 
thirds of the State to the Confederates, and they restored their own 
government, and their cavalry swept through the State, shutting up 
the United States forces in the posts held b}' them, and filling with 
terror all who had professed any attachment to the government at 
Washington. 

The Confederate success in Arkansas had inspired them with the 
hope of at last wrestling Missouri from the hands of the United States, 
and attaching it forever to the fortunes of the Confederacy. Price was 
gathering his army for an invasion, and a secret society in Missouri, 
which numbered thousands, was ready to join him as soon as he ap- 



880 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

peared. G-eneral Rosecrans, who had bceu assigned to the Depart- 
ment of Missouri, found on his arrival at St. Louis, at the close of 
January, 1864, that in a State disaffected within, menaced from with- 
out, he had scarcely any force at his command except militia, some of 
whom would certainly join Price as soon as he reared the Confederate 
standard on the soil of Missouri. He appealed to the President for 
aid, but the only step taken by General Grant, was to send to Mis- 
souri General Hunt, who considered that there was no danger, and no 
need of reinforcements. Even when Rosecrans arrested the State 
Commander, and several prominent members of the secret "Order of 
American Knights.," he received an order to liberate the Commander. 
At last he was allowed to raise some twelve months' men. While he 
was thus battling with the obstinate incredulity that prevailed at 
Washington, the crisis was approaching. On the 3d of September, 
General Washburne commanding at Memphis, warned General Rose- 
crans that Shelby was at Batesville in Arkansas, ready to join Price 
and invade Missouri. Then at last they began to believe. General 
A. J. Smith then moving up the Mississippi river, was ordered to 
proceed to St. Louis. 

On the 26th, Price had made his way to Pilot Knob, and with his 
army of ten thousand men invested General Hugh S. Ewing who held 
it. Rude as his works were Ewing showed fight, and in an obstinate 
resistance repulsed two assaults in which Price lost full a thousand 
men. But when night came, Ewing who saw that he could not hold 
out with one thousand men against nine times his number, spiked his 
large guns, and blew up his magazine making good his retreat to Har- 
rison, where he was attacked by Shelby, and again fought obstinately 
till relieved. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 881 

Rosecrans remained at St. Louis, overawing the disaffected and 
gathering his forces. Price moved rapidly, his men being nearly all 
mounted. He destroyed bridges and railroads to prevent pursuit. 
But Smith was on his trail, and others were gathering in his van. As 
he menaced Jefferson City, Generals McNeil and Sanborn reached it 
in time to make a defence : Price did not attack but marched 
westward. 

Pleasanton, who took command of the United States forces, sent 
Sanborn in pursuit, and that officer brought him to action at Versailles, 
hoping to delay him till Smith came up. Price was now in great dan- 
ger as superior forces were closing around him ; but he eluded them 
and started southward. 

Pleasanton brought him to action on the Big Bluti, and after a bat- 
tle lasting from seven in the morning till one in the afternoon, routed 
him. Smith, sent off his right track, could not reach Price's line of re- 
treat in time. But Curtis, from Kansas, and Pleasanton brought him 
to action again, at Marais des Cj'gnes and Little Osage. The last ac- 
tion was particularly disastrous to Price, who lost eight guns and 
more than a thousand of his men were taken prisoners, including Gen- 
erals Marmaduke and Cabell, and great quantities of arms and 
trophies. 

After this it was a mere flight ; Price retreated in the utmost haste, 
strewing the roads with the wrecks of his wagons and his stores. 

The last action was at Fayetteville in Arkansas, where Colonel Brooks 
held out against Pagan's command, and then against Price's army till 
Curtis came up and raised the siege. 

Price with Shelby and the Missouri recruits had in his operations in 
this campaign at least twenty-five thousand men : of these in this last 



^S2 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Confederate invasion of Missouri, he lost two thousand in prisoners, 
and more in killed and wounded. There was no general rising, as he 
had anticipated, among the Secessionists of the State, and his force as 
he retreated dwindled sadly. 



CHAPTER XII. 

General Grant in Virginia — He takes Command of the Armies — Ttie Army of the Potomac 
reorganized — Kilpatrick sent against Richmond — Death of Dahlgren — Grant fights the 
Battle of the Wilderness — Spotsylvania — Hancock storms the Lines — His Captures — Sheri- 
dan and J. E. B. Stuart — Butler operating south of tlie James — Action at Port Walthall 
Junction — Beauregard attacks Butler — Gunboats blown up — Grant at the North Anne — A 
sharp Action — Burnside defeated — Repulse at Cold Harbor — Butler's Operations against 
Petersburg — Meade at the Weldon Railroad — Defeat of Hancock and Gregg — Close of tlie 
Campaign of 18G4 — Jones and Avery in the Shenandoah Valley— Early threatens Washing- 
ton — Sheridan sent against liim — Battles of Opequan and Fisher's Hill — Early surprises 
Crook at Cedar Creek — Sheridan's Ride — A Defeat turned into a Victory by a single Man. 

The government had now resolved to confer a higher rank and 
greater powers on General Glrant, investing him with the coramanil 
of all the armies of the United States. In February, 1864, an act 
was passed reviving the grade of Lieutenant-G-eneral, never conferred 
on any one but the Father of his Country. President Lincoln at once 
approved the act, and nominated General Grant. 

Summoned from the Westby telegraph, he proceeded to Washington, 
and received his commission as Lieutenant-General, commanding all 
the forces of the United States. General Halleck, who had so long 
directed the operations of the war, became Chief-of-Staff of the 
Army. 

Lieutenant-General Grant on taking command announced that his 
headquarters would be in the field, and for the time being with the 



OR, oun country's achievements. 883 

Army of the Potomac. A new military division, that of the Missis- 
(Sippi, comprising the Departments of the Ohio, the Cumberland, the 
Tennessee, and the Arkansas, was created, and General W. T. Sher- 
man assigned to it, General McPherson assuming command of the 
Department of the Tennessee. 

The Army of the Potomac, which was now to do active service 
under the eye and direction of the Lieutenant-General, was now re- 
organized and formed into three corps, the Second under General 
Hancock, the Fifth under General Warren, and the Sixth under 
General Sedgwick. Burnside then joined it with his, the Ninth Corps, 
swelling its effective strength to more than a hundred thousand men. 

The operations began by cavalry expedition? General Custer, at 
the end of February, with fifteen hundred horse crossed the Rapidan, 
and moved rapidly down to Charlottesville, where he was met by a 
superior force, and retired, followed by hundreds of negroes, having 
done considerable damage to the railroads, depots, and bridges. But 
his main object was to divert attention from a raid under Kilpatrick, 
who about the same time crossed the Rapidan, and pushed on through 
Spotsylvania Court House, Beaver Dam, across the South Anne to 
Kilby Station, and so on till he got within the defenses of Richmond, 
passing the first and second cities, and for several hours attacking the 
third. He encamped, the night of March 1st, between Richmond and 
the Chickahomin}', but being attacked, moved down toward Fort 
Monroe, from which General Butler sent out a force to meet him. 

Another expedition, under Colonel Dahlgren, was to strike Richmond 
on the south, but lost its way, and did not appear before the inner for- 
tifications of that capital till the 2d, when he was repulsed with loss, 
and was checked at Dabney's Mills, on his retreat, by local militia, who 



884 THE STORY OF A GREAT JSTATION ; 

killed him, and dispersed his command, captimng many. Young Dalil- 
gren, a brave officer and gentleman, was treated when dead with the ut- 
most indignity, and the Confederate authorities refused to give him up 
for burial, pretending that most incendiary documents were found on him. 

Butler, too, menaced Eichmond with his armj^ so that the Con- 
federates were obliged to look to the safety of their capital as well as 
confront' Grant. 

On the 4th of May, the Army of the Potomac, under Meade, crossed 
the Eapidan on Lee's right ; Warren and Sedgwick at G-erraania Fords ; 
Hancock at Ely's ; followed next day by Burnside. They were mov- 
ing on Chancellorsville. The district was known as the Wilderness, 
and well deserved its name. A rocky table-land, cut up by deep 
ravines, and covered with dwarf trees and dense bushes, with few 
roads through it, and those of the most primitive character. Lee re- 
solved to keep Grant here, and moved out of Mine Run, to open the 
terrible and bloody campaign, in which Lee's generalship and tact 
were matched by the stubborn Grant's plan, which was to flank Lee's 
right, and force him to leave position after position in the hope of find- 
ing a battle-ground where he could give him a decisive defeat. This 
he hoped to do between the Eapidan and Chickahominj-, but Lee was a 
consummate general. 

The first battle in that campaign was that of the Wilderness, fought 
from the 5th to the 12th of May. 

On the 5th, as Grant's army was marching to the positions he had 
selected, Lee struck them in force. Warren and Sedgwick, on the 
right of Grant's array, were met by Hill and Ewell between the Old 
Wilderness Tavern and Parker's Store. Hill repulsed the attack of 
Warren, and was charging Warren's left flank when Hancock with his 



885 

divisions came up, and after a stubborn fight checked the enemy. 
Ewell, attacking Sedgwick, had lost Generals Jones, Stafford and 
Pegram, and suffered severely without any real gain. 

The next day, G-rant made an advance of his whole line, but Lee 
was already in motion, who first struck Sedgwick attempting to flank 
him- At eight o'clock Lee made a charge on Grant's whole front, 
turning to account their thorough knowledge of the ground, and en- 
deavoring to push in between our different corps, and attack them in 
flank. But Grant's line stood firm, and Hancock on the left actuallj^ 
forced Hill back across the Brock road, till Longstreet, coming to Hill's 
relief, for a time threw Hancock's front into disorder. But Buruside 
came up, and the battle raged furiously. Lee's army, better arranged 
to move men to support the weak points, kept sending up fresh troops. 
Gathering up for a fresh onset, Lee again charged, and Hancock and 
Burnside were forced back to their intrenchments and abatis on the 
Brock road, and there lost the brave General James S. Wadsworth, 
•who had been in service from the commencement of the war. 

Grant's line was again formed, Hancock on the left, then Burnside, 
then Warren, then Sedgwick, at the right. After a lull Lee charged 
again with Hill and Longstreet's corps, and forcing back one of Burn- 
side's brigades pushed through to attack on the flank. But Hancock 
was on the alert. At a word Colonel Carroll's brigade sprang for- 
ward, the flanking Confederates struck in flank, themselves were 
driven back with heavj^ loss, and again the Army of the Potomac 
stood grimly awaiting another onset, but none came. After a long 
lull, however, just as night was falling, Lee, suddenly massing his men, 
struck swiftly and well on Grant's right, surprising and routing two 
brigades, and getting off in the coming darkness with many prisoners. 



886 iilJi STORY OF A OKEAT jMAT10-\ ; 

So ended the second day's battle, in which many a brave man 
breathed his kxst, but in spite of the slaughter neither side had gained 
any advantage. Yet Grant had sacriticed full twenty thousand men, 
Grenerals Wads worth and Hays were killed, Hancock, G-etty, Gregg, 
Owen, and several other generals wounded. Lee, in spite of his being 
the assailing party, seems to have lost much less ; they admitted only 
eight thousand loss, but Generals Jones, Stafford, and Jinkins were 
killed, Longstreet severely wounded, with many others. 

The next day (Sunday), the 8th of May, Grant moved out of the 
Wilderness, slowly making his way through the intricate passes of that 
desolate district. As he emerged, he found Lee's troops in all favor- 
able positions to check his advance. Skirmishing at once began, but 
the next day Grant had the whole army of the Potomac, under Meade, 
drawn up around Spottsylvania Court House, Warren in the centre, 
Hancock on the right, and Sedgwick on the left. The last of these 
generals was placing his guns, and bantering some soldiers who shrunk 
from the bullets, when he was struck in the face by a ball and fell 
dead, and Grant was thus deprived of one of his best corps command- 
ers, at the very moment when he was about to fight a serious battle- 
General Wright succeeded to the command of the corps, and Burnside 
coming up took post on his left. 

Grant now became the assailant. He attempted to turn Lee's left 
flank, but failed ; and his charge on Lee's line, though made with all 
possible skill and bravery, failed to break thcra, till Wright's division 
by a gallant charge carried part of the Confederate works, capturing 
nearly a thousand prisoners with many guns. The day closed, how- 
ever, without any material success, the field strewn with dead and dy- 
ing. It was from this battle-fielji that Grant sent a dispatch contain- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 887 

ing an expression that became a bj-word : " I propose to fight it oni- 
on this line, if it takes all summer." 

Again Grant rearranged his line so as to assume the offensive when 
day came. Amid a fog that hung over the scene, Hancock pushed 
forward upon an earthwork before him, held by Johnson, one of 
Ewell's division generals. Swiftly and silently, Hancock swept over- 
the rugged wooded space before him, and dashed with a cheer over 
the Confederate works, capturing G-enerals Johnson and Stewart, 
three thousand men and thirty guns. He had nearly captured Lee 
himself, and cut the Confederate army in two. Roused to despair, 
Lee accumulated troops to crush Hancock or drive him back ; but 
Grant too hurried up his men. "Warren and Burnside charged, though 
in vain, the works before them, able only to keep the Confederates 
there from reinforcing the centre. There Lee was straining every 
nerve to overwhelm Hancock. Five times his men charged with all 
their Southern dash, and all the firmness of veterans that they were. 
Flags were often planted on opposite sides of the same breastwork. 
Hancock, striving not only to hold his own, but to push on, met their 
assaults with frightful carnage, and charged in turn. Though rain set 
in, it was not till midnight that the noise of battle died away and Lee 
withdrew, leaving Hancock in possession of his dear-bought advantage. 
But he fortified a new line, and awaited attack. 

Grant, however, kept to his purpose. Fight he would, if he 
must, and at any sacrifice of men, but he was pushing on to Rich- 
mond. 

On tbe 18th and 19th of May were fought the last battles around 
Spottsylvania Court House. They had cost Meade's Army of the 
Potomac fully twenty thousand men. 



888 THE STOP.Y OF A GREAT NATION; 

Oa the uight of the 20th, moving bj the left, Grant resumed his 
march. 

Again the cavahy was sent out. Sheridan captured Beaver Dam 
SLation, liberating four hundred United States soldiers, destroying the 
railroad track, and immense stores for Lee's array. Though Stuart 
came dashing down with all his wonted gallantry, he could not check 
Sheridan, who next destroj^ed Ashland Station, and pushed on 
toward Richmond. 

Stuart had massed his cavalry at Yellow Tavern, and was ready to 
meet him. One of the iiercest cavalry fights of the war followed, but 
Stuart fell mortallj^ wounded, and his force was driven off. Again the 
cavalry of the United States dashed within the outer defenses of Rich- 
mond, sweeping off prisoners under its very guns, and then returned 
to Meade's army. 

The war was now crowding down toward Richmond, and Petersburg 
became a point of great importance, as all the railroad lines by which 
Lee could obtain men or supplies from the South centred there. To 
secure this as part of Grant's operations, Butler, in May, advanced up 
the James, with Smith's and Gillmore's corps, the Eighteenth and 
Tenth, with Kautz's cavalry. L'onclads escorted the transports, and 
all seemed to promise success. Fort Powhatan and City Point were 
seized, but owing to a want of harmony, and mistakes, the great prize 
was missed. Meanwhile the Confederates had taken alarm. Lee 
could spare no troops, so Beauregard was summoned from Charleston, 
and came hastening up as fast as railroads could bring him and the 
troops he gathered. While Butler supposed Beauregard at Charles- 
ton, that general suddenly on the 16th of May hurled Whiting's divis- 
ion on Butler's right, in the attempt to turn it. Smith's men gave, 



OE, OUK country's ACHIEVEMEJNTTS. 889 

but Gillmore finally checked the movement, and repulsed the as- 
sault. 

Butler Tv^as now convinced that the Confederates were in force be- 
fore him. Smith, with no time to intrench, resorted to a stratagem, 
which in a foggy morning was singularly successful. Finding a lot 
of telegraph wire at hand, he stretched it between the trees along his 
front, about two feet from the ground. This strange preparation was 
scarcely made when the Confederates, yelling and whooping, rushed on 
his front. Charging blindly on, the soldiers tripped over the wire, 
and went down to be shot or bayoneted before they could rise. 

But Beauregard again endeavored to turn Smith's right, and that gen- 
eral fell back, Gillmore doing the same. Beauregard, who had lost 
nearly as many men as Butler, then advanced cautiously, and ran a 
line of works across the peninsula. 

"We are bottled up," wrote Butler to Grant, and the phrase be- 
came a bj'-word. The great object of his movement was indeed lost, 
and Petersburg was, as we shall see, to cost Grant many months and 
thousands of lives before it was reduced. 

Meanwhile Grant was pushing sturdily on to Richmond. From 
Spottsylvania Court House, he moved by another flanking movement 
to the North Anne. Lee, watching him from the high ground, made 
one attack and then fell back to confront him at the crossing. As War- 
ren came up to Jericho Ford, he encountered a fierce attack in the 
usual Confederate style, made on his right flank by General Brown, 
with three brigades of Hill's corps. In his furious charge, Brown. 
swept back Cutler on his right, and GrifiSn on his left, but was 
checked and routed by McCoy's 83d Pennsylvania, one of whose 
men seized Brown by the collar, and dragged him into the United 



SfHO THE STOKY t)F A GREAT NATIOX ; 

States lines, where nearly a thousand of his raeu bore him company as 
prisoners. 

Hancock carried a bridge-head, and Grant thought that he had 
triumphantly crossed the river ; but Lee had merely left the river-bank 
to draw up on a height in a sort of horse-shoe shape that was almost 
impregnable. " G-raut paused and pondered, studied and planned :" 
but it was useless to waste lives there, so he kept on his march, and 
on the 28th of March, crossed the Pamunkey. 

Lee had of course not lain idle. Having a much shorter road, he 
Was in advance of G-rant, and already in position — his front holding 
both railroads, and the turnpike to Richmond, so as to make it next to 
impossible for Grant to cross the Chickahominy on his right. But 
there was no alternative. Grant had to try it. Reconnaissances along 
the front of Lee's line showed it to be almost impregnable : so 
Wright's Sixth Corps was pushed acro.ss the Chickahominy, near Cold 
Harbor, where they were soon joined by General Smith, with ten 
thousand men from Butler's army. 

On the 2d of June, the battle of Cold Harl)or began. Grant carried 
a good part of the Confederate advance line of rifle-pits, with many 
prisoners ; but failed to carry the second line, in front of which they 
bivouacked, having lost two thousand in the brave but fruitless 
etruggle. 

On the 3d of June, Grant resolved upon a general assault on the 
Confederate Hues — well as Lee was posted — defended by the natural 
advantages which led hi:^ military skill to select it, and strenghtened 
by the works which he at once threw up. At sunrise the attack was 
made by Hancock, Wright, and Smith, with all the intrepidity of the 
bravest : Barlow's division gained some advantage, but were hurle/i 



0?., ouii country's achievements. S-'l 

back ; Colouel McMalion planted his colors on the Confederate works 
only to fall mortally wounded. Burnside swung round into action, 
but all in vain. 

The old battle ground where McClellan had fought, with Gaines' 
Mill in view, was again uselessly dyed with blood. A fiercer battle 
has seldom been known. In twenty minutes after tlie first shot was 
fired, ten thousand soldiers of the United States lay dead and 
wounded before Lee's works, while his loss had been only a 
thousand. 

Meade under Grant's direction, ordered the attack to be renewed, 
but the men refused to obey. 

Lee, encouraged by his success, made a night attack on Grant's line, 
and though repulsed, renewed it two nights later. 

Grant adhering to his plan, resolved now to cross the Chickahoraiuy 
and James, and attack Richmond from the South. While preparing 
for this, he sent Sheridan out with his cavahy around Lee's left. Once 
in the saddle, that dashing commander swept around to the rear, tear- 
ing up the Virginia Central Railroad ; then the Fredericksburg road, 
then the Central road again at Trevilians, hard as Wade Hampton 
tried to prevent him, and so on down to Louisa Court House,, where 
4he Confederates had gathered in force to surround him. But he swept 
foack to Trevilians, where he had to fight again for very existence, and 
galloped off to Grant's camp. 

That commander had crossed the Chickahominy almost unmolested 
by Lee, and reaching the James, at Charles City Court House, 
crossed to the South on the 14th and loth of June. 

Just before this, on the Sth, Butler had made another attempt 
on Petersburg ; Kautz's cavalry having actually entered the place, but 



802 THE STOIIY OF A GREAT NATION; 

being iiusupported by Gillmorc— who had halted within two miles of 
the city, at'ter di-iving the Confederate skirmishers into it — had to 
retire. 

When Grant arrived, he ordered Butler to send Smith's corps— which 
had been restored to him— against Petersburg, to capture it before 
A. P. Hill conld occupy it with his corps. Smith carried the outer line 
of rifle-pits, but halted ; and Hancock, who came up had received no 
orders, so there they lay with the prize in their grasp, leaving Hill 
with his veterans to march in, fortify the place, and defy them to at- 
tack. That night's delay cost months of time and torrents of blood. 
By daybreak, the silent works before them were manned by the grim- 
veterans of Lee, whose disciplined bravery handled by skilful officers, 
made them a match for ten times their numbers. The armies that had 
faced each other at Gettysburg, fighting steadily all the way down across 
Virginia, were here again confronted. 

In Grant's army Smith was under Meade on the right, resting on the 
Appomattox, Warren on the left, with Hancock and Burns ide in the 
centre. 

At six o'clock in the afternoon of June 16th, a general assault was 
made. The three corps moved on to the assault under a terrible fire. 
Birney of Hancock's corps carried the ridge before him, Burnside at 
daybreak took ail outwork with four guns and four hundred prisoners : 
but the assault at other points failed, and when night came on, Lee 
concentrated all on Burnside and drove him out. 

To divert Lee if possible, Butler moved on Port Walthal Junction,, 
but Longstreet forced him back, and the point was soon made impreg- 
nable. 

On the 18th, Grant ordered another general assault only to find 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 893 

that Lee had evacuated his foriner Hue to occupy a still stronger and 
better one in front of the beleaguered city. This was attacked on 
ihe afternoon of the 18th, but only to cover the ground with the 
corpses of his gallant men ; Grant had lost already ten thousand human 
lives before Petersburg. 

He accordingly began to intrench, while the Second and Fourth 
Corps were sent to turn Lee's right. As usual, a large gap was left 
between the two corps ; and the Confederates aware of this system in 
the United States armies, resorted to their usual tactics : Hill charged 
through the gap, taking each corps successively in flank, throwing them 
into disorder, and capturing guns and men. Meade restored order, 
and advanced to the Weldon Railroad, where Hill again attacked, 
taking the advanced regiments in flank. Without any material gain. 
Grant had here sacrificed four thousand more. His cavalry under 
Wilson and Kautz did some service by destroying part of the Weldon, 
Lynchburg, and Danville roads ; but they were repulsed at Stony 
Creek, and signally defeated at Eeams' Station, losing guns, trains, 
prisoners, and horses, and barel}^ escaping to Grant's lines. Even 
cavalry expeditions after this were suspended. 

Butler was at Deep Bottom, within ten miles of Richmond, and 
Sheridan with his cavalry operating on the same side. But active 
operations on Grant's were nearly suspended ; his armies, which in 
eight weeks had lost seventy thousand men, needed rest and reinforce- 
ment, or at all events discipline for the raw recruits sent to fill up the 
decimated ranks. 

Lee who had suffered less, took the offensive, and made two attacks 
on the 24th and 25th of June, which were, however, easily repulsed. 
Then he attacked Foster's post at Deep Bottom, but was again defeated. 



894 THE STORT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Grrant then sent the Second Corps to his right, and while Foster kept 
the Confederates engaged in front, Hancock turned their flank, cap- 
turing their outpost with four guns. The Confederates retreated, but 
held on to a strong work opposite Fort Darling. Sheridan manoeuvred 
to take this work in the rear, so that Lee to secure it drew five of 
eight divisions from Petersburg. Then Burnside, who had mined a 
Confederate fort in his front, blew it up on the 30th of July ; but there 
had been confusion as to the partj' to charge into the crater after the 
explosion ; precious time was lost, an incompetent officer went in, and 
though supported by a-black division, was finally driven out by the 
Confederates, who even including their losses by the mine, had sacri- 
ficed less than a thousand men, while Grant's killed, wounded, and 
prisoners, amounted to four thousand four hundred. So ended what 
Grant himself terms, " a miserable affair." 

Another attack on the 12th, made by Hancock on Lee's lines, and. 
a night attack on the 18th, alike failed. 

The only advantage gained lay in the fact, that Lee was forced to 
concentrate his troops near Richmond. Taking advantage of this, 
Warren on the 18th, struck at the Weldon railroad, and holding it, 
pushed on toward Petersburg. But the Confederates saw the danger, 
and were at their old flank movement. Taking a road unknown to 
Warren, they came suddenly on him, taking a Maryland brigade in 
flank, and hurling it back. But Warren arrested the charge ; repelled 
the Confederates ; and fortifying his position, held the Weldon railroad 
at last. 

But the usual slow movements nearly proved disastrous to Warren. 
He was without support, and at a distance from the rest of the army. 
The space between should have been filled by General Bragg, whom 



OE, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 895 

Warren again ordered to occupy it. Before it was done, Hill charged 
in, according to the uniform Confederate plan, striking Crawford on the 
flank and rear, and capturing twenty-live hundred men. Two of 
Burnside's brigades came up, however, and the lost ground was re- 
gained. But three days after, Warren saw the struggle coming. Lee 
was massing troops to crush him, and open the road. A terrible ar- 
tillery fire opened upon him, and then on his front and left, the Con- 
federates came swooping down with desperate courage. But Warren 
stood like a wall of iron, not only repulsing the assault, but driving 
them from the field, where thev left their dead, and man}- men to fall 
as prisoners into Warren's hands. While this battle was going on, 
Hancock, who had been busy tearing up the road at Ream's Station, a 
few miles from Warren, was attacked by Hill. Heth, the Confederate, 
after th.ee unsuccessful charges, at last carried Miles' position on Han- 
cock's right ; Gibbons failed to retake it, and was in turn driven from 
his breastworks, and, unsupported, Hancock was at last forced from the 
road with heavy loss. 

As the summer had passed, and winter was approaching, Grant re- 
solved to push Lee vigorously. Another general advance was made. 
On the 29th of September, General Butler with Birney's corps, the 
Tenth and Ord's : the Eighteenth fought the battle of Chajjin's Farm, 
assaulting and taking Fort Harrison, with fifteen guns, and a long line 
of iutrenchments. He failed to take Fort Gilmer, which General 
Field held too firmly. Fort Harrison was too important to be lost 
■without a struggle to regain it. The next day. Field assaulted it on 
one side with three brigades, while General Hoke charged on the 
other. But the long dread struggle died away with the day, leaving 
the battle field strewn with dead and wounded ; Field drew oft', having 



S96 THE STORY OF A GTvEAT XATION ; 

failed to accomplish his purpose ; although he subsequently surprised 
General Kautz on the Charles City Eoad, and captured five hundred 
of his men. 

On the 1st of October, "Warren pushed westward to Squirrell Level 
Road, and intrenched after defeating and killing Greneral Dunuovau. 
He at once threw up works to connect this position with that ou the 
Weldon road. For a time the two armies lay in front of each other, 
the thunder and booming of cannon along the lines being the only 
movement. 

At last Grant resolved on another attempt. While Butler attacked 
on the left, Meade's Army of the Potomac was pushed forward to 
turn Lee's right fiank. Warren, on the 27th of October, pushed for- 
jvard with the Ninth and Fifth Corps upon the enemy's works at 
Hatcher's Run ; while Hancock reached and crossed the Boydton. 
Plank Road. Warren could not carry the Confederate works before 
him, and Hancock and he were as usual separated, and in their 
ignorance of the country, did not know each other's positions. The 
old opportunity was afibrded to the Confederates, and they did aot 
neglect it. Down through the woods came, silent and swift, Heth's 
division of Hill's corps. Drawing up, it burst with a yell ou Mott's- 
division of Hancock's corps, which gave way ; but Egan, without wait- 
ing orders at once faced, and as the Confederates emerged from the 
woods in pursn '^, of Mott, Egan swept down with two brigades taking 
them in flank, recapturing Mott's guns and taking a thousand priso- 
ners. Heth fought like a hero, but his men were hurled back, and 
two hundred more retreating from Egan's terrible charge, ran into 
Crawford's lines and were taken. Had Crawford advanced none of 
Heth's division could have escaped. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 897 

Meanwhile Hancock's left and rear were assailed b}" Wade Hamp- 
ton, with five brigades of cavalry, and Gregg's cavalrj' only with great 
difficnlty held their ground. At last the battle ended. Hancock had 
held his ground, but as reinforcements might not come up in time, he 
determined to fall back. Grant's line thus extended to the Squirrel 
Level road. 

This action closed Grant's active operations of the year against 
Lee. In this bloody half-year, between the 5th of May, and 28th of 
October, his loss had been fully a hundred thousand niou, seven 
hundred and ninety-six officers, and nearly ten thousand men killed ; 
about fifty-four thousand wounded, and twenty-four thousand taken 
prisoners from the Army of the Potomac, the losses of Burnside and 
Butler swelling it to the fearful hundred thousand. 

Lee's losses were probably about half that amount. 

When Grant began his operations against Lee's main army, he had 
directed Sigel to move up the Yalley of the Shenandoah ; but Sigel 
handled his army so badly, that he was routed at Newmarket by Gen- 
eral Breckinridge, who captured seven hundred men, six guns, a 
thousand stand of arms, Sigel's hospitals and part of his train. 

General Averill with his cavalry, attempted to destroy the lead- 
works at Wytheville, but he was defeated by Morgan and failed. 
General Crook, did indeed defeat McCausland at Dublin Station, but 
was soon forced to retreat ; and the whole movement in the valley 
proved a failure. 

Himter, succeeding Sigel, found an easier task at his hand, Breckin- 
ridge, and many other commands, having been ordered to reinforce 
Lee. On the 5th of June, Hiniter brought General W. E. Jones to 
action at Piedmont near Staunton. In the siMrited and well-fought 



898 THE STORY OF A GREAT XATIOST ; 

action Jones fell dead, pierced through by a minie ball, and his army was- 
utterly routed ; Hunter gathering up fifteen hundred prisoners, three 
thousand stand of arms, and three pieces of artiller3\ 

General Hunter then pressed on toward Lynchburg, by the way of 
Lexington, at the head of an army of twenty thousand men. But this 
was no part of Grant's plan, who expected Hunter to move to 
Gordonsville. 

General Hunter's error was soon manifest, Lynchburg was too im- 
portant a city for the Confederates to lose. Anxious as he was to use- 
every man, Lee detached troops to save Lynchburg; and Hunter find- 
ing formidable forces gathering around him, retreated, sharply pursued 
to Salem. Thence he made his way through Newcastle into West 
Virginia, exposing the Shenandoah Valley. 

Early, who had been sent to relieve Lynchburg, saw his opportunity, 
and marched in all haste to the Potomac. Sigel fled at his approach, 
abandoning valuable stores ; while Early destroj-ed the Baltimore and 
Ohio railroad, levied contributions, burned part of Williamsport, and 
carried his raids into Pennsylvania. In fact, he produced such a panic 
that, President Lincoln called on Pennsylvania, New York, and Mas- 
sachusetts, for militia. 

Meanwhile General Lewis Wallace was gathering troops to meet 
Early, and at last with very inferior forces engaged him at the 
Monocacy. Early charged him on the morning of the 9th of July ; 
but though outnumbered, Wallace repulsed not onl}' that, but another 
assault by Early's second line. Reinforcements had been promised 
him, but when at four o'clock. Early again advanced, he fell back. 
Colonel Brown gallantlv holding a bridge which saved his force. 

CD V O O 

While Early's cavalry menaced Baltimore, and a. part under Gil- 



OK, OUK COUNTKY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 899 

mor barned the bridge over Gunpowder Inlet, capturing the passen- 
ger trains ; Early's main force pushed on to within six or seyen miles 
of Washington City. There General Augur engaged him on the 12th, 
and the place became too hot. He found that he had to escape at 
once if at ail, as troops were approaching from Grant's army, and 
Hunter might block his way ; Wright's corps, ihe Sixth was the first to 
give chase, but he moved feebly, for Early on tne 20th of July, hav- 
ing reached the Shenandoah, and feeling as if on his own ground, 
turned on Wright with such impetuosity, as to drive back his 
advance. Crook, succeeding Wright, followed Early to Winchester, 
but on the 23d of July, was furiously attacked by the able Confeder- 
ates, who routed him, killing among other eminent officers. Colonel 
Mulligan, the hero of Lexington, whose merit never won him a pro- 
motion. Crook, having lost twelve hundred men retreated north of 
the Potomac. Early was complete master of the valley, and his cav' 
airy raided in all directions, levying contributions. Chambersburg 
in Pennsylvania, unable to pay the hundred thousand dollars in gold 
which he demanded, was burnt b}^ his cavalry under McCausland. 
Early had already in his first raid, burned Governor Bradford's, and 
Mr. Blair's residences near Washington. 

Averill at last drove the incendiaries across the Potomac ; and near 
Moorfield, on the 4th of August routed them, capturing their guns and 
wagons, and five hundred prisoners. 

It was evident that a General of more comprehensive mind and 
greater powers was required. Grant, therefore, sent General Sheri- 
dan to take command of the Middle Department, and troops amount- 
ing to thirty thousand men were placed at his command. It took 
some time to collect and arrange this force which he found widely 



900 THE STORY OF A GREAT KATIO]Sr ; 

sealLered, but G-raut at last authorized him to assume the ofifen- 
sive. 

Sheridan waited for a moment when he could strike a blow to put 
his army in good spirits, and 1111 them with coniidence. On the 13th 
of September, he saw his opi)ortuuity, and suddenly took Kershaw's 
division in flank, capturing a colonel and nearly two hundred of those 
South Carolina troops. 

The next morning at two o'clock, he was on the move to attack 
Early's strong position on the west bank of the Opequan. By ten, 
Ricketts and Grover in the van, pushing through woodland and hill, 
rushed so resolutely on Early's first line that it was carried. General 
Rhodes being killed, and three of his Confederate colonels taken. 
Early, prompt as his antagonist, drove Grover and Ricketts back 
with fearful loss, but the shattered regiments rallied, and with the 
guns that came up, held an important pass, till, as the exulting Confed- 
erates renewed their charges, other troops coming up took them in 
flank and front, and almost annihilated them. 

Then Sheridan charged with his centre, while the cavalry and 
Eighth Corps turned and struck Early's left flank. Sheridan's centre 
tired their last cartridges, but as Early's line still stood, charged with 
the bayonet. A height in the rear held out, but was soon taken by 
Crook, and Early thoroughly beaten fled, having lost three thousand 
prisoners, and manj dead and wounded. Sheridan's loss was about 
th*ee thousand, including General David A. Russell. 

Early made a stand at Fisher's Hill, eight miles south of Winches- 
ter, but here Sheridan striking him on the flank and rear with his 
Eighth Corps, and breaking his centre by a vigorous front attack agair, 
won a complete victory. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 901 

Eail}^, hotly pursued, fled to the mountains, while Sheridan pushed 
on to Port Republic, and his cavalry captured and destroyed army 
supplies, and broke up railroads and bridges. 

On his return, Sheridan, under orders from General Grant to leave 
nothing in the valley that could invite the cneni}- to return, laid it 
waste with an unsparing hand. The destruction of Chambersburg, 
the bushwhacking of all his small parties, the murder of his engineer 
officer. Lieutenant Meigs, had steeled him. He destroyed more than 
two thousand barns full of grain and hay and seventy mills : he seized 
and issued to his troops three thousand sheep and a drove of four 
thousand cattle, and great numbers of horses. 

The South was filled with dismay and rage. The Confederate pa- 
pers clamored for the burning of New York, Boston, or some Northern 
city, and an attempt was actually made by Confederate agents to de- 
stroy the citj' of New York, b}^ a general conflagration. 

As Sheridan retired from the valley, Early followed, and a few 
collisions occurred. Sheridan, however, deeming Early thoroughly 
beaten, proceeded to Washington. Meanwhile Early had been gath- 
ering his forces, and at nightfall of the 18th of October, moved silently 
out of his camp, and cautiously advanced flanking on both sides 
Crook's army of West Virginia, which lay in front of the 6th and 19th 
corps. Before dawn, the men of the South occupied the positions se- 
lected by the master-mind of the Confederate general. At the first 
light of dawn, they opened a tremendous musketry fire, and charged, 
completely surprising the United States forces, many of the soldiers 
not even having their muskets loaded or time to charge them. In 
fifteen minutes the Army of West Virginia was a rabble of fugi- 
tives. 



902 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

Emory's Nineteenth Corps, after in vain endeavoring to arrest 
Crook's disordered flight, met the charge of Early's victorious troops, 
and held out till one-third of the men were either killed or wounded. 
The Sixth Corps, next assailed, retired steadily, leaving Earlj' in pos- 
session of their camps, equipage, artillery, and numbers of prisoners, 
hale and wounded. 

Such was the tidings which reached Sheridan at Winchester. He 
at once leaped into the saddle, and rode like the wind. By ten o'clock 
he reached the front of his crushed and defeated army. He at once 
stopped the retreat, and drew up his army again for battle, and for 
two hours studied the ground, and prepared for action. " Boys ! if 
I had been here this would not have happened," he cried, and they 
believed him. His new line was defended quickly, as well as time 
Would allow, and every advantage taken of position. 

Early, eager to finisli up the complete overthrow of the United 
States army, again attacked at one o'clock, but Emory on the left, in a 
dense wood, repulsed him with loss. 

At three, Sheridan charged along his whole line. Early's front line 
was carried, and Gordon, on Early's left, flanked and driven by the 
Nineteenth Corps. 

There was a pause in the thunder of artillery, and rattle of mus- 
ketry volleys, then came Sheridan's second charge, more determined 
than the first, with cavalry on both wings. Early could not stand the 
troops, well handled at eve, whom he had routed when badly-generaled 
at dawn. He gave way, and, pursued through Strasburg by the cav- 
alry, fled southward again, his army virtually destroyed ; Sheridan's 
war-worn men slept again in their camps, having lost three thousand 
men, but recovered many of their prisoners, taking fifteen hundred of 



OK, OUK country's ACIII-EVEMENTa. 90,'] 

Early's men. They recovered their guns, and took twenty-three more, 
with caissons. 

Tins spirited action closed the operations in the wasted valley of the. 
Shenandoah. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Sufferings of Prisoners — Andersonville— Forrest's Raids— He takes Fort Pillow—Fearfu-1 
Atrocities — He routs St^argis — Is beaten "by A. J. Smith — Various Actions — Morgan's last 
Raid — Pursued and kiUed — Sherman's Campaign against Johnston — His three Armies — 
Hooker takes Resaca — Davis takes Rone — Fight at Pumpkinvine Creek — New Hopes — Dal- 
las — Allatoona — Slierman repulsed at Kenesaw — Again flanks Johnston — Hood supersedes 
Johnston — He twice attacks Sherman and is repulsed — Stoneman's Failure — Hardee de- 
feated — Hood abandons Atlanta — Sherman occupies it, and expels its Inhabitants — flood 
endeavors to draw Sherman out of Georgia — French defeated by Corse at Allatoona — 
Thomas sent to defend Tennessee — Sherman prepares to march to the Sea. 

There were great numbers of prisoners taken on both sides, and 
the Confederates, from the disaster at Bull Eun to the end of the war, 
always had thousands of United States prisoners in their hands. These 
prisoners fared badly. They were hooted at and reviled in the towns 
as they passed, and when the place of confinement was reached they 
were treated with great severity. The Northern papers were filled 
with accounts of the suiferings endured bj' the United States soldiers 
confined in Libby Prison, Castle Thunder, and other dungeons. 

The Confederate prisoners at Elmira, and other points iu the North, 
complained as bitterly, and charged that the prisoners at the South 
fared no worse than the Southern troops. Some Southern prisoners 
to escape their harsh treatment entered the United States army to 
serve against the Sioux, who had begun to massacre the whites. 

The authorities at Washington were at first not disposed to recog- 
nize the Confederate government so far as to agree to exchano-es of 



904 THE STOEY OF A GREAT NATION; 

prisoners, but after the disaster at Bull Run, when so many prisoners 
fell into their hands, a greater willingness was shown. Finall}' a cartel 
was made by which prisoners were to be exchanged at Richmond on 
the East, and Vicksburg on the West. Various questions arose. The 
United States would not at first recognize privateersmen as prisoners 
of war, and to the very end of the war, the Confederates refused to 
regard as such any negro soldiers who fell into their hands. Every 
negro taken by them was treated as a slave, even if born free in a 
Northern State. All such prisoners were sold as slaves, and many of 
them were held in slavery even after the close of the war. 

The lot of the white prisoners was a terrible one. The experience' 
of the Bull Run prisoners filled the North with the terrors of prison- 
life at the South ; and at first every effort was made to effect ex- 
changes, but the Confederates raised difficulties, and toward the close 
of the war the United States showed as little desire to relieve the 
brave fellows who were wasting away in the filth and starvation of 
prisons. 

The prisoners taken from the Confederates were kept confined at 
various points in the North, Ehnira in New York, and Johnson's 
Island in Lake Erie, among the number. They were both healthy 
localities, and the food supplied to the prisoners was good and suffi- 
cient, but great severity was required, especially at Johnson''" 
Island, as plots were oxjnstantly on foot within and without, Con 
federates in Canada planning to liberate them, and the prisoners 
themselves conspiring to escape to the British province. The boldest 
attempt of the kind was that made by a party of twenty men 
who got on board the Philo Parsons, at Maiden, in September, 1864, 
while on her way from Detroit to Sandusky. They seized the boat, 



OR, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 905 

captured another steamer, the Island Queen, which ihey scuttled, and 
ran in toward Sandusky, where by the aid of Confederates in that city, 
they hoped to capture the gunboat Michigan, but as their signals were 
unanswered, they ran over to tlie Canada side, and abandoned the 
vessel near Sandwich. 

It would be tiresome to follow all the minor operations of the wa? 
in the West, or to tell how Hurlbut's cavalry raided to Grenada, k 
Mississippi ; how Forrest dashed into West Tennessee, and made goo<5 
Lis escape with more men and better horses than when he entered ; 
how Sherman's grand move to Meridian came to naught ; to tell of 
General W. Smith's race to Memphis, with Forrest at his heels. 

On the 11th of March, there was, however, a brisk fight in the 
streets of Yazoo City, then held by one white and two colored regi- 
ments. The Confederates, under Ross and Richardson, dashed into 
the place in superior numbers, and a desperate battle was fought in 
the streets, in which the Confederates were rapidly gaining possessioa 
of the town, when cheering told the arrival of reinforcements of 
United States troops. The Confederates withdrew, but soon had the 
satisfaction of seeing the place evacuated b}^ the American forces. 

Then again we hear of Forrest raiding in March into Tennessee, cap- 
turing a cavalry regiment at Union Citj^ and finally investing Fort 
Anderson at Paducah. But Colonel Hicks, with his Illinois boys, 
prepared to make fight. In vain Forrest made assault after assault, 
Flicks repelled every charge, so that Forrest at last drew off. 

Then Buford summoned Hicks to surrender, but the Confederate 
was too wise to risk an assault. 

But Forrest was not always unsuccessful. Before sunrise, on the 
12th of April, lie appeared before Fort Pillow, a post about for*:y 



906 THE STORY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

miles abore Merapliis. It was commanded by Major Booth, and gar- 
risoned by five hundred and fifty men. Major Booth held out, and 
the fight went on sharp and furious till nine o'clock, when Booth was 
killed. Major Bradford, however, kept up the fight, the gunboat " New 
Era," giving him some little aid ; but when she drew off, the Confeder- 
ates stole down two ravines leading to the fort, and by a sudden dash 
entered it. Then ensued a scene of blood that is almost unparalleled 
in the annals of civilized warfare, and will form forever the darkest 
blot on the escutcheon of the Confederates. As the garrison with the 
women and children in the fort rushed down the slope toward the 
river, they were slaughtered without mercy, or dragged back to be 
wantonly put to death with refinements of cruelt}^ known only to sav- 
ages. Not a negro was spared. Major Bradford was taken and mur 
dered several miles from the place. They slew the negroes under the 
rules adopted ; and the whites for fighting for negroes. This horrible 
crime was attempted to be palliated by Forrest, and his superior ofiicer 
Lee, but the stigma is ineffaceable, and even the British Parliament, 
which in other days thanked God for Cromwell's massacre at Drog- 
heda, did not try to excuse the massacre of Fort Pillow, the bloodiest 
page in the Civil War. 

Forrest lost, he says, less than a hundred men, and butchered more 
than three hundred. He retreated in haste from the scene of murder, 
to safe quarters in Mississippi. 

An ineffectual attempt at pursuit was made by' General S. D. Stur- 
gis, and somewhat later, an army of twelve thousand men under the 
same General, was sent against Forrest. He came up to the Confeder- 
ates at Guntown, on the Mobile railroad, on the 10th of June. 
Grierson's cavalry opened the action, and the infantry were hurried 



OE, OUR country's ACniEVEMENTS. 907 

up to their support without rest or judgment. A total rout was the 
consequence, Sturgis lost all his train and nearly one-half his men. 

Mortified at this disgraceful defeat, the authorities in the West sent 
another army of twelve thousand men under Greneral A. J. Smith, 
against Forrest. The Confederates impeded his progress by cavalry 
skirmishes, ^H Smith reached Tupelo, where Forrest had fourteen 
thousand men concentrated. He did not wait to be attacked, but three 
times in succession assaulted Smith's lines, sustaining such heavy loss 
that he drew off, leaving his dead and dangerously wounded on the 
field. 

This was on the 14th of July ; but Smith did not ]Mirsue Forrest. 
He returned to Memphis, and soon after, again marched to the Talla- 
hatchie. The active Confederate G-eneral had, however, given him the 
slip, flanking him by night, and, dashing into Memphis, at dawn on the 
21st of August, made direct!}' for the Gayoso House, where he hoped 
to capture several of the United States generals. He did indeed cap- 
ture some ofiQcers, but was repulsed at Irving prison, where the Con- 
fede>nte captives were confined. He lost two hundred men in his two 
hours' stay, but destroyed a large amount of property, and carried off 
some three hundred prisoners. 

These Confederate cavalry raids were not confined to the banks of 
the Mississippi. Wheeler swept down on a supply train from Chatta- 
nooga to Knoxville, and captured it easily near Charleston, on the 
Hiwassee, although it was almost immediately retaken by Colonel 
Long, who came clattering up with his Fourth Ohio cavalry. 

Morgan too was again in the field. He had to cope with Sturgis, 
whom Forrest had so well drubbed, and drove him back at least thirty 
miles. On the 1st of June, Morgan dashed into Kentucky, at the 



008 THE STOUT OF A GREAT NATION ; 

head of two thousaud five hundred raeu, aud eluding the watchfulness 
of G-eneral Burbridge, captured Mount Sterling, Paris, Cynthiana, and 
Williamstowu, burning trains, tearing up railroad tracks, and sending 
small parties in all directions. One of these, only three hundred 
strong, captured G-eneral Hobson with sixteen hundred well-armed 
soldiers. But General Burbridge was now in full pursuit of Morgan, 
and on the 9th of June, defeated him at Mount Sterling. Then Mor^ 
gan's band divided ; part, dashing through Lexington, burned the rail- 
road depot, while another part set fire to the town of Cynthiana. On 
the 12th Burbridge was again up to Morgan, and attacked his camp 
while the men were at breakfast, killing, wounding, and capturing 
seven hundred with a thousand horses, and liberating many prisoners. 
The Confederate raider fled towards Virginia, but, wliilc endeavoring to 
form a new corps, was surprised at Greenville, in East Tennessee, by 
General Gillem. Morgan, in the confusion, attempted his escape, but 
he was intercepted and killed. 

Then the fortunes of war swayed to and fro. Burbridge, advancing 
to destroy the Confederate saltworks at Saltville, near Abingdon, was 
defeated on the 2d of October by G-eneral Breckinridge, and re- 
treated, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. To counterbal- 
ance this reverse. General Gillem, on the 28th of October, attacked 
and completely routed a Confederate force under Yaughan and 
Palmer, capturing four hundred men and four guns ; but, while rejoic- 
ing over this victory, was in turn surprised at night by Breckinbridge, 
on the 13th of October, and utterly routed, losing his battery-train, and 
almost all his arms. 

These were the minor operations of the war. The great movement 
in the West, was that made by General Sherman, simultaneously with- 




PEISOK AND ESCAPE. 



(Page 91)3) 







X) 



H 
H 







THE NAVY IN THE WAU 




FUGITIVES BEFORE THE AFFKOACH OF A HOSTILE ARMY. 




o 



o 

M 

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H 
S5 



OK, OUR COUNTKt's ACHIEVEMENTS. 909 

Grant's movement upon Lee. Shernuui had under his control, the 
Army of the Cumberland, of sixty thousand men commanded by Gen- 
eral Thomas ; the Army of the Tennessee, about twenty-five thousand 
men commanded by General McPherson, and the Ami}' of the Ohio, 
commanded by General Schofield, which numbered thirteen thousand. 
He had thus a force of near a hundred thousand men, with twu hun- 
dred and fifty cannon. The Confederate army before him was proba- 
bly not nioi-e than fifty thousand strong, but it was commanded by 
General Johnston, the array corps being those of Generals Hardee, 
Hood, and Polk. 

The reinforcements which Rosecrans had asked in vain, were here 
given to Sherman, who was thus enabled to advance from Chattanooga, 
over the difficult country before him, and overwhelm his opponents. 

Johnston lay at Dalton, his front covered by a mountain pass, called 
Buzzard's Roost Gap, so fortified that no army could force it. Sher- 
man was too Avise to attempt such a step, but while General Thomas 
made a show of attack in front, McPherson flanked Johnston's left, 
moving down toward his rear by Ship's Gap, Villanow, and Snake 
Gap, and actually menacing Resaca. Johnston, though he repulsed 
Thomas' charges, which were vigorously made in front, fell back on 
Resaca. Here Sherman again prepared to flank him, when Johnston 
turned furiously on Hooker and Schofield still on his front and left. 
The campaign opened with a hard-fought fight vn the 15th of May, but 
Hooker drove the Confederates from several hills, and Johnston, 
abandoning Resaca by night, retreated, Hardee covering his rear. 
Thomas followed sharply, with Schofield on his left, and McPherson on 
his right. Johnston endeavored to make a stand in his stromj; works 
before Adairsville, but as Jefferson C. Davis, in Thomas' van, had taken 



910 

Rome with its fouiideries and guus, he continued his retreat. His 
only hope was the strong mountain countrj- in his rear, where 
the natural defenses would put him more on an equality with 
Sherman. 

On the 19th of May, Sherman found him in a strong position at 
Cassville, but this was not Johnston's battle ground. He again re- 
treated, and at last drew up in a very strong position, covering the 
Allatoona Pass, in a rugged, difficult, mountain tract. When Sher- 
man came up, he saw that it was too strong for a front attack. So he 
moved well to the right, intending to concentrate his army at Dallas ; 
but Johnston was on the alert ; he swung round so that when Hooker 
reached Pumpkinvine Creek, the Confederate was there confronting 
him in line of battle. Again the din of battle rang out, but Hooker 
failed to break the stubborn Confederate line, which the next day was 
seen to be well intrenched in very difficult ground, extending from Dal- 
las to Marietta. Nor was Johnston disposed to stand on the defen- 
sive. Just as Sherman was about to try another flank movement, he 
was himself attacked on his right. 

But McPherson had intrenched, and his men defended by breast- 
works repulsed the impetuous charge of the Confederates. Sherman 
then in turned charged, and Howard's line swept down upon the Con- 
federates, but Cleburne was never at fault, and he sent Howard back 
to his lines. 

Sherman at last so enveloped the Allatoona Pass, that Johnston 
was compelled to evacuate it. Sherman at once placed a strong gar- 
rison here, making it a base of supplies. He had thus far, by sturdy 
fighting and generalship, forced his antagonist back, but it had cost 
him the lives of many brave men. Fortunatel}^ at this moment. Gen- 



OE, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 911 

eral Frank Blair arrived with jtart of the Seventeenth Corps and a 
brigade of cavalry. 

Once more Sherman began his march through the rugged land, till 
he came in sight of Kenesaw, Pine, and Lost mountains, towering in 
rugged bulk before him. There laj Johnston, his long line defended 
in part by nature ; where too his veterans had reared defenses, or 
were still busy strengthening them. It seemed a desperate venture 
to attack such men well handled, and so defended ; but Sherman at 
last, on the 14th of June, attempted to force a passage between Kene- 
saw and Pine mountain. As the battle opened, Johnston and his gen- 
erals gathered to watch events. The group caught the eye of Thomas, 
who ordered a battery to open \\\)0\\ it. The Confederate generals got 
out of range, but General Polk in his anxiety to watch' the battle, 
ventured out, when a three-inch shot struck him on the side and tore 
him to pieces. 

Sherman kept crowding on, losing heavily in men, but gaining 
ground. A day's fighting made Pine mountain and Lost mountain un- 
tenable by the Confederates. Kenesaw, however, held out, the artil- 
lery hurling its iron hail on the approaches, and Hood even charged 
on Sherman's line. 

Weary at last, the United States general, on the 27th of June, 
made a vigorous attack on Johnston's lines south of Kenesaw. But 
in vain did Thomas and McPherson sweep nobly up to the enemj-'s 
breastworks. Their position was unassailable, and the American flag 
was borne back in the recoil. General Harker, General Daniel 
McCook dead, and three thousand gallant officers and soldiers stretched 
dead, or wounded on the rugged mountain-side. 

Without pausing over this costly repulse, Sherman pushed forward 



912 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

his right, moving McPhersou i-apiilly down to the Chattahoochee, at 
night fall. Johnston saw his clanger, and through the long summer 
night, troops moved swiftly through rock and woodland. When the 
sun rose the position had changed. Sherman's troops held the sum- 
mit of Kenesaw, and Johnston's army was passing out of Marietta. 

Sherman was soon in pursuit, hoping to take Johnston at a disad- 
vantage at the crossing of the Chattahoochee, but his antagonist was 
prompt and cautious. He was at the river-side, well intrenched, when 
Sherman came up, and held him at bay, while the army crossed the 
deep and rapid river, leaving only a few troops to hold the bridges, 
which were covered by works. To attack these was Sherman's first 
object : and he soon forced Johnston to abandon them, destroying the 
bridges ; then Sherman, with pontoons, threw his army across, and 
was at last, after long and almost unintermittent marching and fight- 
ing, face to face with Johnston before Atlanta — ^the first great object of 
his campaign. The Confederates must now light for it. 

But the Confederate Government was dissatisfied. It chafed under 
Johnston's cautious policy, by which he had been steadily forced back, 
till a United States army had planted the American flag once more in 
the heart of Georgia. There was a clamor for a bolder man, who 
would attack instead of waiting to be attacked. The Confederate 
Government repeated the United States blunder in the case of Pope. 
General Hood, a dashing, but conceited and boastful commander, 
superseded Johnston. 

The new General acted promptly. Sherman, on the 22d of July, 
cro.-^sed the Chattahoochee, to close around Atlanta, the enemy's skir- 
mishers contesting the ground. McPhersou on the extreme h.'ft, was 
breaking up the railroad, Schofield on his right, had reached Decatur, 



913 

and Howard's divisions of Thomas' army were closing on Schofield, 
when Hood suddeul}' appeared in force, bursting upon Howard's, 
Hooker's, and Palmer's corps. It was a surprise, but the troops stood 
firm. Terrible was the struggle, but the Confederates at last recoiled, 
leaving G-enerals Stevens, Featherstone, Armistead, and Pettus, with 
five hundred more dead on the field, and wounded men to thrice that 
number. 

The next day, Sherman reconnoitring Hood's lines found them 
deserted. He pushed on towards Atlanta, only to meet a much 
stronger line of works near the city. To attack these defenses, and 
Atlanta itself was the work now before him, and he set about it. 
Blair had carried a hill, and was planting batteries to sweep the city, 
when it was found that Hood had outwitted them. The strong lines 
were held by a mere handful, while Hood, with his main army, march- 
ing by night, had turned Sherman's flank, and was already with Har- 
dee in the van, pouring down like a torrent on Sherman's left and 
rear. In a moment McPherson, one of the best generals lay dead, 
Smith's division of Blair's corps was crushed back, eight guns were 
lost ; but Blair at last found a strong ground and held it, able ere long 
to repulse the Confederates by striking their right. 

Again Hood renewed the attack, pushing through the Fifteenth 
Corps, till Schofield by concentrating his batteries, drove them back 
by his shells. Then at Sherman's command, the Fifteenth Corps swept 
forward to retrieve its honor, and recover its lost ground and guns, 
succeeding in recapturing all these but two. 

Hood recoiled, and retired within his works ; having lost twenty- 
two hundred killed, his wounded and missing swelling his loss to at 
least eight thousand. 



914 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Soou after a great cavalry expedition under General Stonemaa, sup- 
ported by MeCook's aud Ilousseau's divisions, started from Sherman's 
camp. Its object was a grand one ; it was not only to break up rail- 
road lines, but to capture Macon, and then push on to Andersonville, 
there to liberate the thousands of United States soldiers held as pris- 
oners with such severity if not cruelt}-. 

McCook captured a valuable train belonging to Hood's army, but on 
reaching Lovejoy's, the appointed rendezvous, could learn nothing of 
Stoneman. That cavalry general, disregarding his orders, made no 
attempt to join McCook, and on approaching Macon, was driven off by 
a hastily collected force. Panic-struck, he fled, and dividing his force, 
was at last captured with a thousand men by Iverson, who had not 
half that number. 

While this movement Avas in progress, Sherman was again at work 
near xVtlanta. He transferred the Army of the Tennessee, under Gen- . 
eral Howard, from his left to his right, with a view to flank Hood out 
of Atlanta, but the Confederate general, on the 20th of July, struck 
out heavily from his left at Howard's lines. Logan's, the Fifteenth Corps, 
held the crest of a wooded ridge. He had improved every moment 
to throw up a rough breastwork of logs and rails. After a brisk 
cannonade, Hood's infantry, under Hardee and Lee, swept bravely up 
to Howard's right flaidc ; but a deadly fire swept their line; back they 
were hurled, but again and again they re-formed aud advanced, lili 
nearly seven hundred lay dead, and thousands fell wounded. Hood, 
having sacrificed several thousand men, withdrew once more within 
his fortifications at Atlanta. 

Closer and closer Sherman drew his lines, joushing them to East 
Point, shelling Atlanta, and menacing the railroads on which Atlanta 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 915 

depended for subsistence. Hood sought to avert the final blow by 
dispatching Wheeler with his cavalry to operate in Sherman's rear. 

The United States commander scut Kilpatrick at once to break up 
the West Point and Macon railroads, which was done pretty effect- 
ivel}'. Then he abandoned the siege of Atlanta, and sending his sick 
aud his wounded, with his surplus wagons, to the Chattahoochee, he 
put his whole army in motion, and before Hood penetrated his design, 
was behind Atlanta, thoroughly destroying the railroads on which 
Hood depended. That general now divided his army. Hardee, with 
one portion, advanced to Jonesborough. Here, on the 31st of August, 
he came upon Howard, with the Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seven- 
teenth Cor})s. Howard had covered his front with a breastwork, and 
calmly awaited attack. It was made with great courage and skill, but 
after two hours of terrible struggle Hardee retreated, leaving his dead 
and wounded. 

Sherman then came up, with Thomas and Schofield, who had been 
breaking up the roads, and by a vigorous attack carried the Confeder- 
ate lines at Jonesborough, capturing General Govan, with his brigade 
and batteries. Hardee retreated in haste. Hood, cut off from su])- 
plies, with his arm}^ scattered and beaten, blew up his magazine and, 
destroying his stores, evacuated Atlanta and fled, on the 1st of Sep- 
tember. 

Sherman, jjursuing Hardee, found him well intrenched near Love- 
joy's, between Walnut Creek and Flint River. To attack him would 
entail a useless waste of life. But before he took au}' other course 
rumors came that Hood had fled : then a courier dashed up from Gen- 
eral Slocura, announcing that he himself was actually in Atlanta. 

Without making the attempt to pursue and capture any of the 



916 THE STOHY OF A GT.EAT NATION; 

scattered divisions of Hood's army, Sherman concentrated his whole 
force at Atlanta. He oixlered the removal of all the remaining inhab- 
itants, allowing them to go North or South as they preferred. This 
severe measure, which General Sherman deemed imperatively neces- 
sary, as he could not supply the inhabitants with food, and none would 
be sent to Atlanta while he occupied it, drew from the South the most 
unsparing condemnation. 

While Hood's cavalry was raiding into Tennessee, Hardee had 
effected a junction with Hood near Jonesborough, and the defeated 
army was reinforced, and visited by Jefferson Davis, who sought to 
rouse the enthusiasm of the soldiers, in the gloomy days that had be- 
fallen them. Hood then crossed the Chattahoochee, and tearing up 
the railroad, menaced AUatoona : but General Corse, a sturdy man, 
was already there with his brigade to defend the valuable stores in 
the place. General Sherman, on the first tidings of Hood's move- 
ment, dispatched General Thomas to Nashville, to check any Confed- 
' erate movements, in that State, and now himself started in pursuit of 
Hood. Before he could reach AUatoona, French, one of Hood's gen- 
erals, had invested the place on the morning of the 5th of October, and 
opened a sharp cannonade, which echoed through the mountains, and 
reached Sherman's ears as he pressed eagerly on. From mountain- 
peak to peak, flags carried to Corse the cheering news that aid was at 
hand. " He will hold out," cried Sherman ; " I know the man." 

When Corse refused to surrender, French assaulted with all his 
forces, rushing again and again to the very parapets ; but Corse, his 
face ' streaming with blood from a bullet-wound, hurled them back at 
every onset, his brave men thinning, till at last, French, finding Cox 
approaching, retreated, leaving his dead on the field. 



917 

Tlood, anxious to draw Sherman out of Georgia, pushed northwest 
'to Kingston, and then on to Resaca, followed steadily by Sherman, 
who in vain endeavored to bring him to action. But Hood no longer 
cared to fight, he eluded Sherman and made off. Then Sherman halted 
at Gaylesville, Alabama, and sending most of his cavalry and the 
Fourth Corps to Thomas, prepared for a march towards the sea, gath- 
ering up all his garrisons, destroying all railroads, foundries, 
mills, etc. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



The Confederates on the Sea — The Oreto, Alabama, Florida — Capture of the Revenue Cutter 
Chesapeake — Aid given hy England and her Provinces — Capture of the Florida and .Japan 
— Engagement between the Alabama and the Kearsarge— The Alabama sunk — Farragut in 
Mobile Harbor destroys the Confederate Fleet. 

We will leave the land operations for a time to follow the move- 
ments of the armed vessels on the seas. Confederate cruisers, or rather 
English war-vessels under the Confederate flag, still ravaged the Amer- 
ican shipping on the ocean. The steamer Oreto, in spite of the efforts 
of Mr. Adams, the United States Minister in England, was allowed to 
escape from Liverpool, and though she put in at Nassau, the English 
authorities disregarded the remonstrances of the Americans, and she 
was allowed to depart. Under British colors, she ran into the harbor 
of Mobile, through the neglect of the blockading squadron, and on the 
27th of December, 18G2, sallied out on her work of destruction, com- 
manded by John N. MafiBt. The Alabama, also fitted out in England, 
and commanded by Raphael Semmes, was also soon on the ocean, 
Both these vessels used the British as well as the Confederate flag, and 



918 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATI0:N ; 

at British i^orts were always received with the warmest welcome. 
Early in May, 1863, the Florida, one of these cruisers, with the brig 
Clarence, which she had captured and fitted out as a privateer, ran 
along the Atlantic coast, capturing and destroying vessels. Reed, the 
commander of the Clarence, transferred his flag first to the bark 
Tacony, and then to the schooner Archer, in which, on the 24th of 
June, he boldly entered the harbor of Portland, Maine, and at night 
cut out the steam revenue-cutter Cashing. This bold act roused the 
place. Volunteers at once manned two merchant steamers, and gave 
chase. The Cashing was soon overhauled, and her captors took tO' 
their boats, and blew her up. The boats were soon captured, and the 
Archer forced to strike, and Reed and his comrades lodged in prison. 

Another bold act in the same waters, was the capture of the Chesa- 
peake, a steamer pl3'ing between New York and Portland. On the 
6lh of December, 1863, sixteen of the passengers proclaimed them- 
selves Confederates, and seized the vessel, putting the captain in irons, 
and murdering an engineer. The captors then ran her into Sarabro 
harbor, Nova Scotia, but two United States gunboats, the Ella and 
Anna, ran in and recaptured her. The Confederates were handed 
over to the British authorities at Halifax, but were at once rescued by 
a mob, the people of all the British provinces showing, throughout the 
war, the most bitter and hostile feeling to the United States. The 
judicial authorities, however, restored the Chesapeake to its owners. 
In 1864, three new British cruisers sailed from England, the Tallahas- 
see, Olustee, and Chickamauga. The ships destroj^ed by these cruis- 
ers up to January, 1864, were estimated at more than thirteen mil- 
lions of dollars, but the ravages after that time increased with fearful 
rapidity. 



OR, OUR COUI^^TRYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 919 

The Florida, after a successful cruise, ran into Bahia, in the midst 
of a Brazilian fleet, and under the guns of a fort. The United States 
steamer Wachusett, Captain Collins, had just discovered her, and with- 
out any regard to her being in a neutral port or well protected, he ran 
in, compelled her to surrender, and making fast a hawser, towed her 
out to sea, unharmed b\' the guns which the fort opened upon him. 
Captain Collins resolved to rid the sea of the Florida, even if it cost 
him his commission. Though pursued by the Brazilian fleet, he reached' 
Hampton Roads, Virginia, with his prize. On the complaint of the 
Brazilian Grovernment, he was, however, suspended from command. 

The Japan, another vessel built at Greenock, sailed from English 
waters in April, 1863, and assuming the name of Georgia, destroyed 
many ships, and returned to England. Sailing out again as a British 
merchantman, she was captured by the Niagara, Captain Craven, in. 
August. 

The most famous of these cruisers, the Alabama, Captain Semmes, 
continued her ravages till June, 1864, when the Kearsarge, Captain 
Winslow, overhauled her. The Alabama was in the harbor of Cher- 
bourg, France, and on the 15th of June steamed out to meet the 
Kearsarge, firing three broadsides from her eight guns, before Wins- 
low replied. The Kearsarge endeavored to board, but Semmes, who 
evinced great cowardice, leaving his coin and chronometers on shore, 
and having a British yacht, the Dcerhound, at hand to succor him in 
need, steamed rapid!}- away. The Kearsarge kept pace with her, fir- 
ing slowly and surely, while the Alabama's gunners, picked men from 
British men-of-war, shot wildly. The chase became a circle. Seven 
times the Kearsarge steamed around, narrowing in each time, disa- 
bling one of Semmes' guns, blocking up the engine-room, and cutting 



920 



THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 



up the hold and rigging. The Alabama, after half an hour's fight, 
tried to reach the French shore, but as she was sinliing, hauled down 
her flag, but kept up firing, while Seniraes and his men attempted to 
Teach the Deerhouud in their boats. He succeeded in doing so, with 
forty of his men, and escaped to England. His vessel soon went 
down. The Alabama had lost nine killed, twenty-one wounded, and 
sixty-five taken by the Kearsarge, which had three men wounded, 
one, the gallant William Gowin, mortally. 

This victory caused the greatest exultation in the United States, the 
ships having been equally matched, and the triumph complete and un- 
deniable. 

The United States Navy was now so increased as to be able to close 
all the Southern ports except Wilmington, in North Carolina, and Mo- 
bile, in Alabama, where forts prevented a blockading squadron from 
approaching, so as to cut oif blockade-runners. 

In August, 1864, Rear- Admiral Farragut prepared to force a pas- 
sage in spite of Forts Morgan, Powell, and Gaines, assisted by the 
ironclad Tennessee and other Confederate gunboats under Admiral 
Buchanan. Farragut had four ironclads, and fourteen wooden ves- 
sels. He took post in the main-top of his flagship, the Hartford, and 
pushed in, the Tecumseh leading and engaging Fort Morgan, but she 
soon caught on a torpedo, which exploded, sinking her almost at once. 
In spite of this, Farragut pushed on, silencing the fort, and coming to ac- 
tion with the Confederate fleet. The latter opened fire, and the Ten- 
nessee bore down on the Hartford, while the gunboats poured broad- 
sides into her. Farragut then cast ofl" the Metacomet, which was 
lashed to the Hartford, and ordered her to engage the Selma. A stir- 
ring fight ensued between the two, but after an hour, Murphy, the cap- 



OR, OUE country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 921 

tain of the Selma, having lost his lieutenant and five men killed, and 
being wounded himself, as were many of his crew, struck. The other 
Confederate gunboats, the Morgan and Graines, fled to the cover of the 
fort-guns, and the Morgan finally escaped to Mobile, while the Gaines 
was run ashore and burned. 

But the Tennessee resolved to make one bold attempt to retrieve 
the day. Under a full head of steam, she dashed at the Hartford. The 
United States fleet closed around her. The Monongahela struck her 
in the side, coming at full speed, but the blow, and the broadside, left 
her unharmed. Again the Monongahela drew ofi', and came on, crush- 
ing in her own beak ; then the Lackawanna ran crashing on, to recoil 
shattered by the shock. The Hartford tried to strike her, but slid 
along. Then the Chickasaw and Manhattan, monitors, attacked her 
at the stern, battering her considerably. The Tennessee had bravelj 
stood all this tremendous pummelling, but her smoke-stack, her steer- 
ing-chains, her port-shutters Avere all disabled ; it was useless to pro- 
long the contest, so seeing the Hartford, Lackawanna, and Ossipee, 
all about to ram her, Admiral Buchanan, severely wounded himself, 
surrendered. 

Farragut's loss had been heavy, but the Confederate fleet was gone. 
His complete victory cost him in killed and drowned, a hundred and 
sixty-five, while a hundred and seventy were wounded. 

The remaining forts were now to be reduced, but in the night. Fort 
Powell was evacuated and blown up ; and the next day Fort Gaines 
was so effectively shelled that it surrendered, though Colonel Ander- 
son was bitterly reproached by General Page, and generally in the 
South, for yielding. Yet Page himself held out only one day in Fort 
Morgan. With its fall the outworks of Mobile passed into the hands 



^22 THE STOET OF A GREAT NATION ; 

of the United States, the Confederacy losing a fleet, three forts, a hun- 
dred and four guns, and nearly fifteen hundred men as piisouers of 
war. 



CHAPTER XV. 

The Presidential Election — Movements for Peace — The Negotiations at Hampton Roads- 
Forrest's last Raid — Hood advances, and Thomas falls back to Nashville — Bloody Battle at 
Franklin — The Battle at Nashville — Thomas attacks Hood on the right and left, and car- 
lies his first Line — He storms Overton's Hill — Hood routed and driven across the Tennessee 
— Breckinridge driven into North Carolina — Saltville taken. 

The year 1864, amid all the din of war, was the period for a new 
Presidential election, and part)' feeling was strong. A Radical Con- 
vention held at Cleveland, in May, nominated General John C. Fre- 
mont for President, and General John Cochrane for Vice-President, 
but both these soon withdrew. The Union National Convention of 
the Republican party met at Baltimore in June, and renominated Abra- 
ham Lincoln for President, while for Vice-President they put forward 
Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, a man of much ability and experience. 
It was a curious circumstance, that a party arrayed against the Soutli 
thus selected as its candidates natives of Southern States. 

The Democratic Convention did not meet till August when General 
George B. McClellan was nominated as President, and George H. 
Pendleton of Ohio, as Vice-President. 

Both parties prepared for the election by stirring appeals, but the 
general voice ■was evidently in favor of the Republican party. When 
the election came off, the vote in the States which were not under 
Confederate control, and in which alone the election was held, gave 
Mr. Lincoln two million two hundred thousand votes, and McClellan 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 923 

one million eight hundred thousand ; but he secured the votes of only 
three States, New Jersey, Delaware, and Kentucky, which gave 
twenty-one votes ; all the rest giving two hundred and twelve votes 
for Lincoln and Johnson. 

With their power thus confirmed, the Republican party, at the next 
Congress, passed, 31st Januar}", 1865, a Constitutional Amendment 
abolishing and forever prohibiting slavery. 

This bloody war had desolated the country for four years, and at 
last efforts were made to negotiate and restore peace. President Lin- 
coln showed an inclination to meet the Confederate leaders, and he 
went down to Fortress Monroe, where, on the 3d of February, a confer- 
ence was held between him and Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State, 
and tliree Confederate delegates, Alexander H. Stephens, John A, 
Campbell, and Robert M. T. Hunter. The restoration of the Union 
was the point on which Mr. Lincoln insisted absolutelj', but to which 
the Southern delegates would not listen. They, unfortunately were 
led by their feelings, and threw aside a favorable opportunity to se- 
cure terms such as nothing but a series of victories could win for 
Ihem. 

Meanwhile, hostilities had gone on in the field. Forrest, in the lat- 
ter part of September, with a cavalry force, invested Colonel Camp- 
bell, at Athens, and that officer pusillanimously surrendered, just as 
troops arrived for his relief, onl}^ to be captured also. The alarm was, 
Iiowever, given, and Rousseau on one side, Steedman on another, and 
Morgan on another, endeavored to cut off the daring cavalry leader 
of the South, but all in vain : Forrest eluded them all, and, carrying 
on his work of destruction to the last, crossed the Tennessee at 
Bainbridcje, and made off. 



0-24 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION) 

Hood, meanwhile, after advancing almost to Chattanooga, moved 
westward upon Decatur, an important point, where several railroad 
lines crossed. General Gordon Granger was posted here, and Hood 
pushed up his lines of rifie-pits, threatening an assault ; but Granger^, 
in a sortie, flanked his rifle-pits on the left, and carried a battery on his- 
right. Nettled as he was at this, Hood durst not waste time, but. 
pushed on, and crossed the Tennessee at Floreuce, while Forrest, again 
in the saddle, made a dash at Johnsonville, a place where important 
stores had been accumulated. It held out bravely, but so fierce was 
the attack that the besieged fired their gunboats and transports, the 
flnmes spreading to the town, destroj-ing a million and a half dollars'' 
worth of supplies, which Thomas greatly needed. Part of Taylor's? 
army from Louisiana now joined Hood, and it was clear that Nash- 
' vilie was his object. Thomas pushed forward the Fourth Corps, Gen- 
eral Stanley, and Twenty-Third Corps, General Schofield, to Pulaski, 
to check his march. These, numbering twenty thousand men, with 
eight thousand cavalr}', constituted his army, while Hood was advanc- 
ing on him with forty thousand infantry, and twelve thousand most 
effective cavalry, Sherman's march to the sea relieving him from ali 
fear of attack from that general. 

As Hood advanced, Generals Schofield and Granger fell back or 
Nashville. On the 30th of November Schofield took up a position on 
the southern verge of Franklin, in a bend of Harpeth River, and throw- 
iiiu- up a breastwork, prepared to fight in order to give his trains time 
to get well on towards Nashville. Hood soon came up with his van, 
but seeing the strong line, waited till a\l his force arrived. Then, with 
Stewart on his right, and Cheatham on his left, and Forrest'*. 
hor,se on either side, he prepared for a decisive charge. "Break. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 925 

those lines," shouted the Confederate general to his men, " and 
there is nothing more to withstand you this side of the Ohio Eiver ! " 
With a wild cheer they dashed on. Over Schofleld's advanced works 
they poured like a torrent, hurling back in disorder two brigades 
which held them, and then breaking through Schofield's centre, captured 
Carter's Hill with eight guns, planting the Confederate flag on the 
breastworks. The day seemed lost, and men began to stream back in 
flight. But behind the hill stood Opdycke's brigade, and above the 
din rang out its commander's clarion voice : " First brigade, forward to 
the works ! " With the last rays of sunset gleaming on their levelled 
bayonets, they swept up to the scene of disaster, and in a few moments 
stood victorious at the old line, with not a Confederate in sight except 
dead, wounded, or prisoners ; recapturing the guns, and holding as 
trophies ten of Hood's battle-flags, so sudden and unexpected had been 
his charge. 

But Hood was not defeated. Till ten o'clock at night he sent his 
brave men into action, now on SchofiehJ's right, then on the flank ; but 
every assault was repulsed, and his veterans recoiled with steadily 
decreasing lines. At midnight the noise of battle died away. Scho- 
fleld's trains were well on their way, so he drew out his men, and 
marching steadily on, by noon drew up within Thomas' lines of works 
defending Nashville. 

Hood lost in this sanguinary battle Cleburne, one of the best South- 
ern generals, with four brigadiers killed, his death-roll running up to 
seventeen hundred, his total loss to more than six thousand, while 
Schofleld's loss in killed was less than two hundred. 

Hood at last confronted Thomas at Nashville, but the odds were 
againflt him. His army of forty thousand was faced by Thomas' force. 



056 THK STORY or A GREAT NATION . 

which every day strengthened. The passing steamboats landed 
A. J. Smith's command from Missouri ; the railroad trains rattled up 
with Steedman's force from Chattanooga. On the 14th of December 
Thomas began the battle, Steedman, on his left, attacking Hood, to mis- 
lead him, while in the morning. Smith, with Wilson's cavalry, struck 
Chalmers in flank, and after a severe fight, routed him, taking Hood's 
whole line of defense, and forcing him back to a new line. But Hood 
was not easily beaten ; so that Thomas, pushing on again, confronted 
him, Smith in the centre ; Wood and Steedman, on the left ; Schofield 
and Wilson on the right. Wilson's cavalry soon reached Hood's rear, 
while Wood and Steedman assailed Overton's hill, but as they strug- 
gled over abatis, were mowed down with volleys of musketry, can- 
ister, and grape. Smith and Schofield, more successful, carried the 
works before them; and when their loud huzzas rang. out, and Wilson 
was known to be in the rear, Wood and Steedman again charged, and 
in spite of the murderous fire, swept all before them. Hood's army 
fled broken and disorganized to Franklin, Chalmers' cavalry holding 
the road for a time, till Spalding carried it with the 12th Tennessee 
horse. Then the pursuit was renewed : eighteen hundred wounded 
were taken, and two hundred United States soldiers were recaptured 
at Franklin. The pursuit was kept up for several days, till heavy 
rains made the roads impracticable, and the rivers too deep for an 
army to cross without pontoons. 

The victor}' was complete. Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur were 
again reoccupied. 

Stoneman then, in a brilliant campaign, drove Breckinridge into 
North Carolina, and captured Saltville, destroying the salt-works, loco- 
motives, and rolling stock. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

^Sherman's March to the Sea — Mode of Proceeding — Fights on the way — Before Savannah — 
Hazen storms Fort McAllister — Sherman meets Foster and Dahlgren — Savannah evacuated — 
Slierman's Christmas-present to President Lincoln — Operations to co-operate with him— 
He crosses the Edisto — Actions at Branchville, Orangeburg, and on the Cougaree — Co- 
lumbia surrendered — The Conflagration — Hardee evacuates Charleston — Tlie Stars and 
Stripes raised at Sumter — Sherman enters North Carolina— Fay etteville — Actions at Averys- 
borough and Bentonville — Goldsborough — The Expeditions against Fort Fisher — It is car- 
ried at last — Fall of Wilmington — Hoke's Repulse — Wilson's brilliant cavalry Campaign 
in Alabama — Canby reduces Mobile. 

We will now return to General Sherman. When he left Thomas to 
cope with Hood, he prepared to march to the sea with the Fourteenth, 
Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and Twentieth Corps, organized in two grand 
divisions under Generals Howard and Slocum, with cavahy on the 
flanks, General Sherman marching and camping alternately witli each 
wing, which moved at some miles distance apart. They were to live 
on the country, and did so, sending out foraging parties which swept 
the State like a swarm of locusts. On the march, they demolished 
railroads, bridges, and all military stores and supplies that were not 
needed for their own use. 

Milledgeville was entered without opposition on the 23d of Novera* 
ber, 1864. Pushing on from this, the first opposition of any moment 
was encountered by General Kilpatrick, who, while attempting to 
reach and liberate the United States prisoners held at Milden, was at- 
tacked by General Wheeler, and compelled to dismount, and throw up 
a breastwork for his defense. 



928 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Sherman crossed the Ogeechee oq the last day of November, and 
his two columns, sweeping on their relentless course of desolation, 
brushing aside all the small parties df the enemy, at last united before 
Savannah. The Confederates had been in uncertainty at what pre- 
cise point he was striking, and he kept them in doubt by his course, 
Kilpatrick engaging Wheeler at Briar Creek, on the 4th of December. 

Six days after, Savannah was completely beleaguered, and Hazen 
was in front of Fort McAllister, and Sherman and Howard opened 
communication with Admiral Dahlgren, and General Foster on the 
fleet outside. 

Then Hazen attacked the fort. Over torpedoes and abatis, his gal- 
lant fellows rushed, the fiery volleys never checking their line as they 
poured over the parapet, and took the fort. The garrison surren- 
dered, with twenty-two guns and ammunition. 

When Sherman saw the Stars and Stripes floating over McAllister, 
he went down and congratulated Hazen, and the next day met Dahl- 
gren on board the Harvest Moon. 

Heavy guns were then brought up to bombard Savannah. Gren- 
eral Sherman formally summoned Hardee, the Confederate general in 
the city, to surrender, but he refused. The siege-guns were then, 
placed in position, but it was soon discovered that on the dark and 
windy night of the 20th, Hardee crossed the Savannah on a pontoon, 
bridge, and retreated towards Charleston, so silently as to escape the 
notice of Sherman's pickets. He had destroyed his iron-clads and 
other vessels, with much ammunition, but left his cannon and cottoa 
intact. 

Sherman had thus swept across the South, and taken one of the 
groat cities and ports with no loss but that of sixty-three men killed, 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 92!' 

and two hundred and fortj^-five wounded. He telegraphed to the 
President : 

" I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, 
with one hundred and fifty heavy guns, and plenty of ammunition, 
,aud also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton." 

During his march several movements had been made to distract the 
enemy's attention. Two from Vicksburg, sent out by General Dana, 
and a third under Grierson, from Memphis. Various engagements 
occurred, the hardest fight being at Egypt, on the 27th of December. 
Foster on the sea-coast had, though sufi'ering from an unhealed wound, 
kept the Confederates on the alert, by movements against the Charles- 
ton and Savannah railroads. 

After remaining a month at Savannah, to refit his army, Sherman 
resumed his march. On the 1st of February, his whole army moved 
northward in two columns. South Carolina felt that her hour of des- 
olation was come, but she would not submit tamely. Governor 
Magrath called out as militia every able-bodied white man not already 
in service ; the slaves, who had not yet had a chance to escape to 
Sherman's army, as thousands had done in Georgia, were driven in 
gangs to work at felling trees to impede the roads. But Sherman 
came on relentless as fate, his men marching knee-deep through 
swamps, routing the first opposition at the Salkehatchie, and driving 
the Confederates beyond the Edisto. By menacing Augusta and 
Charleston, he kept the Confederate forces divided, and went on tearing 
up the railroads. 

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, was reached on the 17th, 
and as Wade Hampton fled it surrendered without a blow, but after 
Sherman's army passed through, much of the citj- was reduced to 



930 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

a-jhes. Who fired it is one of the disputed points of history. Sher- 
man says that ilie Confederates under Hampton fired their cotton, 
which set fire to the houses. The Confederates and their allies, the 
British Grovernment and people, charge that Sherman's array set it on 
fire. It was a time of terror and humiliation for the haughty capital 
of South Carolina. An enemy holding the city, flames on all sides, 
the air like a furnace, the streets impassable, frightened men, women, 
and children running in all directions. 

The fate of Charleston was now decided. General Hardee pre- 
])ared to evacuate the cradle of Secession. Every building, ware- 
house, or shed stored with cotton, was fired by a guard detailed for 
the purpose. The fire thus kindled proved nearly as disastrous to 
Charleston as Wade Hampton's did to Columbia. The powder in the 
northwestern railroad depot caught and exploded, killing no less than 
two hundred people. From this point the fire spread rapidly, laying 
several squares in ashes. 

Sherman entered the fire-scourged city on the 18th, and the United 
States flag was at last raised again on the ruins of Fort Sumter. 

Sherman's march through Greorgia, had been one of devastation ; 
but through sparsely settled South Carolina, it was even more destruc- 
tive. It has been well said that no other State or section has, in mod- 
ern times, been so thoroughly devastated in a single campaign, signal- 
ized by as little fighting as was South Carolina by that march. 

Fayetteville, North Carolina, was Sherman's next point. On the 
way, Kilpatrick, after deluding and battling Wheeler, was suddenly 
attacked by Wade Hampton, surprised and routed, with the loss of his 
guns. He rallied, and charging on foot, recovered his guns, and' 
turned them on the late victors, who in turn fled in all haste as 



OR, OUR country's achievemknts. 931 

Mitchell came up to Kilpatrick's relief with a brigade of in- 
fail try. 

At Fayetteville, Sherman destroyed the United States arsenal with 
its machinery. He rested here three days to reorganize his army. 
The Confederates were now gathering in force around him. Hardee, 
with the troops from Savannah \and Charleston ; Beauregard from 
Columbia, Cheatham from Tennessee, Wheeler and Hampton's cav- 
alry, with militia from North Carolina, now formed an army of forty 
thousand men, Avith the able (general Joseph Johnston at its head. 
Sherman pushed on to Averysborough, where a battle was fought on 
the 10th of March, but Hardee was defeated with loss, the Twentieth 
Corps, under Williams, and the Fourteenth, winning laurels by their 
gallantry. 

On the 18th of March, Slocum, driving in Debbrell's Confederate 
cavalry near Goldsboro', was assailed by Johnston's whole army. 
Carlin's brigades were hurled back with the loss of three guns. Slo- 
cum saw his peril, and throwing up such intrenchments as he could, stood 
on the defensive in a well-formed line, with Kilpatrick on his left. Then 
Johnston charged furiously ; six times in succession his meu rushed on 
to the assault, but the fire of artillery and musketry mowed them 
down. In vain did Johnston strain every nerve to crush Slocum be- 
fore relief could reach him. Finding this impossible, he drew off, and 
intrenched in a strong position, a sort of triangle facing Slocum on one 
side, and on the other Howard, who had come up to Slocum's relief. 
Sherman, meanwhile, sent Schofield to gain Johnsten's rear and cut off 
his retreat, but Johnston was not to be caught. He decamped at 
night, and retreated on Raleigh. 

Sherman then pushed on to Groldsboro', whence, leaving Generals 



932 THE STOKY OF A GltEAT NATION ; 

ferry and Schofielcl in command, he ran on to City Point, to confer 
with President Lincoln, and Generals Grant and Meade. He had 
fought his way through the very heart of the Confederacy, taken sev- 
eral of the most important Southern cities, and was now with a victo- 
rious army, ready to co-operate in any plan of the Commander-in- 
chief. His stay was brief, and on the 30th of March he was again at 
the head of his array in North Carolina. Some other operations had 
meanwhile been undertaken in North Carolina, from Grant's army. 
To seize Wilmington, and cut off the supplies received by the Confed- 
erates through that port was an important object. To attain it, an ex- 
pedition under General Butler proceeded on Commodore Porter's fleet 
in December. After an abortive attempt to blow up Fort Fisher, a 
Confederate work commanding the main channel at the New Inlet 
leading up to Wilmington, Porter bombarded it with the ironsides 
Canonicus, Mahopac, Minnesota, and other large ships. In seventy- 
five minutes he silenced its guns, set it on fire in several places, and 
blew up two magazines. The fire was renewed on the 27th of Decem- 
l)er, and Butler then landed to assault the fort, but finding it too 
strong, abandoned the attempt. General Terry was next sent 
down by Grant with fresh troops. Again the ironclads rained their 
missiles on the fort ; then, on the 14th of January, Terry landed. 
The next day, a terrible fire from the fleet drove the Confederates 
to their bomb-proofs, and then two thousand sailors and marines, 
who had gradually worked their way up to within two hundred 
yards of the fort, rushed up by the flank along the beach. But 
as the fleet's fire ceased, the Confederates sprang to their works, the 
sailors were swept down by canister, grape, and musketry ; though 
some gained the parapet, they were repulsed. On the left Curtis' bri- 



OR, OTTR COUKTUT's ACIIlEVEHrKNTS. 933 

gade drove the Confederates from the heavy palisading, and while 
most were fighting the sailors, gained part of the works. Reinforce» 
meuts came up, and the fight went ou, tlie Confederates, animated by 
their commander, Major-Gcneral Whiting, resisting with stubborn 
courage. At last they were driven out of the fort, and attempted to 
escape, but were forced to surrender, their commander receiving his 
death-wound before he yielded. Terry took over two thousand pris- 
oners, and one hundred and sixty guns, losing one Jiundred and ten 
killed, and five hundred and thirty-six wounded in the desperate as- 
sault. 

Fort Caswell, with other works, was then abandoned and destroyed 
by the Confederates. 

General Schofield, with his Twenty-third Corps, was then ordered 
from the West by Grant, and sent down to Terry, who at once ad- 
vanced on Fort Anderson, the chief remaining work between him and 
Wilmington. Hoke, the Confederate general, hastily abandoned it, 
and fell back to Town Creek, where he intrenched ; General Cox, who 
had been thrown over the Cape Fear, pursued and routed hira, then 
pushed on towards Wilmington. General Terry, on the^ peninsula, had 
been unable to carry Hoke's works before him, but Wilmington was won. 
Hoke retreated, destroying two privateers, steamers, cotton and stores 
to a large amount. He was soon pursued, but turning suddenly oa 
Colonel Upham, captured seven hundred of his men, though in attempt- 
ing to attack Schofield, he found it too dangerous, the attempt resulting 
in very heavy loss. Hoke then resumed his retreat, and soon reached 
Johnston's army, while Schofield entered Goldsboro', just before 
Sherman reached it, as we have already seen. 

A great and brilliant cavalry campaign iu the West under General 



934 THE f^TOKY OF A GKEAT NATION ; 

Wilson, had captui'ed iraportaut Confederate towns, and at last routed 
Forrest. 

Wilson crossed the Tennessee on the 18th of March, with a splendid 
body of light armed and equipped cavaliy, numbering in all fifteen 
thousand men. Selma, in Alabama, was the first point aimed at, and 
Forrest was found strongly posted on Boyle's Creek, with about five 
thousand men. Wilson attacked with Long's and Upton's divisions. 
Long, on the right, charged and carried the guns before him, while 
Upton, on the Maplesville road, made short work there. In a brief 
struggle, the hitherto victorious cavalry officer of the Confederacy 
was driven from the field with heavy loss in guns and men, and did not 
halt till he was twenty miles from the field. He made a stand, at 
Selma, by order of General Dick Taj'lor, but Wilson imrsued him 
rapidly, and on the 3d of April, attacked him in his new lines. Long 
fell at the head of his men, but they swept on over the Confederate 
intrenchments, driving Forrest's men pell-mell into Selma. There 
they rallied again with stubborn energy, but Upton charged in his 
turn, and Selma was taken, with thirty-two guns, and twenty-seven 
hundred prisoners. The butcher Forrest, with about three thousand, 
escaped by night, after burning twenty-five thousand bales of cotton. 
Wilson sacked the town, destroyed the arsenal, factories, foundries, 
and all the cotton that was left. 

After repairing bridges, Wilson pushed on, and early in the morning 
of the 12th of April entereil Montgomery, xi.labama, where the Con- 
federate Government was first organized. It was ablaze with bum 
ing cotton, no less than a hundred and twenty-five thousand bales hav- 
ing been burned there by Wirt Adams, the late Confederate com- 
mandant. At Columbus, Georgia, which he reached on the 16th, Wilson 



OR, OUR COUT^TRy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 935 

had a sharp fight, but finally took the place, destroying the Confeder- 
ate ram Jackson, which lay there, locomotives, cars, and thousands of 
bales of cotton. -J 

The same day, a detachment under Lagrange took Fort Tyler, at 
West Point, killing General T^'ler. the commander, and capturing his 
whole force. 

Vfilsou kept on his career till April 21st, when he was informed by 
General Howell Cobb that the war was virtually ended. 

Further south, General Canby had prepared to reduce Mobile, and 
on the 28th of March, Spanish fort was invested by the Sixteenth and 
Thirteenth Corps, the fleet joining in the siege, although two vessels, 
the Metacomet and Octorara, were blown up by torpedoes. After a 
tremendous bombardment, the guns of the fort were silenced on the 
8th of April, at midnight, and at two o'clock' in the morning the 
American troops entered unopposed, most of the garrison escaping, 
although six hundred and fifty-two, with thirty heavy guns, fell into 
the hands of the United States forces. Forts Tracy and Huger were 
then attacked, but they were speedily evacuated. But Generals^ 
Thomas and Cockrill held Blakely, with three thousand Confederates; 
and abundant artillery. General Garrard led the assault on their 
works, under a fearful storm of shell and shrapnel, and carried them, 
while Rinnekin's and Gilbert's brigades, turning the Confederate left, 
captured Thomas and a thousand men, who wei-e endeavoring to es- 
cape. On the right, colored troops shouting " Remember Fort Pil- 
low ! " swept over the Confederate works. 

Fort Blakely was won, but at the cost of a thousand killed and 
wounded. The Confederates lost five hundred killed and wounded, 
three thousand prisoners, thirty-two cannon, four thousand muskets. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

The Close of the War— Grant begins operations— The Coufederate Rams in the James — Sher- 
idan in the Valley again — He crushes Early — Wheels around Lee's Lines and reports to 

Grant Lee's bold Dash — He takes Fort Steedman — Grant's Advance on the Confederate Lines 

. Slieridan at Five-Forks — General Assault by Grant — Forts Gregg and Alexander earned — 

Lee defeated, and A. P. Hill killed — He telegraphs to Davis that Richmond must be evac- 
uated The Confederate Capital in Confusion and Flames — Weitzel enters it — Lee's Retreat 

Sheridan heads him off — Grant proposes a Surrender— Lee hesitates — Appomattox Court 

House— Surrender of Lee's Army of Virguiia. 

The great Civil Wear was now verging to its close. Even those in 
Europe who had encouraged the Confederates, in the hope of seeing 
the great Eepublic broken up and ruined, began to see that the United 
States Government would ultimately reduce the' revolting States. 
Every great port from Norfolk to New Orleans was once more 
under the flag of the United States. The only large armies of the 
Confederates were now in Virginia and North Carolina, but they were 
confronted by armies superior in numbers, arms, and material of war. 

In Virginia, the first operation in 1865 was the descent of the Con- 
federate iroii-clads, Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Vicksbnrg, with 
five wooden steamers, and three torpedo-boats. Breaking General 
Butler's chain at Dutch Gap, on the 25th of January, the Fredericks- 
burg passed through, the Drewry stuck fast and was soon abandoned, 
and then blown up by a shell from the land batteries. The Virginia 
was pierced by a bolt which killed several, and after a battle which 
lasted all day, the Confederate fleet retired to "Richmond. 

On the 5th of February Grant opened his campaign, endeavoring 



OUK country's ACiUEVEMENTS. 937 

to turn Lee's right at Dinwiddie Court House, with the Fifth Corps, 
while the Second charged in front. A sharp action ensued, in which 
Lee, endeavoring to take Grant's column on the left and rear, drove 
back Gregg's cavalry, as well as Ayres'and Crawford's divisions, with 
a loss of two thousand men. Grant, however, had gained ground, 
extending his left to Hatcher's Run. 

Three weeks later, Sheridan, in the Shenandoah Valley, dashed out 
of Winchester, with ten thousand mounted men, and, galloping down, 
surprised Early at Waynesborough, capturing sixteen hundred out of 
twenty-five hundred men, with cannon, arms, and wagons. Then 
sending back his prisoners under guard, he pushed on towards the 
James, destroying military stores and depots. Unable to reach Grant's 
left, he swept around Lee's array, destroying bridges, railroads, and 
canals, till he reached White House, and on the 27th of March re« 
ported to Grant in front of Petersburg. 

There the great struggle had already commenced. Two days before, 
at dawn, the Confederates, under Gordon, had dashed like a lightning 
flash upon Fort Steedraan, the very centre of Grant's line. The sur- 
prise was complete : nearly the whole garrison were taken on the spot; 
the adjacent batteries were abandoned, and the guns were all turned 
on Grant's astonished troops. 

But the Confederate forces did not press up to support Gordon, the 
decisive moment was lost, when Grant's line might have been cut 
through. The United States troops rallying, so encircled Gordon as 
to cut off his escape, and two thousand were taken. Then Meade, 
without loss of time, pushed the Sixth and Second Corps forward, 
carrying Lee's intrenched picket-line, which had been left slightly 
guarded. 



938 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

On the 27th, Grant pushed forward "Warren's corps (the Second), 
and Humphrey's (the Fifth), across Hatcher's Run, to strike Lee's right, 
while Sheridan was still further to the left with his cavalrv. Through 
rain and mud they pushed on, Warren fighting steadily, till they 
found the enemy strongly posted at Five Forks. Lee, alive to his 
danger, at ten the next morning dealt Warren a staggering blow, 
striking Ayres' division heavily iu the flank and rear, routing it and 
Crawford's. G-rifiin's division saved the. corps, and with Humphrey's 
corps finally repulsed Lee's charges, though they could not carry his 
position. Sheridan, meanwhile, had made another dash at Five Forks, 
which he carried, but Lee struck out, driving Devin and Davies Ijack, 
and cutting them off from Sheridan, who finally centred his command 
at Dinwiddle. 

Sheridan, the next day, prepared to carry Five Forks, and ordered 
Warren to assail the enemy's left iu full force. This was done so 
slowly, that he impetuously relieved Warren from duty, putting Grif- 
fin in command of the corps. 

The Confederates, Pickett's and Bushrod Johnson's divisions, were 
unable to resist the concentrated attack. Ayres and GriSin carried 
their works, capturing two thousand five hundred prisoners. Crawford 
had taken them in the rear, cutting off their retreat, so that Ayres 
and Griffin soon drove all the remaining Confederates in disor- 
derly flight westward, and before night Sheridan had carried the 
long coveted position completely, having taken in all five thousand 
prisoners, his own loss all told not exceeding a thousand. 

Lee's right wing was demolished. Grant then opened a furious can- 
nonade on Lee's works before Petersburg, and next morning made a 
grand attack. Parke, with his Ninth Corps, carried the outer works 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 939 

before him ; Wright, with the Sixth, drove everything before him on 
the left, sweeping down the rear of the intrenchraents, Ord's corps 
forced Lee's position at Hatcher's Run, and finally carried Forts 
Gregg and Alexander, but not till Harris's Mississippi brigade, holding 
the former, was reduced to thirty men. 

Humphrey and Sheridan had not been idle on the left. It was a 
bitter day for Lee. Longstreet came up from Richmond ; A. P. Hill, 
on the left, endeavoring to regain the lost works on his left, was killed. 
Lee saw that he could not hold Petersburg much longer. Ten thou- 
sand of his gallant men had fallen, with one of his ablest generals, in 
the vain attempt to maintain his lines. At half past ten on that eventful 
day (Sunday, April 2d), he telegraphed to President Davis, at Rich- 
mond : " My lines are broken in three places : Richmond must be 
evacuated this evening." It reached him while in church. He at once 
left the temple of religion. The news spread, and the city which had 
for nearly four years been the capital of the Confederacy became a 
scene of the wildest confusion. Government officials were removing 
archives, treasury, stores, arms ; citizens were endeavoring to fly with 
property ; bands of lawless desperadoes roved about plundering ; then 
Ewell set fire to the great tobacco warehouses ; the rams were blown 
up, all the shipping at the docks scuttled or fired ; as well as the 
bridges. With flames spreading on all sides, the city soon became 
one vast conflagration, as tongues of flame leaped from street to sti'eet 
Before the elaborate defenses of Richmond lay only Weitzel, with 
two divisions, unaware of what was going on so near, till Lieutenant 
de Pe^^ster, from the signal tower, reported that the city seemed on 
fire. At four in the morning, a negro drove in in a buggy, announcing 
that Richmond had been abandoned. 



940 ' THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION", 

Only at daylight did the troops dare to advance through the intri- 
cate works, thick set with torpedoes. Then Weitzel and his staff, at 
six o'clock in the morning, rode into the suburbs of the city, amid the 
roar of exploding shells and falling walls, welcomed by the shouts of 
negroes. The flag of the United States was at once raised over the 
Capitol, the city was placed under military rule, and every effort 
made to check the conflagration, but it burned out the very heart of 
Yirginia's capital ; warehouses, post-offices, banks, in fact one-third of 
the city, before it was extinguished. 

Petersburg also was evacuated, and as the telegraph bore the news 
throughout the North, the day became a holiday of public rejoicing ; 
bells rang out, and cannon thundered forth the exultation of the 
people. 

The Confederate Government was now a fugitive affair, making its 
first temporary stand at Danville. 

Lee's army, now reduced to some thirty-five thousand men, was in a 
critical position. His progress southward was prevented by Grant's 
extension of his line. He pushed on to Amelia Court House, hoping 
to receive supplies from Lynchburg and Danville, but Sheridan inter- 
cepted them. Lee then retreated west, pursued by Meade and 
Sheridan. In vain he turned from time to time to fight. They cut 
off wagons and guns : Ewell's corps was cut off from Lee, surrounded, 
and taken. General Read, with a small force, struck the head of Lee's 
line, and endeavored to check its progress : ho was killed in the des- 
perate rush of the Confederates, but though Lee managed to cross the 
Appomattox, at Farmville, his men were fainting and falling by the 
way, his horses dying of hunger. 

During the night of the 6th the general officers of the fleeing array 




LEE SUKEEJSIDEl'.S TO GRANT. 



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OR, Orii COUNTKY's ACITIEVEMEXT3. 941 

met around a bivouac fire in council. A capitulation was decided 
upon, and they iuibnned General Lee of their conviction. 

The next day came a letter from General Grant, asking Lee to sur- 
render, and avoid a hopeless straggle and useless effusion of blood. 
Lee, after repulsing an attack made by Humphreys, replied, asking the 
terms. Grant stated but one condition ; that the officers and men sur- 
rendered should be disqualified from taking up arms again against the 
government of the United States, until properly exchanged. 

Again the retreat and inirsuit went on. The army of Virginia 
made its last charge on the 9 th, to repel Sheridan, but when behind it 
were seen the serried lines of Grant's main army, the white flag was 
raised. Hostilities were suspended. General Grant and General 
Lee met immediately at the dwelling house of W. McLean, near the 
Appomattox Court House. The interview was not prolonged. Com- 
missioners were appointed. General Grant agreed to parole the otfi- 
cers and men : the arms, artillery, and public property to be packed, 
and stacked, and turned over to his officers. Then each officer and 
man was to be allowed to return home. Twenty-seven thousand men, 
the remnant of Lee's arm}^ of a hundred and fifty thousand, were includ- 
ed in this capitulation, but probably not more than ten thousand had 
retained their arms in the flight. 

The parting of Lee with the officers and soldiers who had so bravely 
and devotedly fought under his orders was a sad one. Receiving ra- 
tions and transportation, the almost starving soldiers of the Lost 
Cause started for their homes ; the arm}' which had for four years 
menaced Washington, and held the vast power of the United States 
at bay, melted away, and General Lee, with the reputation of one 
of the greatest generals of his day, retired to private life. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

Abraham Lincoln's Second Term — His Inauguration — He receives the News of the Fall of 
Richmond — He visits that City — His last Proclamations — He is assassinated in Ford's 
Theatre, AVashington, by John Wilkes Booth — Simultaneous Attempts to assassinate Mr. 
Seward, the Secretary of State — Death of Mr. Lincoln — Effect throughout the Country^ 
Its terriljly disastrous Consequences to the South. 

On the 4th of March, 1865, Mr. Lincoln was for the second time in- 
augurated as President of the United States. His address was brief, 
solemn, and full of religious thought. Of the war, which might be re- 
garded as closed, he said : "Both parties deprecated war ; but one of 
them would make war, rather than let the nation survive ; and the 
other would accept war, rather than let it perish — and the war came. 
Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration 
which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of 
the conflict, Slaver}', might cease with or even before the conflict itself 
should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less 
fundamental and astounding." 

He made no change in his cabinet, and in a short time after his in- 
auguration proceeded to General G-raut's headquarters, everything 
announcing that the final struggle was at hand, and no doubt being 
entertained of the result. 

From the 24th of March, till Richmond fell, he was almost con- 
stantly at City Point, and on the 4th of April, he accompanied Ad- 
miral Porter in a gunboat up to Rockett's, a mile below Richmond. 



OUR countpvt's achievements. 948 

There he landed, and attended by the Admiral and a few sailors, he 
walked up to the house recently occupied by Jefferson Davis. The 
soldiers, recognizing him, cheered, the negroes caught up the cry. 
After holding a levee, or reception, he drove through the city, and re- 
turned to City Point. Two days after, he paid another visit, and met 
some of the adherents of the late Confederate Government. To his 
moderation and magnanimity, the South now looked for generous 
treatment in its fallen fortunes. President Lincoln returned to Wash- 
ington, to prepare for the great work now before him, and on the 
12th of April issued two proclamations, one aimed at those foreign 
governments which had done so much to aid the Confederates. In this 
proclamation, he demanded for the ships of the United States in for- 
eign ports, on penalty of retaliation, those privileges and immunities 
which had for the last four years been denied them. 

The next day an order from the War Department put a stop to all 
drafting and recruiting, and all further purchases of arms and army 
.supplies. 

On the evening of the 14th of April, the President, with his wife 
and two others, drove to Ford's theatre, in Washington. While seated 
in a private box, at about half-past ten, and looking towards the stage, 
he was shot in the back of the head. The assassin, John Wilkes 
Booth, an actor, had presented a card to the President's messenger, 
\nd after standing for a few moments entered the vestibule of the box, 
and closed the door, securing it from the inside. Then with a pistol 
in one hand and dagger in the other, he entered the box, and jilacing 
his pistol close to the back of the President's head fired the fatal 
shot. 

The report startled the house, and Major Rathbone, who was in the 



044 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION"; 

box, grappled with him, but Booth burst from him, and shoutuig " Sic- 
semper tyranuis!" sprang over the trout of the box to tne stage, 
where he fell, his foot catchiug iu the American flag. Though his an- 
kle was sprained, he rushed across the stage, and out at the rear, ta 
a horse in waiting for him. Mounting it in haste, he rode off iu the 
gloom. 

Meanwhile, men gathered around the fallen President. The ball 
had crossed the brain, and lodged back (jf the right eye. Mr. Lincoln 
fell forward when shot, his eyes closed, but he uttered no cry. The 
surgeons, who were at once summoned, found him insensible, and saw 
that it was beyond the power of man to save his life. The dying 
President was then borne from the theatre across the street to the- 
house of a Mr. Peterson, and there laid on a bed. His breathing was 
regular, and he did not seem to struggle or to suffer pain. His wife 
and son, with physicians, and a clergyman, surrounded him, but no 
sign of recognition, or even of consciousness was given by the dying 
man. 

At twenty-two minutes past seven, on the 15th day of April, 1865, 
Abraham Lincoln expired. His remains were then removed to the 
President's house, and while the terrible tidings flashed on the tele- 
graph wire to all parts of the country, preparations were begun for 
his obsequies. 

Two Presidents had already died in ofiQce, but the long war that 
marked his administration, and the murderous circumstances attend- 
ing the death of Mr. Lincoln, made it deeply impressive. A general 
gloom pervaded the whole country. Flags hung at half-mast, public 
buildings and private residences were draped in black. 

His body was embalmed, and in solemn funeral borne to the Capi- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 945 

tol, where it lay in state till the 21st, when it was removed to be car- 
ried to Spriugfiekl, Illinois, the place of his abode when raised to the 
presidential chair. At Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and other 
cities on the way, it was received by a processi„a, and escorted on with 
funeral pomp. He was laid in his final resting-place on the 3d of 
May. 

His early life had been rough, and not favored with the education 
and culture that fall to the lot of so many, but his vigorous mind had 
raised him to eminence. As President in a most difficult period, he 
had evinced no animosity or rancor ; he was opposed to extreme 
measures, and yielded reluctantly to the force of circumstances in 
many of the acts which he finally adopted. For the South he enter- 
tained the most kindly feelings, and they soon learned how terrible 
a loss they had sustained in his mad assassination. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

ANDEEW JOHNSON, SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT, 1865-1869. 

Sketch of President Jolmson — His Inauguration — Investigation into Lincoln's Assassination 
— Pursuit of Bootli, his Capture and Deatli — Tlie Attempt to Assassinate Mr. Seward — A 
Conspiracy — Arrest of several — The bloody Court-martial — Hanging — The Conclusion of 
the War — The Surrender of Johnston — Other Confederate Bodies — Jefferson Davis attempts 
to escape — Pursued and captured — Imprisoned, but never tried — The Confederate Flag on 
the Ocean — The last of the British-built Ships —President Johnson and Congress — Their 
different Views as to the Treatment of the South — A Series of Collisions — Bitter Feeling 
of the Republican Party against the Man whom they had raised to Office — President John- 
son's Vetoes — Congress disregards them — Assumes to be the Government — One House of 
Congress impeaches the President, whom they had treated with every Dishonor — The other 
tries him — The great Impeachment Trial — Acquittal of the President — The South ruined 
by oppressive Reconstruction Acts — Fenian Affairs — Attempts to invade Canada — Prompt 
Action of Government — The Atlantic Cable — Close of Johnson's Administration. 

By the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, Andrew 
Johnson, who had so recently been inaugurated as Vice-President, 
became President of the United States. He was a man of the people, 
who had risen b}^ his own merit, and who had held many important 
offices, giving him great experience in the direction of public affairs. 
All this seemed to promise an administration peculiarly happy in its 
results, but so little can we judge of the future, that his short terra 
will be long remembered in the history of the country as in many re- 
spects one of the most unfortunate. 

Andrew Johnson was born at Raleigh, in the State of North Caro- 
lina, on the 29th December, 1808. He was deprived of a father's care 
when he was a mere child, and in his tenth year he was bound out to 



OUR country's achievements. 947 

learn the tailor's trade. He plied this humble calling for several 
years in South Carolina, but he was ambitious, and during that time, 
by his own unaided efforts, learned the rudiments of a plain English 
education. He fortunately married one who had enjoyed greater ad- 
vantages, and by her aid was able to extend his studies. Having re- 
solved to emigrate to the West, he settled at G-reenville, Tennessee^ 
and entering into public affairs, soon gained the respect of his fellow- 
citizens. In 1830, the poor tailor-boy of North Carolina was Mayor 
of Greenville. He was elected a member of the State Legislature in 
1835, and took his seat in the Senate of Tennessee in 1841. He was 
one of the representatives of that State in Congress, from 1843 to 
1853, his constituents during a period of ten j-ears constantly return- 
ing him. He then became Governor of the State, and in 1857, was 
chosen United States Senator. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he 
opposed the Confederate movement with great energy, and did much to 
save that State. President Lincoln appointed him military governor 
of Tennessee in 1862, and he was, as we have seen, elected Vice-Presi- 
dent in 1864. 

After Mr. Lincoln expired, the oath of oEce as President was 
quietly administered to Mr. Johnson in his rooms at the Kirkwood 
Hotel by Chief Justice Chase, in presence of the Cabinet and sev- 
eral members of Congress, his inauguration being without any parade. 

President Johnson entered at once on the discharge of the duties 
of his important post, making no change in the Cabinet. William H. 
Seward was thus Secretary of State ; Edwin H. Stanton, Secretar}- of 
War ; Hugh McCulloch, Secreta'"^ of the Treasury ; John P. Usher, 
vSecretary of the Interior ; William Dennison, Post-Master General : 
and James Speed, Attorney-General. 



948 THE STORY OF A OREAT NATIOjS'' ; 

At the moment Washington was a scene of terrible excitement 
The body of the late President lay on its bloody bier. The Secretary 
of State, Mr. Seward, was not expected to live, for on the same Right 
that Mr. Lincoln was shot, Lewis Payne Powell forced his way to the 
bed where Mr. Seward lay, having been thrown from his carriage and 
seriously injured. Felling young Frederick Seward to the ground, 
Payne rushed on the Secretary with a bowie-knife, and gave him three 
terrible stabs in the face and neck, but was fortunately secured by an 
invalid soldier, named Robinson, who was in attendance as a nurse. 

It was at once felt that the assassinations were part of a plot, and 
while hot pursuit was made after Booth, several persons were arrested 
as principals or accessories in the plot. Booth and Harold, an associ- 
ate, fled across the Potomac, and through Virginia to Bowling Grreen, 
in Caroline County, where they were overtaken in Garrett's barn. 
Harold surrendered, but Booth, attempting to fire on his pursuers, was 
shot through the head by Boston Corbet. 

On the 2d of May, the President issued a proclamation, in which, 
after stating that the assassination had been incited by Jefferson Davis, 
Jacob Thompson, and other prominent members of the Confederate 
Grovernment, or its agents in Canada, offered a reward of a hundred 
thousand dollars for the arrest of Mr. Davis, and smaller sums for the 
others. 

The same day, by another proclamation, he declared that the United 
States would refuse hospitality to all nations who gave hospitality to 
Confederate cruisers, and had virtually violated their treaties with the 
United States by their treatment of its vessels in their ports. 

The investigation into the assassination of the late President, and 
the attack on Secretary Seward, led to the arrest of George A. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 949 

Atzeroth, Edward Si3augler, the carpenter at Ford's theatre, Samuel 
Arnold, Michael O'Loughliu, and Mrs. Mary E. Surratt, the owner of 
a hotel called Surrattville, where Booth stoijped in his flight, and ob- 
tained arms and liquor. 

In the panic which had seized upon the public mind, government 
dared not bring these people to trial before the ordinary courts of law. 
It was therefore determined, by the advice of the Attorney-Greneral, 
to create a new tribunal, and President Johnson, on the 1st of May, 
ordere'd a Military Commission to be convened for their tria,!. 

It was a terrible step to take, fraught with the greatest danger to 
the liberties of the country. If citizens not belonging to the army 
and navy, or engaged in anj^ rebellion against constituted authority, 
•can be tried by a military tribunal, and deprived of trial by jury when- 
ever a President chooses to order their arrest, no one is safe, the lives 
of all are at the mercy of the President. 

By order of Mr. Johnson, the Assistant Adjutant-General selected 
Major-Grenerals Hunter and Lewis Wallace, with Generals Kautz, 
Howe, Foster, Ekiu, Harris, and two officers of lower grade to sit in 
judgment on Payne, Harold, and those already named, to whom was 
added Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, who had set Booth's leg during his flight. 
The accused were allowed to have counsel, but the temper of the court 
was shown at the outset by the remark of the presiding General Hun- 
ter, to the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, the counsel of Mrs. Surratt. "The 
day has passed," said General Hunter, " when freemen from the North 
were to be bullied and insulted by the humbug chivalry of the South." 

The proceedings of the Commission began on the 13th of May, in 
the Old Penitentiary, the prisoners, even Mrs. Surratt, being heavily 
loaded with irons. 



950 THE STOKY OI' A GREAT KATIOX ; 

On the 5th of July the Commission completed its labors, finding all 
the accused guilty, and sentencing Payne, Atzeroth, Harold, and Mrs. 
Surratt to death, O'Loughlin, Spangler, Arnold, and Mudd, to impris- 
onment for several years or for life. They signed a recommendation 
of mercy in behalf of Mrs. Surratt, but Judge Advocate Holt sup- 
pressed it, and it was not laid before the President. An attempt made 
in behalf of Mrs. Surratt, to have her tried before a Court of Justice^ 
was met by President Johnson's order suspending the Writ of Habeas 
Corpus especially in her case. Only three days were given them to 
prepare for death, and on the 9ih of July they were all exe- 
cuted. 

Mrs. Surratt's execution excited great feeling throughout the country, 
and for years those concerned in her death endeavored to shift the 
responsibility on each other. 

At the time the feeling of indignation among the whole people was 
so great, and the horror of the crime so deep, that the severest penal- 
ties on all who had been in any way associated with Booth was imper- 
atively demanded. Payne, Atzeroth, Harold, and O'Loughlin were 
undoubtedly implicated, and, in fact, admitted their crime. 

The treatment of the United States prisoners at Richmond, Belle 
Isle, Andersonville, Millen, and Salisbury, had filled the Northern 
States with such a deep feeling of indignation and horror, that the 
popular voice demanded a victim. The barbarities practiced were cer- 
tainly known to if not encouraged by the Confederate authorities, but 
government did not venture to bring any of them to trial on a charge 
of high treason. But as the Confederate officers placed over the pris- 
ons appeared to have been selected for their brutal caj)acity, to carrj 
out a system of malice, government resolved to bring to trial Cap- 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 951 

tain Henry Wirz, who had been jailer at Audersouville, and who was- 
accused of great cruelty. Again the fearful Military Commission was 
called together. Wirz was tried, and found guilty. He was hanged; 
on the 10th of November, 1865, and public feeling was ap- 
peased. 

The war was yet to be closed on laud. General Stoneman had, on 
the r2tli of April, defeated and scattered to the winds a Confederate 
force under Gardiner, which attempted to check him near Salisbury, 
where many United States prisoners were held. Two days before 
Sherman had moved upon Johnston's lines at Smithfield, but the Con- 
federate general, aware of Lee's surrender, retreated. However, on the 
I4th, when near Salisbury, he wrote to Sherman proposing a suspensioa 
of operations. This led to the signing of a basis of agreement in whicli 
many points were embraced that Sherman, as commander of an army, 
had no power to settle. The President at once rejected it, and General 
Grant in person proceeded to General Sherman's headquarters. On the 
26th, Johnston surrendered on the same terms that had been granted 
to General Lee. This event was followed, on the 4th of May, by the 
surrender of General Taylor's forces in Alabama to General Canby. 

The important armies of the power which had so long ruled the 
South thus passed out of existence, and the smaller corps scattered 
rapidly. A semblance of government was kept up by Jefferson Davis 
and his fugitive cabinet, but as he hastened through the South, one 
after another fell away, his cavalry escort dwindled down ; the proc- 
lamation offering a reward for his arrest as a murderer, transformed 
the late powerful President into a mere fugitive. His only hope was 
to get to seaboard and escape, or reach one of the armies still exist- 
ing beyond the Mississippi. But on the 7th of May, he was surprised 



952 

and captured at daybreak by Lieutenant-Colonel Pritchard of the 
Fourth Michigan cavalry. 

He was at ouce conveyed to Savannah, and thence by sea to Fortress 
Monroe, where he was subjected to a long and rigorous imprisonment. 
Vice-President Stephens and Secretaj-y Reagan were also captured, 
and confined in Fort Warren, near Boston. 

Thus fell the Confederacy, and the war, which had so long desolated 
the fairest part of our country, came to an end. 

Although the Confederate Government had ceased to exist, and its 
armies had surrendered or dispersed, the flag yet floated on the ocean, 
on vessels built and fitted-out in England. The powerful iron-clad 
Stonewall, closely watched by the Niagara and Sacramento, dodged 
from one friendly port to another, and finally running into Havana, 
was taken in charge by the Spanish authorities, and transferred to the 
United States. 

The Shenandoah, built at Glasgow, was in the Pacific. After receiv- 
ing, in Australia, a perfect ovation in February, 1865, she sailed north- 
ward, and her captain, Waddell, though informed of the sun'ender of 
Xiee and Johnston, and the capture of Davis, kept on his piratical 
<5ourse, capturing twenty -nine whalers, all of which he burned except 
four, and then returned to England, and in due form surrendered his 
linglisb-built vessel to the English Government. The United States 
most unwisely accepted the vessel at their hands, for, as she had never 
•entered a Confederate port, but was built, and ofiiciallj'- registered as 
English, was equipped, cleared from, and returned to English ports, 
tshe was thoroughly English, and the responsibility for her work should 
ha.ve been left with the English people. 

On the 'id of June, General Grant, in a patriotic General Order, 



OR, OUK COUIv'TRYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 953 

announced to the army the termination of hostilities. " Your marches,, 
sieges, and battles, in distance, duration, resolution, and brilliancy of 
results, dim the lustre of the world's past military achievements, and 
will be the patriot's precedent in defence of liberty and right in 
all time to come. In obedience to your country's call, you left your 
homes and families, and volunteered in her defence. Victory has 
crowned your valor, and secured the purpose of your patriotic hearts i 
and with the gratitude of your countrymen, and the highest honors a 
great and free nation can accord, you will soon be permitted to return 
to your homes and families, conscious of having discharged the higk- 
est duty of American citizens." 

The immense army of the United States, numbering nearly a mil- 
lion of men, was rapidly mustered out of the service, aud in a few 
months this mighty multitude was lost among their fellow-citizens, 
each man resuming his profession, employment, or trade, taking his 
place as a citizen to increase the wealth and well-being of the country 
for which he had so gallantly fought. 

President Johnson was anxious to see the whole coimtry in the way 
of prosperity, and studied deeply the best method of reconstructing 
the Southern States, which were actually without State governments^ 
courts, or civil organization. On the 29th of May he issued the first 
proclamation of amnesty, excepting from its provisions all who hel<| 
oEQce under the Confederate Government ; all who held offices or com- 
missions under the United States, or, after receiving an education in 
its Military or Naval Academy, had gone over to the Confederacy ; all 
engaged in destroying American commerce, aud all who had taken 
part in the war, and were worth more than twenty thousand dollars. 



ySi THE STOEY OF A GKEAT NATION' ; 

Some of the Southern States had already been reorganized by Pres« 
ident Lincoln. Carrying out the same plan, Johnson appointed pro- 
visional governors of Korth and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 
Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. 

About the same time, with a view of studying the subject on the 
spot. General Grant made a tour of the Southern States, and was favor- 
ably impressed by the disposition shown to accept the result of the 
war. Slavery was finally abolished by the adoption of the Four- 
teenth Amendment, and everything seemed to promise a speedy and 
harmonious restoration. 

But the President's course was singularly displeasing to the more 
violent members of the Republican party, who wished the South treat- 
ed with the utmost harshness and severity. Tlie meeting of Congress 
showed how deep this feeling was. A majority of both houses declared 
their disapproval of the President's plan of reconstruction. They ap- 
pointed a committee of fifteen to consider the whole matter, and laid 
on the table the credentials presented by the members returned from 
tbe reconstructed States. They passed the Civil Rights Bill, and one 
extending the powers of the Freedmen's Bureau, and though Presi- 
dent Johnson returned them with his veto, they passed both by the 
inajority necessary to make them laws. 

The Supreme Court of the United States decided against some test 
oaths which had been introduced, but Congress insisted on extreme 
tneasures, disregarding the highest tribunal in the land. 

The Thirty-ninth Congress adopted a plan of reconstruction of its 
own, which the President did not approve. The Southern States re- 
fused to accept the severe conditions under which alone they could 
regain their position in the Union. 



OK, OUE COUNTRYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 955 

The Fortieth Congress met in March, 1867, but showed no signs of 
relenting in severity. On the contrary, it prepared to bind the 
South in fetters of iron by new and stringent laws. The Military 
Bill, which is now admitted to have been utterly unconstitutional, was 
amended over the President's veto. The Attorney-General, having 
given an opinion unfavorable to the Act, Congress passed new acts ex- 
plaining and enforcing it, so as to secure to the Eepublican party the 
control of the States engaged in the war, or deprive them indefiuitely 
of self-government and a voice in Congress. 

The country was now in a strange position. The President was ac- 
tually, by the circumstances of the case, shorn of all the powers con- 
ferred upon him as the Chief Executive of the country. A Congress 
with an overwhelming majority against him, could pass any law it 
pleased, and deprive him of all power. 

Nor was this opposition confined to the halls of Congress. The 
President soon found that his cabinet did not share his views. Post- 
anaster Dennison, Attorney-General Si>eed, and Harlan, Secretary of 
the Interior, had resigned, and were succeeded by A. W. Randall of 
Wisconsin, Henry Stansberry of Ohio, and 0. H. Browning of Illinois. 

The country was in a most unhappy state. Just after a desolating 
•war, when all energies should have been bent to restore peace and 
prosperity, the Congress was in direct opposition to the President, 
passing laws to which he was compelled to withhold his sanction. For 
the time being the presidential power was gone, and Congress ruled 
supreme. 

Nebraska was admitted as a State, by an Act which contained pro- 
Tisions as to voters that President Johnson disapproved, but the Act 
was passed over his veto on the 9th of February, 1867. 



956 THE STOKY OF A GKEAT NATION; 

Soon after, in March, the ruling majority in Congress adopted their 
measures for reconstructing the South. None of the State govern- 
ments were to be recognized : all the States which had been engaged 
in war asainst the United States were considered as out of the Union., 
onlj^ to be admitted as new States, when they adopted constitutions 
acceptable to the ruling power in Congress, that is, which gave the ne- 
groes entire control of their affairs. In the meantime they were divided 
into military districts, and made subject to military law and rule. As 
the President was known to be opposed to this violent and unrepubll- 
can course, all power in the matter was taken out of his hands, and 
the acts of the District Commanders were made subject only to the 
G-eneralof the Array, General G-rant, who was now in perfect accord 
with the radical portion of the dominant party. The President thus; 
ceased to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. 

Two of the States, Mississippi and Georgia, endeavored to avert 
their doom. They applied to the Supreme Court to restrain the Pres- 
ident from enforcing the Act ; but the court, by the Chief Justice,. 
Chase, decided that it had not sufficient power to arrest the action of 
the army acting under the ordei's of Congress. 

So limited had the Presidential power become, that he was forbid- 
den by law to remove any member of his cabinet, without consent of 
the Senate. Tliis act was passed to maintain Mr. Stanton in his office 
of Secretary of War, in spite of the wishes of ^h. Johnson, to whom 
he stood in an attitude of personal and defiant hostility. 

Eesolving to bring his strange position to a test. President Johnson, 
on the 12th of August, suspended Mr. Stanton, and appointed General 
Grant as Secretary of War, ad interim, and things remained in this: 
position till Congress met, when, no action being taken to remove Mr, 



OR, ouK country's achiea-ejients. 957 

Stanton, Greneral Grant yielded the office up to him. The President 
then, on the 21st of February, 18G8, formally removed Stanton, and 
appointed General Thomas Secretary of War. 

The most violent excitement ensued. The House of Representatives 
three days after impeached the President, and prepared charges 
against him. On the 5th of March, 1868, President Johnson was ar- 
raigned as a criminal before the Senate, Chief Justice Chase presid- 
ing. The strange spectacle was thus presented to the world, of the 
President of a great nation arraigned by one antagonistic branch of 
the Government, the other branch, equally antagonistic, sitting as 
judges. Never, perhaps, was the great cause of human libert}' in 
greater jeopardy. The trial was long and exciting, but on the 26th 
of May the vote was taken. Thirty-four senators pronounced him 
guilty, but as nineteen voted him not guilty, there were not two-thirds 
against him, and he was thus acquitted. 

The President's right to remove his obnoxious Secretary was thus 
sustained. Mr. Stanton at once retired from the post, and JohnsoQ 
appointed General Schofield Secretary of War. 

During the administration of Mr. Johnson, the United States re- 
mained at peace with foreign nations. Throughout the countr}^ there 
was a strong feeling against England for the part she had taken dur- 
ing the recent war, in fitting out ships for the destruction of American 
commerce. As soon as peace was restored, steps were taken to de- 
mand from the English Government compensation for the property de- 
stroyed by these cruisers. The English nation at first ridiculed the 
idea of their paying any indemnity, or admitting that they were at all 
in the wrong. But the question in Congress was treated in a manner 
that showed that the United States was not to be trifled with in the 



958 THE STOi;Y OF A GREAT NATIO:^ ; 

matter. A speech of Senator Sumner excited special indignation in 
England. But a new affair came up that modified English views. 
The people of Ireland, whose separate Legislature had been suppressed 
in 1800, had long been restive under the English rule. Agitation fol- 
lowed agitation, and about this time a vast organization called the 
Fenians was formed, having branches not only in Ireland, but in Eng- 
land, Canada, and the United States. Its object was to begin a revo- 
lution for the liberation of Ireland. 

Large amounts of money were raised by Fenian leaders in the 
United States, men were organized so as to be used as regiments ; it 
was proposed to run out of the ports of the United States vessels 
which would hoist the Fenian flag as the English cruisers did the Con- 
federate flag. When a Fenian invasion of Canada was talked of, Eng- 
land took alarm, although Canada had enabled the Confederates to 
make a raid into Vermont, where they plundered the town of St. 
Albans, and killed several people. In that case the United States ' 
Government remonstrated, but the guilty men were not punished, nor 
was the property restored. 

In April, 1866, a Fenian gathering at Eastport, Maine, showed an 
evident intention to cross over and commence operations in New 
Brunswick, making Campo Bello Island the basis of operations. The 
Government of the United States, however, acted promptly and pre- 
vented it. 

In June some two hundred Fenians under General O'Neill crossed 
at Niagara, but were soon confronted by a body of Canadian volun- 
teers under Colonel Booker. The battle of Limestone Ridge was 
fought, several were killed on both sides, but the Fenian plans were 
defeated. Again the United States Government interposed, and broke 



OR, OUR country's achievements. 959 

up the movements, as the}' did a subsequent attempt in Vermont. Gen- 
eral O'Neill was finally arrested and imprisoned. 

The English Government could not but admit that the United States 
had acted more vigorously and honorably than thej' had done. A 
treaty on the Alabama claims, as the}^ were called, from the vessel 
which did most damage, was negotiated by the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, 
as Minister of the United States, but the Senate refused to confirm it 
and it fell through. The Alabama question remained a subject of 
warm and often angry discussion during the rest of Johnson's adminis* 
tration. 

The North, relieved from the strani of the war, entered on a career 
of commercial and industrial prosperity. Great public works like the 
Pacific Railroad were pushed through, and emigration again flowed 
■westward, to till the fertile plains yet unbroken by the plough. The 
great fire at Portland, in July, 1866, caused by an explosion of fire- 
works on the 4th, was the only great draw-back. The conflagration 
raged for two days, and laid much of the city in ashes, involving an 
immense destruction of property. 

During the American Civil War, England, France, and Spain, una- 
ble to obtain satisfaction from Mexico for claims against that republic, 
sent a joint expedition against her. After taking Vera Cruz, England 
and Spain withdrew, but the French continued the war. Reinforce^ 
ments were constantly sent over, and the French captured city after 
city, and finally took Mexico. The Mexicans under Benito Juarez as 
President, however, maintained the struggle against imperial power. 
At last the intention of France became evident. Counting on the sue- 
cess of the Confederacy, the Emperor Napoleon III. aimed to over- 
throw republicanism in Mexico, and to erect a monarchy there as a 



960 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

check to the growth of republics, and especially as a balance against 
the iuilueuce of the United States, whether it became two republics 
or remained one. A Congress of Mexican notables, meeting in the 
capital, and acting under French influence, resolved on a monarchy, 
and offered the crown to the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, a 
prince who, as governor of Lombardy and Venice, had evinced many 
good qualities as a ruler. 

After much hesitation, Maximilian, on the 10th of April, 1864, ac- 
cepted the dangerous position of Emperor of Mexico, and came out to 
America. A part of the nation rallied around him, and the French 
troops supported him on his throne, with some Mexican and foreign 
troops forming his own army. He endeavored in vain to induce Juarez 
to acl^uowledge the empire or join him in his attempt to give Mexico 
a better government. 

The United States protested sternly against the whole movementj 
but as long as she was herself rent by a civil war, France paid little 
heed to her remonstrances. "When, however, the Confederate cause, 
though encouraged by England and France, was lost, the whole position 
of affairs changed. The campaign in Mexico had cost France immense 
sums of money without any corresponding return. Her victories were 
barren of result, and after a time even of glory, being confined to 
mere skirmishes with guerrillas. With peace at home, the GTovern- 
ment of the United States became more urgent. France resolved to 
withdraw her army, and this was done more precipitately than was at 
first announced or intended. 

Maximilian, who had shown great wisdom and moderation in his 
management of affairs, was left in a precarious and dangerous position. 
Yet he resolved to face the difBcnlty as became a man of honor : but 



OR, OUR country's achievements. 961 



Juarez, when he had the French no longer to keep the people in awe, 
soon gathered to his standard a large army. Maximilian advanced to 
meet him, but was betrayed by one of his generals, who led a large 
part of the army over to Juarez. His lines being thus exposed, Max- 
imilian's headquarters were surrounded at night, and on the 15th of 
May, 1867, the Emperor, with several of his prominent Mexican gen- 
erals, surrendered to General Escobedo, the commander of the Repub- 
lican forces. According to the sanguinary policy which has charac- 
terized all Spanish-American warfare, the}^ were tried by court-mar- 
tial and condemned to death. The United States in vain used its in- 
fluence to save them, but Juarez, who owed so much to the attitude of 
this country, turned a deaf ear to its intervention. Maximilian and 
'his generals were shot on the 19th of June, the last words of the un- 
fortunate prince being, " Poor Carlotta," showing that he grieved for 
his wife rather than himself. She became a maniac, and was conveyed 
to Europe to linger for years devoid of reason. The overthrow of 
Maximilian destroyed all hopes entertained in Europe of crushing 
•out republicanism in America, and before many years France and 
Spain, two of the countries that took part in the attempt to overthrow 
the republic of Mexico, themselves rejected royalty and became re- 
publics. 

About this time success crowned a new effort to connect America 
with Europe by means of a submarine telegraph cable. The first at- 
tempt to lay a cable at the bottom of the sea was made in 1850, with a 
Tiew to connect England and France. In 1858, as we have seen already, 
one was run across from Ireland to Newfoundland, which from some 
cause ceased to work almost immediatelv. Means were raised to lay 
a new cable, and take up and repair the old one. The G-reat Eastern, 



0(32 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

au immense steamer, was fortunately adapted to this use. She sailed 
from Valentia Bay, Ireland, on the loth of July, 1866, and on the 
27th, reached Heart's Content, Newfoundland, without accident, laying 
the cable as she went. The other was then examined and repaired, 
and telegraphic communication between the two countries became per- 
manently established, so that the morning papers gave all the Euro- 
pean news of the day before. Samuel F. B. Morse, an American ar- 
tist, and the inventor of the first successful magnetic telegraph, lived 
to see this wonderful application of his invention, which drew on him 
honors at home and abroad. 

This leads to the mention of other American inventions of this 
period, some of which acquired a world-wide renown. McCormack's 
reaper and mowing-machines enabled farmers to cultivate large tracts 
which it would have been impossible to manage, had the gathering of 
crops depended on the cradle and scythe, wielded by human hands. 
The success of these inventions led to other machines for facilitating 
almost every branch of agricultural labor. 

The Sewing-Machine, invented by Elias Howe, not only facilitated 
work in large factories and workshops, but even in private families 
to a great extent replaced the needle. Being easily worked, it en- 
abled a seamstress to sew in a few moments what under the old plan 
would have required hours. 

Not long after the close of our civil war, troubles began in the ad- 
jacent island of Cuba, a colony of Spain. The United States could 
not view the matter without interest, as the trade with the island was 
very extensive and valuable. Sugar, and tobacco, and cigars, were 
imported from it in great quantities, and the island took in return 
American manufactures and provisions. 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEA'E.MENTS. 963 

The people of Cuba had long wished to be free from the Spanish 
yoke, and the Government of the United States had long showed a de- 
sire to purchase the island. Spain, however, was unwilling to give 
up so rich a colony ; she would neither sell it nor allow it to become 
independent. 

Many young Cubans, educated in the United States, were thoroughly 
republican in feeling, and repeated attempts at revolution were made, 
but suppressed with great cruelty by the Spanish Grovernment. Dur- 
ing the administration of Mr. Johnson, Cuba again rose, and formed 
a republican government. The Spaniards, though holding the large 
cities, and surrounding the island with fleet and powerful steamers, 
were unable to crush the Cubans, or to prevent arms and men being 
landed from time to time on the island. Mr. Johnson, through his 
officials, checked as far as possible all efforts to aid the Cubans, but 
occasionally a vessel would get out with supplies. This state of 
things lasted for several years. The Spaniards were cooped up in the 
large cities, while the interior of the country was held by the Cubans. 
Every now and then the public mind in the United States would be 
shocked by some Spanish barbarity, but the nation carefully adhered 
to its neutrality. One of the bloodiest chapters in the war was the 
execution of a number of boys, medical students in Havana, who were 
accused of having scratched a glass in the tombstone of a SjDaniard 
in the cemetery at Havana. 

China had long maintained a spine of reserve, keeping aloof from 
all other powers. Anson Burlingame, sent from the United States, led 
the Emperor to adopt a more cordial policy, and in June, ISP-H, he ar- 
rived in the United States at the head of a Chinese embassy, Chiku- 
han and Swunkiasing, two chief mandarins, and others or inferior 



964 THE STOKT OF A GREAT NATION; 

grade, being associated with him. After negotiations with the United 
States looliing to a closer relationship the embassy pi'oceeded to Eu- 
rope. 

Several eminent Americans passed away during this period. General 
Scott, so long at the head of the United States army, survived the great 
civil war ; he died in June, 1866, after a brief illness, and was interred 
at West Point. Mr. Buchanan, whose presidency saw the commence- 
ment of the civil war, and who had so long served his country in dip- 
lomatic and cabinet positions, died at Wheatland, Pennsylvania, on 
the 4th of June, 1868. 

The stormy administration of Andrew Johnson was drawing to a 
close, and both the political parties began to prepare for the coming 
election. The Republican part}', with its immense power in Congress, 
resolved to let the Southern States into the Union only in such a way 
as to vote for its candidate. Negro suffrage being made imperative, 
and multitudes of whites being excluded by stringent oaths, Arkan- 
sas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida 
were admitted in June, 1868, and those States fell under the sway of 
the ignorant negro population, led by a few unscrupulous Northern 
whites, who were styled " carpet-baggers." The result was disastrous 
in the extreme. The Legislatures ran up the public debt in these 
States to enormous amounts, the public moneys were squandered, 
taxes increased ten-fold, property sank in value, and the white land- 
owners saw nothing but ruin and destitution before them, with no 
means under heaven of obtaining the slightest relief. Many in despair 
formed secret leagues called Kuklux, but their acts of violence against 
the negroes only embittered the hostility to the whole body of unfor- 
tunate Southern white people. 



OR. orn cor^TRTS aciiievkjiexts, 965 

The National Republican Convention met at Chicago, and put for.- 
ward as the candidates of the party Ulysses S. Grant of Illinois, and 
Schuyler Colfax of Indiana. The Democratic Convention nominated 
Horatio Seymour of New York, for President, and General Frank 
Blair for Vice-President-. 

The result of the election could not be doubtful. Three States, 
Mississippi, Virginia, and Texas, were excluded from voting by the 
action of Congress ; of the remaining twenty-six voted for Grant and 
Colfax, only eight casting their votes for Seymour. 



CHAPTER XX. 

ULYSSES S. GKANT, EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT, 1869-1877. 

President Grant — His Cabinet — Reconstruction of Virginia — Mississippi and Texas — The 
Fifteentli Amendment— Proposed Annexation of St. Domingo — Tlie great Conflagration at 
Cliicago — Settlement of the Alabama Claims — The Presidential Election — Death of Mr. Greeley 
— The Modoc War — Trouble with Spain in regard to the Seizure of the Virginius and Murder of 
her Crew and Passengers at Santiago de Cuba— The Louisiana Troubles— Centennial Exhibition 
at Philadelphia— Colorado admitted as a State — Trial of Belknap, Secretar}' of War— Ncz Perces 
and Sioux War — Presidential Election — Disputed States — Electoral Commission. 

General Grant had fi'om the close of the war been rising steadily 
in popularity, and his election was a complete triumph. Sprung from 
an early New England settler, and identified with the West, he pleased 
both sections. All expected from the great soldier a firm, vigorous, 
and honest administration. 

After the war, his duties as general of the army employed General 
Grant, till President Johnson called him temporarily to assume the 
duties of Secr*»,tary of War. 

The succession of General Grant to the presidency gave hopes of a 
s»eedv /etuiii of prosperity. His vigor as a general, his kindly feel- 



966 THE STOEV OF A GI.'EAT NATION 



iiig to the South, his moderation in politics, all induced men to expect; 
a return to tlie old harmony and good feeling. 

He was duly inaugurated on the 4th of March. His cabinet was 
not immediately organized to his satisfaction. He chose as Secretary 
of State, E. B. Washburne of Illinois : J. D. Cox, of Ohio, as Secre- 
tary of the Interior ; Adolph E. Borie, of Pennsylvania, as Secretary 
of the Navy ; John M. Scholield, of Illinois, as Secretary of War ,- 
J. A. J. Creswell, of Maryland, as Postmaster-General ; and E. Kock- 
wood Hoar, as Attorney-Greneral. As Secretary of Treasury, he fixed 
upon A. T. Stewart, an eminent New York merchant, but as he 
proved to be ineligible, Gr. S. Boutwell, of Massachusetts, took that 
important position. Mr. "Washburne was soon after appointed minister 
to France, and during a great part of General Grant's administration, 
Hamilton Fish, of New York, was Secretary of State. General J. A. 
Eawlins, and W. W. Belknap, were successively Secretaries of War, 
and George M. Robeson of New Jersey, became Secretary of the 
Navy. 

Congress was convened almost immediately, and on the 10th of 
April, an act passed for the reconstruction of Virginia, Mississippi^ 
and Texas. Under its provisions elections were held, and a constitu- 
tion adopted and ratified by Virginia in 1869, and by the other States; 
in 1870. 

The Fifteenth Amendment, guaranteeing suffrage or the right of 
voting to the negroes, was passed this year, and adopted by many 
States during 1869, and by enough in the following to make up the 
number required. It then became part of the Constitution of the 
United States. The States recently reconstructed, were admitted only 
on their acceptance of the Fifteenth Amendment. Senators and Rep- 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS, 967 

rcseutatives from those States were admitted in 1870. But the 
passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, and acts to enforce it, exaspera- 
ted the South still more, and stringent measures were proposed, which 
look shape in the Ku-Klux Bill, passed in 1871. 

One of the earliest projects of General Grant was the annexation 
to the United States of Dominica, a part of the Island of St. Doniin- 
go, which, throwing off the Haytian, or negro rule, had maintained its 
existence as a separate republic. Under General Grant's authority, 
a treaty, of annexation was signed at the city of St. Domingo, Novem- 
ber 29, 1869. But the matter was not favorably regarded, and the 
treaty, when submitted to the Senate, was, after a sharp debate, re- 
jected. 

The island is rich and fertile, and in proper hands would be very 
productive, but under the negro rule of Hayti, and the constant revo- 
lutions that disturb the Republic of Dominica, all trade and industry 
languish. General Grant showed great earnestness in endeavoring to 
carry out the annexation, but though a commission was sent out to ex- 
amine Dominica the whole affair fell through. 

A man who never held any public position, but who was known and 
honored in England, the philanthropic American banker, George 
Peabody, died during this administration. His immense liberalities 
to the poor of London, drew on him letters of thanks from Queen 
Victoria, who would have ennobled him, had the American mer- 
chant been willing to accept such an honor. He founded public 
libraries and institutions at Baltimore and other cities, and gave a 
large fund to extend the benefit of education in the Southern 
States. He was born at Dan vers, Massachusetts, February 18, 1795, 
and died in London, November 4, 1869. He was laid temporarily in 



"968 THE stot;y of a great nation* 

"Westminster Abbey, among all whom England deems her greatest 
and noblest. Then his remains were brought over to Portland, in the 
British steamship of war Monarch, and finally interred at Danvers, 
iin February, 1870. 

On the 12th of October, 1870, General Robert E. Lee, one of the 
great actors in the late civil war, passed away, his last years having 
been spent in retirement as president of a college in Virginia. 

While the country was rapidly recovering from the desolating effects 
of war and sectional feeling, all were startled by the terrible calamity 
which suddenly befell the great city of Chicago. A fire which broke 
out in a stable, in one of the poorest districts of the city, on Sunday, 
October 8, 1871, spread rapidly. Every effort to check it failed ; all 
•day long, all night, all the next day, the fire swept steadily on, as if 
•kindled and fed by supernatural power. Those who looked at it from 
a distance of blocks and miles, soon found themselves in peril ; people 
who began by moving their most precious articles a few blocks, found 
the flames pursuing them, and hastened on. The bridges were soon 
■crowded by frantic droves of people, and vehicles of every kind. The 
gas works perished, and the city at night was plunged in darkness ; 
the water works by which water from Lake Michigan was pumped 
through a tunnel for supplying the city were wrapped in flames, and 
the fire department was paralyzed. Street after street was swept by the 
destroying element, the very air seemed fire ; people perished in the 
-streets ; no means could be found to remove the sick and infirm, or 
property of any kind. Before the fire spent its fury, two thousand 
one hundred and twenty-four acres were burned over, seventeen 
thousand four hundred and fifty buildings had disappeared, including 
all the public edifices, most of the churches, libraries, galleries of art, 



OR, OUR COUNTRY S ACHIEVEMENTS. 969 

the great business houses, and dwelling houses of rich and poor. A 
hundred thousand people were homeless. No such conflagration had 
ever been known, and the wants of the suffering drew bountiful con- 
tributions from all parts of the country. Thousands fled from the 
city to seek shelter elsewhere. In a short time, however, the citizens 
went vigorously to work to rebuild it, and Chicago rose from her ashes- 
more beautiful and better built than before. 

The completion of the census of 1871, showed that in spite of at 
bloody civil war, the United States had gained in population, and 
reached thirty-eight millions. 

The District of Columbia, which from the time of the organizatioa 
of the Government had been governed by Congress, and not by a. 
Legislature chosen by the people, was now placed under a regular ter- 
ritorial government. But in the wild schemes of corruption that per- 
vaded all parts of the country, the District, like other parts, fell into 
the hands of men who sought only their own profit. A great debt 
was speedily incurred. 

The long-pending dispute between the United States and England, 
as to the responsibility of the British Government for the depredations 
caused by the Alabama and other vessels from English ports, was at 
last adjusted by the Treaty of Washington, in 1871. Under its pro- 
visions, a tribunal of statesmen from different countries were to meet 
at Geneva, in Switzerland, and decide the various questions at issue 
between the two countries. 

The Commissioners met in April, 1872, and, after long and exciting 
arguments on either side, decided in a way that gave the people of the- 
United States much gratification. England was held to have been io 
fault, and was required to pay fifteen millions of dollars for the prop- 



970 



THE STORY OF A GEEAT NATION ; 



erty so wantonly destroyed by the Alabama and other vessels fitted 
out in the name of the Confederacy from English ports. 

The final adjustment of this vexed question was welcomed heartily 
by all. 

Another peaceful victory over England, was the decision by the 
Emperor of Germany, in favor of the United States, in regard to the 
dispute between the two countries as to the north-west boundary, 
which had also been a topic of angry discussion. 

The year 1872 was marked by a strange fusion of parties. A num- 
ber of Republicans opposed to the severe measures of the more Z'adical 
portion of the party, formed a new organization as Liberal Republi- 
cans. Their great leader and advocate was Horace G-reeley, the able 
editor of the New To7-k Tribune. In the convention held by this party, 
he was nominated for President. The Democratic Convention, which 
met some months later, resolved not to put forward a candidate of 
their own, but to throw all their influence in favor of Greeley against 
Grant. The Republican party again put forward General Grant as 
their candidate. A small portion of the Democrats, disliking the 
fusion with the Liberal Republicans, named Charles O'Conor of New 
York, as candidate for the Presidency. 

The election was an exciting one, but just after it Horace Greeley 
died from the excitement. 

At this election all the States, for the first time in twelve years, 
took part. Nearly six million five hundred thousand votes were 
cast by the people, Grant having a majority of seven hundred and 
sixty thousand, showing how strong a hold he had on the affections of 
his countrymen. 

In the electoral college, two hundred and eighty-six were cast for 



OK, OUK country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 971 

General G-rant, as President, and Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, as 
Vice-President. The opposition, numbering only seventy-eight votes, 
was divided among several candidates. 

General Grant was thus, by the voice of his fellow-citizens, invest- 
ed once more with the chief magistracy of the country. He was in- 
raugurated on the 4th of March, 1873, by the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, 
Chief-Justice of the United States, who died a few months after, 
May 7th, at the age of sixty-five, having filled his high office with 
■dignity and ability. 

Indian affairs, under the administration -of General Grant, assumed 
a, new form. The tribes were divided up among the different denom- 
inations in a strange manner, often to the serious detriment of mis- 
sions established at great labor and expense. The chief direction was 
confided to the Society of Friends, and, besides the regular Indian 
Bureau, a body of advisory commissioners was established. This did 
mot prevent troubles, and indeed, in some parts, seemed to hasten 
them. The military and the peace party did not work in harmonj^ 
and the frauds of traders and unscrupulous agents received no check. 

One of the projects was to make the Indian Territory one of the 
• iregular Territories, under the name of Oklahoma, and remove the wild 
toibes to it. This was strongly opposed by the Cherokees, and other 
tribes, who had made considerable progress in civilization. 

An attack on a Piegan party by Colonel Baker, in 1870, when that 
■officer destroyed the village, killed one hundred and seventy-three 
Indians, and carried off three hundred horses, excited sharp criticism. 

The attempt to remove the Modoc Indians from their old residence 
on Lost River, Oregon, led to serious results. This tribe had, like many 
others, signed treaties ceding their lauds, but without any distiuci 



972 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION", 

knowledge of its meaning. Tliey were removed to a reservation entirely 
unsuited to their mode of lile, in cousequeuce of which they suffered 
greatly ; provisions, furnished for them by Government, having been 
appropriated to private use. 

Seeing nothing before them but starvation, they resolved to retura 
to their old grounds. After they had been there a short time, the 
authorities attempted to remove them by force to the reservation. 
They flew to arms, and began by murdering several settlers in the 
valley. Then they retreated to a strange tract of country on the- 
borders of Oregon and California, and known as the Lava Beds, a 
mass of volcanic rocks, full of caves, yawning ravines and precipices,, 
with occasional spots of grass. 

The United States troops, under General Gillem, pursued them, but 
their position was found to be almost impregnable. A battle fought 
January 17, 1873, resulted in severe loss, the troops being utterly una- 
ble to see an Indian, while they were fired at from all sides. Yet th& 
troops pressed on, gradually gaining ground ; but the country was im- 
patient at the delay, and mortified to see the army held at bay by a; 
handful of Indians. The peace party urged negotiations, and commis- 
sioners were sent to treat with the Modocs. On the 12th of April,. 
Captain Jack, with some of his chiefs, met Brigadier-General Canby,, 
Rev. Dr. Thomas, and Messrs. Meacham and Dyar, but during the peace 
conference Captain Jack and his party attacked them, killing General 
Canby and Dr. Thomas on the spot, and wounding Meacham. The- 
war was then pushed vigorously, and the Indians driven from point tO' 
point, till, on the 1st of June, Captain Jack, with a few who had fol- 
lowed his fortunes, finding it impossible to hold out or escape, surren- 
dered to Colonel B. Perry. The Modoc chief with several others were- 



OB, OUR COPNTRYS ACHIEVEWKNTS. 973 

tried by court-martial for the treacherous murder of the commis- 
sioners, and, having been found guilty, were hanged at Fort Klamath. 
Oregon, on the 3d of October. 

The Cuban affairs during the year 1873 led to an affair which nearly 
involved the United States in a war with Spain. The insurrection in 
Cuba had spread, in spite of all the efforts to crush it. In April, 1869, 
a Congress met at Guaimaro, and declaring Cuba a republic, adopted 
a Constitution ; Carlos M. Cespedes became President, and General 
Quesada commander-in-chief of the army. Some severe actions took 
place, in which the Spanish troops suffered severely. After this men 
and arms were introduced from time to time from the United States, 
although Spain had a large fleet of gunboats around the island. 

In December, 1873, this state of affairs resulted in a bloody tragedy, 
which caused a thrill of horror throughout the civilized world, while 
in the United States it aroused a feeling of intense indignation. 

The American steamship Virginius, which had been in the interest 
of the Cubans, endeavoring to land men and arms, for the aid of the 
Republicans of the island, was discovered, on the 31st day of October 
off the southern coast of Cuba, by the Spanish gunboat Tornado. The- 
Virginius immediately steered for the Island of Jamaica, pursued by 
the Tornado, which gained rapidly, as the Virginius was not in good 
sailing trim. At last, when in sight of the English island, the Tor- 
nado, favored by the clear moonlight, brought the Virginius to, and 
sent an officer on board. Captain Fry, of the Virginius, presented bis 
papers, which were regular, but the Spaniards declared the vessel a 
prize, hauled down the American flag, and, putting all on board in 
irons, steamed away for Santiago de Cuba. On reaching that city, the 
governor, Burriel, one of those bloodthirsty wretches who dishonor 



974 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

the human race, ordered all on board to be tried by court-martial, and, 
to prevent interference, cut the telegraph wires running to Havana 
The American and English consuls remonstrated in vain ; the Amei-i 
can vice-consul was not even permitted to telegraph to the consul at 
Kingston. 

It was resolved to butcher the captives, and that with all haste. 
The Yirginius arrived, in charge of the Tornado, on the 1st of Novem- 
ber. On the second, a naval commission was appointed to try the 
prisoners as pirates ; the next day the trial terminated, condemning 
to death three Cubans found on board, Yarona, Cespedes, and del 
Sol, and Washington Ryan a native of Canada. 

The next morning at six o'clock, the victims were led out to the 
slaughter-house, shot down and bayoneted with every cruelty. 

The Spanish authorities suppressed all news of this outrage, so that 
it was not till the 6th of November, that the telegraph announced in 
New York the capture of the vessel. There was no American or Eng- 
lish man-of-war near Cuba to check this violation of all international law, 
but as a vessel was daily expected from Jamaica, Burriel hastened the 
murder of the rest. Captain Fry, of the Yirginius, with thirty-six of 
the crew, almost to a man American citizens, or British subjects, were 
next condemned to death as pirates, as though an unarmed ves- 
sel, which had never robbed or molested any other, could be a 
pirate. 

On the 7th of November, they were all taken out and butchered in 
cold blood. The next day another band were slaughtered, but an 
English man-of-war, the Niobe, Captain Loraine, steamed into the 
harbor, and peremptorily demanded that the executions should cease. 
He compelled the Spaniards to take up the American flag, which waa 



OR, OUR COUNTKYS ACHIEVEMENTS. 975 

kicked about the deck of the Virgiuius, and convey it to the consul's 
office. 

When information of this butchery reached the United States, 
the public mind was aroused as it had not been for many years. 
The vessels of the navy were at once fitted out, and the minister iu 
Spain, General Sickles, at once demanded from the Spanish Govern- 
ment the restoratioQ of the Virgiuius, reparation for the murders com- 
mitted, and for the insult to the American flag. After some negotia- 
tion, a document was signed at Washington, by which Spain made 
some reparation, though far less than had been demanded or should 
have been exacted. The Virgiuius was given up, disabled and reek- 
ing with filth, and in such a condition that she sunk in the endeavor 
to bring her to the United States. 

The Alabama claims, submitted to a commission at Geneva were 
finally all decided, and, by the judgment of these arbitrators. England 
was required to pay to the Government of the United States, fifteen 
million five hundred thousand dollars, which was accordingly paid on 
the 9th of September, 1873. 

The foreign aflairs of the country were thus cleared from all mat- 
ters of dispute before the meeting of Congress, but there was one of 
grave importance at home which began in 1872, and dragged through 
to 1874. This was the Louisiana trouble. 

The Reconstruction Acts, and the laws to enforce the Fifteenth 
A.mendment, had invested the United States courts and officials with 
powers that, in the hands of the best and wisest of men, would excite 
the alarm of every lover of his country, and in the hands of unscrupu- 
lous politicians, threatened to destroy utterly every vesitige of Ameri- 
•cao libertv. 



976 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION J 

An election for governor and members of the legislature took place 
in 1872, Kellogg being the administration candidate, while McEnery 
received the support of the Democrats and Liberal Republicans, The 
returns as made officially gave the election to the latter, but Kellogg 
claimed that great frauds had been committed. A United States 
Judge, Durell, issued an order in his house at night, under which the 
Federal Marshal, aided by troops, took possession of the State House, 
drove out McEnery and the legislature which recognized him, and in- 
stalled Kellogg and his adherents. 

This led to further trouble and to constant interference in elections 
by United States troops. This at last filled the country with alarnx, 
and drew upon President Grant great unpopularity. 

Before the close of the year 1875, the office of Vice-President be 
came vacant by the death of Henry Wilson, who expired on the 22d 
of November. 

/ The year 1876 was the one hundredth after the Declaration of In- 
dependence, and all Americans looked forward to it with pride and 
enthusiasm. One of the events connected with its celebration was 
the " International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of 
the Soil and Mines," which was opened in Fairmount Park, Philadel- 
phia, with great pomp by President Grant in May, in presence of the 
Emperor and Empress of Brazil. The articles exhibited were con- 
tributed from all parts of the United States, and from thirty-six na- 
tions in Europe and other parts of the world, making a display such 
as had never before been witnessed. 

On the 4th of July, 1876, Colorado, which promised to become rich 
and populous, from its mineral wealth and grazing lands, was admit 
ted to the Union as the thirty-eighth State. 



OK, OUR CODNTEt's ACHIEVEMENTS. 977 

About this time the country was shocked by the arraignment of 
William W, Belknap, the Secretary of War, who was charged with 
official corruption. He resigned his office and was tried before the 
Senate of the United States, but the majority for convicting him was 
not sufficient to secure his condemnation. 

The Indian affairs of the country at this period were involved in 
difficulties. General Grant had early in his administration divided 
the agencies among the different religious denominations, but this 
merely increased the confusion. The frauds and oppressions on the 
Indians became greater than ever. The Nez Perces had been de- 
prived of their old homes and ordered to remove to a new reserva- 
tion. As these Indians saw no hope of subsisting there, they refused 
to leave their old residence. Troops were sent to drive them from 
the home of their ancestors, which they had held for many years. 
For two months these brave Indians, under Chief Joseph, baffled three 
American generals, and surrendered at last at Bear Paw Mountain, 
only to save their wounded men and starving women. 

The attempt of the whites to invade the Black Hill Country claimed 
by the Sioux led to another war. Sitting Bull with his braves pre- 
pared to fight. Three columns of United States troops, under Gen- 
erals Terry, Crooke, and Gibbon, were sent to defeat and capture his 
force. Crooke first encountered Sitting Bull, but finding himself too 
weak to engage the Indians, fell back ; Custer operating in connection 
with Gibbon pushed on ahead, and discovering an Indian camp on 
the Little Big Horn River, attacked it without waiting for Gibbon's 
troops. The Indians under Sitting Bull fought with great skill and 
courage, killing Custer and almost all his f-orce, except some companies 
of cavalry which had been sent to take the Indians in flank. After 



978 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

this battle, which took place June 25tb, Sitting Bull retreated into 
the English territory, baffling the armies in pursuit. Here he re- 
mained for several years, menacing the western country, till the Cana- 
dian authorities required him to give up all hostile plans or leave 
their territory. Then his warriors began to return to the United 
States and submit. At last the stern old chief sullenly yielded. 

During the year 1876 both political parties prepared to nominate 
candidates for the Presidency. General Grant had lost much of his 
popularity by extreme measures and the corruption prevalent among 
officials, and though some desired to nominate him for a third time, 
the general voice was against it. In the Republican Convention 
James G. Blaine, of Maine, and Roscoe Conkling, of New York, were 
the prominent candidates, but neither was able to secure the nomina- 
tion, which fell upon Rutherford B. Hayes, Governor of Ohio, William 
A. Wheeler being nominated as Yice-President. A Democratic Con- 
vention, held at St. Louis, put forward Samuel J. Tilden, of New 
York, for the Presidency, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, for the 
second position. There was a third party, known as the Greenback 
party, which nominated Peter Cooper, of New York. The election 
was warmly contested. Hayes carried nearly all the Northern States. 
Tilden carried besides the South, the States of Connecticut, New York, 
New Jersey, and Indiana, giving him one hundred and eighty-four 
votes, one more vote being required to elect him. South Carolina, 
Florida, and Louisiana were claimed by both parties. The adminis- 
tration employed military force at the time of the election in the 
South and controlled the returns. In Louisiana the Democratic 
members of the Returniug Board were excluded, but the return for- 
warded to Congress by the Governor gave the Tilden electors as 



OR, OUR •country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 979 

chosen. The election turned at last on that State. Charges of fraud 
have ever since been made against the Republican claim to have car- 
ried Louisiana, and the weight of evidence is clearly against it. 

When the matter came before Congress, the Senate being Repub- 
lican accepted the Republican return ; the House of Representatives,, 
which was Democratic, considered the Democratic return as the true 
one. As it seemed impossible to come to any agreement, an act was 
passed submitting the question to five members of each House and 
five associate Justices of the Supreme Court. The selection of Jus- 
tices gave three Republicans and two Democrats, and obedient to the 
dictates of party they decided in favor of the Republican electors from 
Louisiana, refusing to make any investigation into the alleged frauds. 
Accordingly Rutherford B. Hayes was declared President and Will- 
iam A. "Wheeler, Vice-President. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

RUTHEEFOED B. HAYES, NINETEENTH PEESIDENT, 1877-1881. 

His Cabinet — Couciliatory Policy toward the Soutli — Financial Troubles — Strikes and Riots — The 
House of Representatives resists the use of Military Power at Elections — The Ute War — The 
Yellow Fever — The Chinese Question — Decrease of the Debt — Presidential Election. 

Rutherford B. Hayes was duly inaugurated March 4, 1877, by 
the Chief-Justice of the Supreme Coiirt of the United States, Morrison 
R. Waite. He selected as his Cabinet William M. Evarts, of New 
York, for Secretary of State ; John Sherman, of Ohio, for Secretary 
of the Treasury ; George W. McCrary, of Ohio, for Secretary of War ; 
Richard W. Thompson, of Indiana, for Secretary of the Navy ; Carl 
Schurz, of Missouri, for Secretary of the Interior ; David M. Key, of 



OSO THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

Tennessee, for Postmaster-General ; and Charles Devins, of Massachu- 
setts, as Attorney-Greneral. 

Mr. Hayes entered upon his office with a disposition to conciliate 
the people pf the South by arresting all the oppressive and vexatious 
measures which kept them from heartily sympathizing with the Fed- 
eral Government and the people of the other parts of the country. 
He withdrew the United States troops from the South and left the 
people to manage their own concerns without interference from Wash- 
ington. He also purified the civil service by stopping much con'up- 
tion in office. Mr. Hayes' leniency toward the Southern States aroused 
a strong opposition in those Republicans who still insisted on harsh 
measures, and who became known as Stalwarts. 

Early in Mr. Hayes' administration the decline in prices caused by 
the prospect of a resumption of specie payments produced great dis- 
tress in the country. During the war, specie — that is, silver and gold 
money — almost disappeared, and none was paid out by the banks for 
checks or their own notes. Specie was required to pay duties at the 
Custom-houses and to make payments in Europe, and those who were 
compelled to obtain silver or gold coin were forced at one time to 
give two hundred and seventy dollars in bills for one hundred dollars 
in gold. After the end of the war the rate of gold declined, and the 
time was approaching when a paper dollar would be worth a gold 
dollar. Then the banks would again pay out gold and silver. While 
paper money was worth so little all prices rose, and now they were 
declining. Property was not worth so much. Many merchants and 
bankers railed. People whose property was mortgaged lost every- 
thing. Railroad and other companies reduced the pay of the men in 
their employ. This led to fearful riots on the railroads in Maryland, 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 981 

Pennsylvania, and other States, by which for a time all travel and 
transportation of goods were stopped. Troops were called out and 
the riots were at last suppressed, but not till great quautities of valu- 
able property had been destroyed. • 

The use of the military under the direction of United States mar- 
shals in elections had been so arbitrary that the Democrats, on ob- 
taining a majority in the House of Representatives in 1877, insisted 
that no appropriation for the pay of marshals should be made without 
a clause depriving them of this power. This led to violent debates 
in Congress, to vetoes by the President, and to a bitter feeling in the 
■country. Congress ended without making the appropriations for car- 
rying on the Government, and an extra session was called in vain. 

The next year the same struggle was renewed, and a law introduced 
to prevent the abuse of power by the marshals was vetoed by th 
President. 

This agitation roused a spirit in the North which greatly increase 
the strength of the Republican party. At the South the negroes took 
alarm and emigrated to the North and West in great numbers ; this 
led to great suffering, as their means were scanty, and no employment 
could be found for them. 

The year 1879 opened with a general resumption of specie pay- 
ments, and the business of the country gradually recovered. The ar- 
bitrary power given to the Indian agents over the tribes to which 
ihey were appointed led to troubles in this year. The Ute Indians 
killed their agent and subjected his family to great cruelty and hard- 
ship. A military force was sent against them, but the Indians, who 
have now the best arms, and skilful leaders, are not easily overcome. 
On this occasion they attacked Major Thornburgh, who was advancing 



982 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION 

against them, killed that commander and ten of his men, and held thts 
rest so closely besieged that they were rescued with great difficulty 
A sufficient army to reduce the Indians was then sent. 
' During the year^ 1878 and 1879 several cities of the South, New 
Orleans, Vicksburg, and Memphis, with other smaller places, were vis- 
ited by yellow fever, which swept off great numbers of people, and 
compelled the rest to retire to camps in healthy localities. Physicians, 
clergymen, sisters of various orders, and other volunteer nurses has. 
tened to the relief of the sick, and the Howard Associations devoted 
themselves with great zeal to relieve the distressed. 

Among other events of this administration was a movement on the 
Pacific Coast against the Chinese. A large heathen population had 
come into the country, bringing all the vices that prevail in countries 
which have not fully received the light of revelation and the Gospel. 
There was a feeling in all classes that the introduction of these people 
by large Chinese companies, holding them really as slaves, ought to 
be stopped. A law passed Congress, but President Hayes vetoed it 
as conflicting with the treaty between the United States and China. 
A new treaty signed at Pekin in 1881 opened the way for laws to- 
remedy all real evils. 

The resumption of specie payment and the general prosperity fol- 
lowing it enabled the Government to pay off much of the immense 
debt of the country, and for the remainder to issue bonds on which 
the country paid only four and four and a half per cent, interest. The 
debt of the United States on the 1st of January, 1866, had been two 
thousand eight hundred millions of dollars ; but eight hundred mil- 
lions were paid off by the close of the year 18S0. 

When the Republican Convention met in that year to nominate it* 



OE, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 983 

candidate for the Presidential chair, a strong effort was made to put 
General Grant again forward, and three hundred and six votes were 
steadily given for him. The opposition was at first divided, but 
finally united on James A. Garfield, of Ohio, who had risen during 
the war to be a Major-General, and had been for years a prominent 
Member of Congress. Chester A. Arthur, of New York, was selected 
as candidate for Vice-President, the two candidates, it is somewhat 
curious to note, being from the same States as those nominated at the 
last election. On the Democratic side General Winfield Scott Han- 
cock was nominated for the Presidency, and W. H. English, of Indiana, 
for Vice-President. There was a lack of harmony in both parties ; the 
Republicans who had adhered to Grant showed little zeal for Gar- 
field, and the Democrats in New York were divided into two hostile 
factions. Owing to this dissension Garfield carried New York, with 
all the other Northern States, except New Jersey, California, and 
Nevada, and received a small majority of the popular vote. 

The validity of his election was not questioned, and the count waa 
made in Congress without objection. 



CHAPTER XXH. 

JAMES A. GARFIELD, TWENTIETH PRESIDENT, 1881. CHESTER A. 
ARTHUR, TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT, 1881-1885. 

Garfield's Cabinet — Difficulty as to New York Appointments — He is Shot by Guiteau — His Suffer- 
ings and Death — Foreign Sympathy — Arthur's Policy — Trial ol Guiteau — Apportionment of 
Representatives— The Suppression of Polygamy in Utah— Arctic Explorations — The Brooklyn 
Bridge — Election of Cleveland. 

Though Mr. Garfield had been elected by the full vote of his party, 
the dissensions among the Republicans had not been healed. The 
Senate for a time failed to organize, as the two factions could not 



984 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION', 

agree in regard to the officers of the House. When that body was 
ready for the nominations of his Cabinet, Mr. Garfield sent in the 
names of James G. Blaine, of Maine, Secretary of State; William 
Windom, of Minnesota, Secretary of the Treasury ; William H. Hunt, 
■of Louisiana, Secretary of the Navy ; Robert F. Lincoln, of Illinois, 
Secretary of War ; Wayne McVeagh, of Pennsylvania, Attorney-Gen- 
eral ; Thomas L. James, of New York, Postmaster-General ; and Sam- 
xiel J. Kirkwood, of Iowa, Secretary of the Interior. 

When President Garfield sent in to the Senate names for several 
offices in New York City, the two Senators from that State claimed a 
right to recommend candidates for them from their branch of the 
Republican party, and wished the President's nominations to be re- 
jected. The Senate declined to go so far, and the two Senators from 
New York resigned, hoping to be reappointed by the legislature of 
their own State. In this they were disappointed, there being mani- 
festly a wish to let President Garfield act freely. By this time the 
dissension in the Republican party had become intense, and in the 
newspapers and public meetings the most violent language was used 
by angry partisans. 

At Washington several treaties which had been negotiated with 
foreign countries were submitted to the Senate and approved. The 
immediate urgent business was completed, and President Garfield 
prepared to visit a college where his son was to be graduated. On 
the 2d of July he proceeded to the station of the Baltimore and Poto- 
mac Railroad in Washington, and entered the building arm in arm 
with Secretary Blaine, when two pistol shots were fired at him from 
behind, one striking him in the back and passing nearly through his 
body. His assassin, Charles J. Guiteau, proclaiming himself a Stal- 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEJrENTS. 985 

wart, was seized, and proved to be a visionary politician, of depraved 
life, without any moral control, who had been an applicant for the 
position of Minister to Austria. The most eminent surgeons in the 
country attended the wounded President, but they could not trace the 
ball in its entire course, and failed to relieve* him. The illustrious 
sufferer sank gradually, and though he was removed to Long Branch 
in hope of invigorating his system, he expired on the 19th of Septem- 
ber. Queen Victoria and many high dignitaries in Europe sent the 
expression of their sympathy for Mrs. Garfield, and their sorrow at 
such a crime ; and when death closed the President's sufferings, the 
Courts of England, Belgium, and Spain put on mourning. 

The sympathy throughout the country for the widow was profound 
and general. Political animosity was silenced for a time by the ter- 
rible example of its fatal tendency. 

On the death of President Garfield, Chester A. Arthur took the 
oath of office in New York, and with the members of the Cabinet 
proceeded to Long Branch, and accompanied the remains of General 
Garfield to Washington, Here he was formally inaugurated on the 
22d. After his inaugural address he appointed as a day of fasting, 
humiliation, and prayer, the 26th, that set apart for the funeral of the 
late President at Cleveland. 

There had been a question whether the wound of the President did 
not create a disability which required Mr. Arthur to act in his stead 
till his recovery; but with delicacy and prudence he left the adminis- 
tration in the hands of the Cabinet, President Garfield affixing his 
signature to some official acts. 

On his inauguration President Arthur requested the members of 
the Cabinet to retain their positions, but changes soon took place ; 



986 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Frederick W. FrelingLuysen, of New Jersey, became Secretary of 
State, and a scheme of Mr. Blaine's for a Congress of the Spanish 
American States was abandoned. In time all the members of Gar- 
field's Cabinet retired except Mr. Lincoln, who remained Secretary of 
War till the close of the administration. 

The assassin of the late President had a long trial, in which every 
endeavor was made to prove him insane, but he was convicted and 
executed. 

In 1882 an act was passed to apportion the representatives in Con- 
gress to the result of the census of 1880, which showed the population 
of the country to be fifty millions. This is done after every census, 
and to prevent the House of Representatives from becoming too large, 
the number of inhabitants entitled to one representative is fixed. 
Each State then has the right to elect as many members of the House 
as the population divided by this number will give. Every State 
must have at least one representative, even if the population does not 
reach the number. In the apportionment of 1882 some of the new 
Western States gained representatives, but Maine, New Hampshire, 
and Vermont each lost one. ' 

The question of suppressing polygamy in Utah was taken up act- 
ively, and in 1882 a law introduced by Senator Edmunds, having 
passed both Houses of Congress, gave the first check to the polyga- 
mous practices of the Mormons, who had for years adopted polygamy 
as a pai"t of the teachings of their Church, many of their leading men 
having a great number of wives. But the Mormons did not give up 
the system, although several were convicted and imprisoned. The 
power of the Mormon Church in the Territory is very great, and the 
repugnance to its teachings respecting marriage has thus far prevented 
its admission as a State. 



\ 



on, OVK country's achievements. 987 

Under the guidance of Da Lesseps, tlie projector of the Suez Canal, 
an attempt was made to cut a ship canal through the isthmus of 
Panama. Early in his administration President Arthur called the 
attention of Congress to the project, and to the necessity that the 
United States should possess some control over it. Subsequently 
preparations were made by American capitalists to establish a ship 
canal through Nicaragua. When a similar project had been formed a 
quarter of a century before, the United States, in what is known as 
the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, agreed to certain conditions in regard to 
it. That canal having never been built, the United States has re- 
garded itself free to act its pleasure as to any new canal scheme. 

Arctic explorations engaged public attention about this time, but 
though they drew forth much heroism and sufferings, no great results 
were attained. The cTeannette, sent out from San Francisco at the ex- 
pense of James Gordon Bennett, of the Nevj Yorli Herald, in 1879, to 
pass through Behring's Straits and follow the coasts of Asia and Eu- 
rope to the Atlantic, was crushed in the ice in June, 1881 ; one boat 
was lost, the crews of the others reached land, but all who accompa- 
nied Captain De Long perished from cold and hunger before the two 
sent for relief could return to them. The Greely expedition sent to 
the North, west of Greenland, underwent terrible sufferings, and the 
survivors were rescued when death was staring them in the face. 

The year 1883 was marked by the completion of an immense sus- 
pension bridge, uniting the cities of New York and Brooklyn. It has 
a span of fifteen hundred and ninety-five feet, the longest in the world, 
and is crossed by a hundred millions of people every year. 

When the Republican nominating Convention met at Chicago in 
1884, the great division in the party was still evident. James G. 



988 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

Blaine, of Maine, was nominated for President, and John A. Logan 
for Vice-President ; the Democrats in their Conrention took up a new 
man, Grover Cleveland, who, from being Mayor of Buffalo, was elected 
Governor of the State of New York. Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indi- 
ana, was again put in nomination as Vice-President. Benjamin F. 
Butler, of Massachusetts, was also a candidate as the representative 
of the Greenback and Anti-Monopoly elements in the country. Those 
who wished a general prohibition of the sale of liquor also nominated 
Governor St. John, of Kansas, as a candidate, but the vote of the 
country was given mainly to the candidates of the two great parties. 
The election was warmly contested, but there were signs that the old 
parties were breaking up. Many Republican papers favored Cleve- 
land, who received a considerable number of votes from the liberal 
members of that party ; on the other hand, Cleveland was singularly 
distasteful to a large body of the Democrats in New York and else- 
where, who threw their votes for Blaine. The issue at last turned 
on New York, but when that State so far as the Democrats were con, 
cerned seemed lost, a sudden change enabled Mr. Cleveland to carry 
the State and secure his election. 



OK, OUK COUXXKy's ACIUEVEMEXTS. 98iif 

• CHAPTER XXIII. 

GEOVER CLEVELAND, T^\:ENTY-SEC0ND PRESIDENT— 1885. 

His Cabinet— Gen. Grant put on tlie Ketircd List— Ilis Death at Mt. McGregor— Slassacre of 
Chinese in Wyoming — Recognition of the International Association of the Congo — The Riglits 
, of American Fishermen questioned by Canada — American Fishing Vessels seized — Death of 

Vice-President Hendricks — The " Knighls of Labor " and their tremendous power — The Labor 
Party — The Agitation of the Land Question by Henry George — The large vote received by 
him as Candidate for Mayor of New York City — The Labor Agitation in Chicago — Dynamite 
Bombs thrown at the Chicago Police by Anarchists — The Trial and Execution of several of 
their Leaders— President Cleveland's Message to Congress urging a Reduction of the Treasury 
Surplus by a Reduction of the Duties on Imports — Congress enacts a law to provide for suc- 
cession to the Presidency in case of the death or disability of the Vice-President — The people 
of France present the Statue of "Liberty Enhghtening the World " — Its erection in New 
York Harbor — The Interstate Commerce Act — Great Destruction of Life and Property by 
the Charleston Earthqua"ke — The Centennial of the Adoption of the Federal Constitution cel- 
ebrated at Philadelphia with great pomp in 1887 — The Presidential Campaign of 1888 — The 
Candidates of the Great Parties — The question of Free Trade or Protection raised as an Issue 
— The Treaty respecting the Canadian Fishery Dispute rejected by the Senate — Dismissal of 
the British Minister by President Cleveland — Congress passes an Act to admit four new States 
— Demise of many distinguished men. including Chief Justice Waite, Lieut.-Gen. Sharidan, 
Gen. Logan, Ex-President Arthur, and Cardinal McCloskey. 

Grover Cleveland, tlie first Democratic candidate elected to tlie 
Presidency in nearly a quarter of a century, was duly inaugurated 
March 4, 1885, with Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana, as Vice-Presi- 
dent. 

Those who anticipated sweeping and partisan changes were dis- 
appointed. Mr. Cleveland pursued a just and temperate course. 
His Cabinet consisted of Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware, Secretary 
of State; Daniel Manning, of New York, Secretary of the Treasury; 
William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts, Secretary of War; William 
C. Whitney, of New York, Secretary of the Navy ; William F. Vilas, 
Postmaster-General; L. Q. C. Lamar, Secretary of the Interior; and 
Augustus H. Garland, of Arkansas, Attorney-General. 

Two days after his inauguration Mr. Cleveland signed the com- 



9P0 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION. 

mission of U. S. Grant as General on the retired list of the army. It 
was the last tribute of the government to the great soldier already- 
yielding to the disease of which he died, on the 23d of July, 1885, 
at Mount McGregor, near Saratoga, New York. He was interred 
with the highest honors in Riv^erside Park, New York, at a spot over- 
looking the Hudson. 

The hostility to the Chinese on the Pacific side of the country 
resulted in a terrible massacre in Wyoming, in which many Chinese 
were killed by the miners. In his message, President Cleveland 
urged Congress to pass adequate laws to regulate the immigration of 
natives of the Empire of China. 

The International Association of the Congo was recognized by the 
United States, after which other powers followed our example. The 
Association was thus recognized as a government, and began its ben- 
eficial work in the heart of Africa. 

On our frontier the rights of American fishermen were not re- 
spected by the Canadian authorities, and the danger of violence led 
President Cleveland to call attention of Congress to the matter. Con- 
gress did not act on it, and in May, 1886, the Canadian government 
seized several American fishing vessels for purchasing bait in the 
ports of Nova Scotia. 

When Congress met in December, President Cleveland in hia 
message notified the members of both Houses that he had withdrawn 
from the Senate a treaty with Nicaragua and one with Spain, not re- 
garding either as for the best interests of the United States. In the 
great question as to a canal or ship-railroad across Mexico or Central 
America, he favored the ship-railway by way of Tehuautepee, but in- 
sisted that the route must be neutral. He also advocated the nego- 



OR, OUll CUUHTIIY 6 ACillEVEMEBTTS. 



091 



tiation of a new extradition treaty with England, the suspension of 
the large coinage of silver, and the reduction of the tariff. 

In the disposal of the public lands millions of acres had been 
obtained by great railroad companies, who failed to meet their obli- 
gations. Other large tracts were obtained by speculators in Europe. 
To investigate and arrest this robbery of the public domain excited 
the care and vigilance of the Pi-esident, who recommended strict regu- 
lations. 

Early in the Twenty-second Administration Vice-President Hen- 
dricks was carried off l)y a brief illness, dying on the 25th Novem- 
ber, 1885. His sudden decease deprived the Senate of its Constitu- 
tional presiding officer, and gave an additional proof of the necessity 
of providing by clear and definite provisions for the succession to the 
Presidency in case of death or inability. 

One of the remarkable events of this period was the growth of an 
association, called " The Knights of Laljor," a combination of Trades- 
Unions throughout the country. Where mechanics or other persons 
employed were dissatisfied with the hours of work or the remunera- 
tion given, a strike could be ordered that would extend over the 
whole country. This tremendous power was first exercised in regard 
to the street railroads at St. Louis, in the spring of 1886, and was soon 
■extended to railroads which traversed thousands of miles of territory. 
Trade and communication were crippled, riots ensued, and lives were 
lost. At East St. Louis much valuable railroad property was set on fire 
and destroved. 

Everything seemed to show that a great Labor party would arise 
in the country, and agitators of various kinds began to appeal to the 
people. Henry George, in New York, denounced all ownership of 



992 ■ THE STOKY Ob' A GREAT NATION : 



land as illegal, and obtained so large a following, that when put up 
as a candidate for Mayor of the city, he secured 70,000 votes. At 
Chicago a set of men banded together to overturn all existing institu- 
tions in the country. When the police attempted to break up their 
meetings, where the wildest appeals to violence were made, these 
Anarchists prepared to begin their work of destruction. On the 5th 
of May, 1886, a ineeting was held, and as the speaker, one Fielden, was 
exhorting the people to illegal acts, a police inspector, with a squad of 
his men, advanced and commanded the speaker to desist. A dynamite 
bomb was at once thrown down in front of the policemen ; it exploded, 
killing and wounding several of them, and the mob- at once began to 
fire on the police. The fire was returned, and the rioters dispersed. 

Several of the Anarchist leaders were then arrested, brought to 
trial, and convicted. Some were condemned to death and executed, 
and others were sent to State prison. Although the open meetings of 
Anarchists and the circulation of their newspapers were thus checked, 
the secret plotting continued to menace the peace of the city. 

On the whole, however, the country was prosjierous, and advanced 
in all departments. The tariff laid on foreign goods coming into 
the country brought in a large amount, and the money arising from 
the internal revenue collected from tobacco and distilled liquors, had 
accumulated in the United States Treasury beyond the wants of 
Government. Great quantities of silver coin had been struck at the 
mints, and these accumulated in the Treasury, as they were not need- 
ed for circulation. The fact that in Europe silver was no longer a 
standard, made our coinage in that metal less acceptable to the people. 

As the surplus in the Treasury could not be applied to pay off bonds 
not yet due, it became a question what was to be done in regard to it. 



OK, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 993 

President Cleveland in his messages urged a reduction of the tariff, to 
be made judiciously, so as not to injure or destroy American factories 
which had been established, and would suffer if foreign goods were at 
once brought into the country. No immediate action was taken by 
Congress, but before the close of the administration the question of 
Protection or Free Trade became the great issue before the country, — 
the Democrats advocating a reduction of the tariff, the Republicans 
denouncing them as advocates of Free Trade and enemies of American 
manufactures. 

It had four times in our history happened that a President of the 
United States died in office. William Henry Harrison and Zachary 
Taylor succumbed to disease ; but what is more lamentable, Abraham 
Lincoln and James A. Garfield fell by the hand of assassins. In each 
of these cases the Vice-President became President of the United 
States; but several Vice-Presidents also died in office, and questions 
were raised from time to time as to the person who is to occupy the 
Presidential chair, in case both the Chief Magistrate and the Vice- 
President were removed by death. This was finally settled by an act 
of Congress, passed in January, 1886. If hereafter it should unfortu- 
nately happen that death removed both the President and Vice-Presi- 
dent, the Secretary of State becomes Chief Magistrate of the country. 
If his office should also be vacant the Secretary of the Treasury 
ascends the Presidential chair. The next in order are the Secretary 
of War, the Attorney-General, the Postmaster-General, the Secretary 
of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Interior. As the members of 
the Cabinet form the Council of the President and are all familiar 
with his policy and his views, the selection of members of this body 
ensures a continuance of the same ideas, and does much to prevent 
sudden and disastrous changes in the administration of affairs. 



994 THE STOKY OF A GREAT NATION ; 

A fine bronze statue of " Liberty Enlightening the World," by the 
sculptor Bartholdi, was presented by the people of France to the citi- 
zens of this country. It was received in 1886, and the Federal Gov- 
ernment authorized its erection on Bedloe's Island, in New York 
Plarbor. It was duly inaugurated on the 24th of October, 1886, with 
great pomp, the President responding to the address of presentation 
made by de Lesseps, who had projected and carried out the Suez Canal. 

Among the important acts passed by Congress was one induced by 
the arbitrary conduct of the great railroad companies. The Constitu- 
tion of the United States empowered Congress to regulate commerce 
between the several States, and thus to regulate railroads passing from 
one State to another. The Interstate Commerce Act compelled the 
railroads to adopt uniform rates, proportioned to distance, and pre- 
vented unjust discrimination in favor of great corporations. 

Earthquakes had been comparatively rare in the United States, 
especially on the Atlantic coast, but they have increased in number, 
though seldom very violent. In the summer of 1886 South Cai'olina 
was visited by the most violent earthquake ever known iu our coun- 
try. The city of Charleston suffered most severely, nearly all the 
buildings in the city being more or less injured by the shocks, which 
continued from August 27th to September 1st. ]VIa,ny persons were 
killed by falling buildings, and people fled from their homes and en- 
camped iu the streets. The shocks were felt over a large extent of 
country, but the damage done was slight compared to what was 
suffered in Charleston. 

The year 1887 concluded the century from the adoption of the pres- 
ent Constitution of the United States. Preparations were made to 
celebrate at Philadelphia, where the Convention met in 1787. During 



OR, OUR country's ACHIEVEMENTS. 995 

the month of September there were, foi' three days, military and civil 
parades, addresses, and exhibitions. President Cleveland on the 1 7th 
delivered an address, which was warmly received. 

The year 1888 was a period of much political agitation. The main 
issue of the campaign turned on the reduction of the tariff, the Re- 
publicans opposing a bill introduced for that purpose, and declaring 
that it would ruin American manufactures and throw thousands of 
operatives out of work. 

The Democrats nominated Grover Cleveland again for President, 
and Allen G. Thurman, of Ohio, for Vice-President ; the Republicans 
put forward as their candidates, Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana, for 
President, and Levi P. Morton, of New York, for Vice-President. 

The great Labor party, which was exj^ected to exercise a great influ- 
ence in the Presidential election, owing to dissensions dwindled away. 
The Prohibition party, which advocated the suppression of all distiller- 
ies and breweries, and the prohibition of all sales of intoxicating liq- 
uors, nominated candidates, but they did not exercise any perceptible 
influence. The struggle was confined mainly to the two great parties. 

The canvass was marked by great warmth, and during it a treaty 
concluded with England to adjust the fishery troubles with Canada 
was rejected by the Senate. The indiscretion of the British Minister 
at Washington in replying to a letter on this matter, written to pro- 
duce a political effect, led to his dismissal by the President. 

When the election came off, the result Avas unfortunately almost 
absolutely a sectional one, all the Southern States giving their vote 
to the Democratic candidate, while every Northern State, except New 
Jersey and Connecticut, cast its vote for Mr. Harrison, who was 
elected, although Mr. Cleveland received the largest popular vote. 



996 THE STORY OF A GREAT NATION; 

One of the last acts that marked the admiuistratioQ of Grover 
Cleveland was a bill admitting as States of the Union North and 
South Dakota, Montana, and Washington. These Territories had in- 
creased greatly in population and wealth. 

Efforts were made to secure the admission of Utah, but the Mormon 
power there was still regarded as dangerous to the public good, 
although polygamy had been checked by the Edmunds bill. New 
Mexico, although containing a large enough population, was still ex- 
cluded. 

During Mr. Cleveland's administration an attempt was made to 
settle the Canadian fishery question. A treaty was concluded with 
England, but it was rejected by the Senate. 

Among the distinguished men of the country who died during the 
term of Mr. Cleveland, were Chief-Justice Waite, of the Supreme 
Court ; Lieut.-General Philip H. Sheridan ; General John A. Logan ; 
Chester A. Arthur, ex- President of the United States; and Cardinal 
John McCloskey, the first native of this country created Cardinal in 
the Catholic Church. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

BENJAMIN HAREISON, TWENTY-THIED PRESIDENT— 1889. 

His Inauguration and Cabinet Appointments — Tiie wrecking of the Vandjtlia, Trenton, and Nipsie, 
at Samoa, accompanied witli great destruction of Life. 

Benjamin Harrison was inaugurated as President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1889, the oath of office being administered 
by Chief-Justice Fuller. Levi P. Morton was at the same time in- 
augurated as Vice-President. 



OR, OU14 COUNTKy's ACHIEVEMENTS. 997 

For liis Cabinet President Harrison selected James G. Blaine, of 
Maine, as Secretary of State; Redfield Proctor, of Vermont, as Secre- 
tary of War ; B. F. Tracy, of New York, as Secretary of the Navy ; 
William Wiudom, of Minnesota, as Secretary of the Treasury ; J. W. 
Noble, of Missouri, Secretary of the Interior ; John Wanamaker, of 
Pennsylvania, Postmaster-General ; W. H. H. Miller, of Indiana, 
Attorney-General ; and the new dejjartment of Agriculture was filled 
by J. M. Rusk, of Wisconsin, as Secretary. These nominations were 
confirmed by the Senate, and appeared to give general satisfaction. 

One of the earliest events that marked the administration of Mr. 
Harrison was the occurrence of a terrible cyclone at Apia, in Samoa, 
March 15, 1889. Owing to German interference in the affairs of these 
Islands, three United States vessels, the Vandalia, the JV^ijJsic, and 
the Trenton, were lying in the harbor of Apia to protect American 
intei'ests. Three German war vessels were also there. When the 
cyclone came up the American vessels, which were short of coal, were 
unable to put to sea, and were driven on the coral reefs. The Van- 
dalia and Trenton were totally Avrecked, but there was some hope of 
saving the Nipsic. In all, four oflieers and forty-six men were lost, 
including Captain Schoonmaker, of the Vandalia. It was one of the 
saddest disasters in the annals of the American navy. 



Iboe."'] 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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011 446 675 A ^ 



